who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse lists acts of liberation and provision, highlighting that the Lord doesn't just judge the oppressed, but actively feeds the hungry and frees prisoners. This emphasizes a God who not only restores justice but also provides immediate, practical relief and personal freedom.
who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His steadfastness with the unreliability of human leaders and powerful people. The verses leading up to this one describe God's creative power and faithfulness, setting the stage for a list of His benevolent actions toward those in need. These actions—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—are presented as concrete examples of God's character and the reasons why He is the ultimate hope for humanity.
When we talk about justice, it's easy to think of courts and laws. But the Bible points to a much deeper, more active force at work.
God's Intervention
This verse highlights God's commitment to those who have been wronged. He doesn't just observe injustice; He actively intervenes.
This act of 'executing judgment' is a core part of God's character. It’s a promise that He sees the suffering and will not let it stand forever.
Beyond fighting for justice, God also provides for basic needs. What does this tell us about His kind of leadership?
God as Provider
This verse paints a picture of God as a compassionate Provider, meeting fundamental human needs.
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These actions show that God's love isn't abstract. It's practical, tangible, and deeply concerned with the well-being and freedom of His people.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The exercise of divine judgment to ensure fairness, equity, and righteousness, particularly defending those who cannot defend themselves. In the Bible, it involves setting things right according to God’s holy standard.
ashuq · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Those who are treated unfairly, crushed, or exploited by others. God positions Himself as the protector and defender of the powerless and marginalized in society.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the Creator God of Israel, the I AM, who enters into a covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence and His active involvement in history.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
Those who live uprightly according to God’s law and character. It refers to those who are justified by faith and whose lives demonstrate conformity to God's moral requirements.
This psalm was likely written during the difficult post-exilic period when the returning Jewish exiles faced significant oppression and hardship, making God's promises of justice, provision, and freedom deeply relevant and powerful.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
After the Babylonian exile, King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Rededication
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and rededicated, marking a significant moment of restoration for the returning exiles.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission
Ezra the scribe leads a second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem with a commission to restore the city's religious and civil life.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and oversees the rebuilding of the city walls, facing significant opposition.
c. 400 BC
Post-Exilic Period of Struggle
The period after the return from exile is marked by ongoing challenges, including political instability, social unrest, and continued oppression from surrounding peoples.
This passage is a direct parallel, describing the Messiah's mission to proclaim liberty to the captives and comfort those who mourn, echoing the themes of justice and release found in Psalms 146.
Luke 4:18-19Jesus explicitly quotes from Isaiah 61, applying it to himself and demonstrating how these acts of justice, liberation, and provision are fulfilled in his ministry.
Psalm 103:6This verse shares the same theme of God executing righteousness and justice for the oppressed, highlighting it as a foundational characteristic of the LORD's character.
Matthew 25:35-40Jesus teaches that caring for the hungry, the prisoner, and the oppressed is an act of service to Him, showing how divine justice and compassion extend to these vulnerable groups.
Exodus 3:7-8God hears the cries of the oppressed Israelites in Egypt, promising to bring them down and rescue them, demonstrating His active intervention on behalf of those suffering injustice.
ellicottPsalms 146:7: "Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:"
(7) Comp. Psalm 103:6 ; Psalm 104:27 ; Psalm 107:9 ; Psalm 136:25 ; Isaiah 55:1 . Here follow five lines, each beginning with the Divine name, and each consisting of three words, the rhythm prominent in the book of Job.
clarkePsalms 146:7: "Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:"
Which ewecuteth judgment for the oppressed - For those who suffer by violence or calumny. This may refer to the Israelites, who suffered much by oppression from the Babylonians, and by calumny from the Samaritans, etc., who had prejudiced the king of Persia against them. Giving food to the hungry - No doubt he fed the poor captives by many displays of his peculiar provide…
The verse lists acts of liberation and provision, highlighting that the Lord doesn't just judge the oppressed, but actively feeds the hungry and frees prisoners. This emphasizes a God who not only restores justice but also provides immediate, practical relief and personal freedom.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His steadfastness with the unreliability of human leaders and powerful people. The verses leading up to this one describe God's creative power and faithfulness, setting the stage for a list of His benevolent actions toward those in need. These actions—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—are presented as concrete examples of God's character and the reasons why He is the ultimate hope for humanity.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of trust in God alone, contrasting His steadfastness with the unreliability of human leaders and powerful people. The verses leading up to this one describe God's creative power and faithfulness, setting the stage for a list of His benevolent actions toward those in need. These actions—executing justice, feeding the hungry, and freeing prisoners—are presented as concrete examples of God's character and the reasons why He is the ultimate hope for humanity.
"who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the…" — The verse lists acts of liberation and provision, highlighting that the Lord doesn't just *judge* the oppressed, but actively *feeds* the hungry and *frees* prisoners. This emphasizes a God who not o…
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Last reviewed October 2026