Psalms 147:10
His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God isn't impressed by the brute force of a warhorse or the swift agility of a foot soldier, because He's ultimately unimpressed by physical might. Instead, His true delight is found in the humble posture of those who recognize their need for Him and place their trust in His steadfast love.
This Psalm is a song of praise to God for His restorative power, both in nature and for His people. After marveling at God's provision for creation, the focus shifts to God's preference for humble faith over human might. The verses immediately preceding and following emphasize that God finds delight not in military strength or human ability, but in those who fear and hope in Him.
We often admire impressive physical feats and powerful armies. But what truly captures God's attention and delight?
This verse contrasts what humans typically value with what God cherishes. Humans are impressed by the brute force of a warhorse or the swift legs of a runner. These represent the peak of human achievement in physical power and agility.
However, God's delight isn't found here. He doesn't take pleasure in the mightiest cavalry or the fastest infantry. This isn't to say God doesn't create strength or speed, but rather that these earthly attributes aren't the ultimate focus of His pleasure or the basis of His saving power.
If God isn't impressed by our mightiest efforts, what does bring Him pleasure? The verses immediately following this one hold a powerful clue.
The verses following Psalm 147:10 reveal what truly delights God. He doesn't find His pleasure in the strength of horses or the speed of men, but in people. Specifically, "the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love" (Psalm 147:11).
This shows a profound shift in focus. Our physical prowess, our military might, our athletic abilities – these are secondary, if relevant at all. What God truly desires is a heart turned towards Him, marked by reverence (fear) and trust (hope in His unfailing love). This internal disposition is what captures His heart, not external displays of power.
Understand the original words
chephets · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Old Testament, delight refers to the divine pleasure or favor God takes in something or someone. It implies an alignment with His will or character, contrasting with human pride or false security.
geburah · Hebrew Noun
The capacity, power, or physical dominance often trusted in by humans rather than in God. In a biblical context, it frequently represents human pride or reliance on worldly resources for security.
This passage highlights David's reliance on the Lord when facing Goliath, contrasting his trust in God's name with the Philistine's reliance on military might, echoing the Psalm's theme.
Psalm 20:7This verse directly contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, aligning with the Psalm's assertion that God's pleasure isn't found in human military strength.
Jeremiah 9:23-24The prophet warns against boasting in human strength, wisdom, or riches, stating that only those who boast in knowing the Lord will be righteous. This parallels the Psalm's message about where God's true delight lies.
Isaiah 31:1This passage condemns those who seek help from Egypt (represented by horses and chariots) rather than the Lord, reinforcing the idea that human strength and alliances are ultimately futile compared to divine aid.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29The Apostle Paul explains that God chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong and wise, underscoring the theme that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, not human strength.
ellicottPsalms 147:10: "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
(10) Strength of the horse . . . legs of a man. —This somewhat strange antithesis has been explained to refer to cavalry and infantry, but the much more expressive passage, Psalm 33:16-17 , which was plainly before this poet, would hardly have been altered so strangely. The horse as a type of strength and endurance was of course common. (Comp. especially Job 39:19-25 .) And we have befo…
bensonPsalms 147:10: "He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man."
Psalm 147:10-11 . He delighteth not in the strength of the horse, &c. — As if he needed either one or the other for the accomplishment of his designs: see the note on Psalm 33:16-17 . Mr. Green translates the verse, He delights not in the courage of the horse, nor is pleased with the agility of the warrior; and Bishop Patrick connects it with the preceding verse: and paraphrases it thus…
God isn't impressed by the brute force of a warhorse or the swift agility of a foot soldier, because He's ultimately unimpressed by physical might. Instead, His true delight is found in the humble posture of those who recognize their need for Him and place their trust in His steadfast love.
This Psalm is a song of praise to God for His restorative power, both in nature and for His people. After marveling at God's provision for creation, the focus shifts to God's preference for humble faith over human might. The verses immediately preceding and following emphasize that God finds delight not in military strength or human ability, but in those who fear and hope in Him.
This Psalm is a song of praise to God for His restorative power, both in nature and for His people. After marveling at God's provision for creation, the focus shifts to God's preference for humble faith over human might. The verses immediately preceding and following emphasize that God finds delight not in military strength or human ability, but in those who fear and hope in Him.
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"His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man," — God isn't impressed by the brute force of a warhorse or the swift agility of a foot soldier, because He's ultimately unimpressed by physical might. Instead, His true delight is found in the humble po…
