Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭בִּים
Many
H7227
רַ֭בִּים
Many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מְבַקְשִׁ֣ים
seek
H1245
מְבַקְשִׁ֣ים
seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
2 of 7
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
פְּנֵי
favour
H6440
פְּנֵי
favour
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה
cometh from the LORD
H3068
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה
cometh from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 19:6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.Psalms 20:9Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Isaiah 49:4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.Proverbs 16:7When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.1 Corinthians 4:4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.Genesis 43:14And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Historical Context
Ancient royal courts concentrated immense power; a king's favor meant prosperity, his disfavor meant ruin. Daniel and his friends navigated Babylonian and Persian courts, trusting God's sovereignty over human rulers (Daniel 2, 3, 6). Esther's story demonstrates both seeking the king's favor and trusting God's providence (Esther 4:14).
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you seeking human approval or favor instead of trusting God's judgment and timing?
- How does confidence in God's sovereignty free you from anxiety about human decisions affecting you?
- What injustices in your life require you to trust that 'every man's judgment cometh from the LORD'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Many seek the ruler's favour (רַבִּים מְבַקְשִׁים פְּנֵי־מוֹשֵׁל, rabbim mevaqshim penei-moshel)—רַב (rab, 'many') בָּקַשׁ (baqash, 'seek, desire earnestly') the פָּנִים (panim, 'face, favor, presence') of מֹשֵׁל (moshel, 'ruler, governor'). Seeking a ruler's favor was standard ancient Near Eastern practice—patronage systems distributed resources and protection. Courtiers vied for royal attention; citizens sought audience to petition justice.
But every man's judgment cometh from the LORD (וּמֵיְהוָה מִשְׁפַּט־אִישׁ, umei'YHWH mishpat-ish)—yet מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, 'judgment, justice, decision') comes מִן (min, 'from') יהוה (YHWH). Ultimate justice lies not in human courts but divine sovereignty. Joseph told his brothers, 'Ye thought evil... but God meant it unto good' (Genesis 50:20). Paul: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord' (Romans 12:19).