Psalms 106:46
He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
He made
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
He made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אוֹתָ֣ם
H853
אוֹתָ֣ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִ֝פְנֵ֗י
of
H6440
לִ֝פְנֵ֗י
of
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Jeremiah 42:12And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.Ezra 9:9For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.1 Kings 8:50And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them: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.
Historical Context
Cyrus's decree permitting return from Babylon (Ezra 1:1-4) and providing resources for Temple rebuilding fulfilled this. God 'stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' to act favorably toward Jews. Artaxerxes similarly favored Ezra and Nehemiah. Even during exile, Jews like Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah found favor in pagan courts. This pattern continued through church history—God grants His persecuted people favor even with hostile authorities, demonstrating His sovereignty and care.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to grant favor with enemies demonstrate His sovereignty?
- In what ways have you experienced God's favor in hostile or difficult circumstances?
- How should this promise affect believers living under oppressive or hostile authorities?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes an additional mercy beyond deliverance. 'He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives' means God softened oppressors' hearts toward captive Israel. Even in exile and dispersion, God moved pagan rulers to show compassion. This was fulfilled in Persian kings who allowed return and rebuilding (Ezra, Nehemiah), and in various diaspora contexts where Jews found favor. God's sovereignty extends to controlling enemies' attitudes—He can grant favor even in hostile contexts (Proverbs 21:1). This demonstrates that no circumstance is beyond God's reach to show kindness to His people. Even in judgment, mercy intrudes.