Psalms 113:8

Authorized King James Version

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That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

Original Language Analysis

לְהוֹשִׁיבִ֥י That he may set H3427
לְהוֹשִׁיבִ֥י That he may set
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 2 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
נְדִיבֵ֥י even with the princes H5081
נְדִיבֵ֥י even with the princes
Strong's: H5081
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
עִ֝֗ם H5973
עִ֝֗ם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 4 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
נְדִיבֵ֥י even with the princes H5081
נְדִיבֵ֥י even with the princes
Strong's: H5081
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
עַמּֽוֹ׃ of his people H5971
עַמּֽוֹ׃ of his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

"That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people." The purpose clause lehoshivi im nedivim (to make sit with nobles/princes) describes the elevation's extent. Yashav (sit/dwell) indicates secure position; im (with) shows association. Nedivim (nobles/princes/generous ones) were the wealthy, powerful, influential. Im nedivei amo (with princes of his people) specifies covenant community leadership. God lifts the lowly to positions of honor and influence. Joseph became Pharaoh's second (Genesis 41:40-44). Moses led Israel though initially reluctant (Exodus 3-4). David ruled as king. Esther became queen. Daniel served in Babylonian and Persian courts. The ultimate fulfillment: believers seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), destined to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), reigning with Christ (Revelation 20:4, 22:5).

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies were rigidly stratified—nobles/commoners, free/slave, insider/outsider. Social mobility was rare. Yet Israel's history showed God transcending these barriers. Joseph (slave/prisoner) became vizier. Moses (fugitive murderer) became deliverer. David (shepherd) became king. Prophets came from varied backgrounds—Amos a shepherd (Amos 1:1), Isaiah possibly aristocratic (Isaiah 1:1). Jesus associated with tax collectors, sinners, women, Samaritans—scandalizing religious elites (Matthew 9:10-13). The early church included slaves, women, Gentiles as leaders (Romans 16). Paul insisted: in Christ "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female" (Galatians 3:28).

Questions for Reflection