Psalms 135:14
For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדִ֣ין
will judge
H1777
יָדִ֣ין
will judge
Strong's:
H1777
Word #:
2 of 7
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
H5971
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.Psalms 50:4He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.Psalms 7:8The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.1 Chronicles 21:15And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.Jonah 4:2And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.Amos 7:6The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.Amos 7:3The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.Judges 10:16And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Historical Context
This verse quotes Deuteronomy 32:36 nearly verbatim, drawing from Moses' final song. The concept of God 'repenting' or 'relenting' appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 32:14; Jonah 3:10) and refers to God responding appropriately to changed circumstances while remaining consistent in His character. It emphasizes God's personal, relational engagement with His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God "judge" or vindicate His people today?
- In what ways has God shown you compassion as His servant?
Analysis & Commentary
God's relationship with His people receives tender expression: 'the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.' The Hebrew 'din' (judge) here carries the sense of vindication and defense rather than condemnation - God will execute justice on behalf of His people against their oppressors. The phrase 'repent himself' (yitnecham) regarding His servants indicates God's compassionate response to their suffering, not a change of mind due to error. This same language appears in Deuteronomy 32:36, a Song of Moses passage this psalm echoes. God's 'judgment' is good news for His covenant people; His 'repentance' means He will relent from discipline when they return to Him. The verse balances divine justice with divine compassion. Hebrews 10:30 quotes this passage, applying it to the church as God's covenant community awaiting vindication.