Psalms 146:7
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Original Language Analysis
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
Which executeth
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֤ה
Which executeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁפָּ֨ט׀
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֨ט׀
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לָעֲשׁוּקִ֗ים
for the oppressed
H6231
לָעֲשׁוּקִ֗ים
for the oppressed
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
3 of 9
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
נֹתֵ֣ן
which giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֣ן
which giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֶ֭חֶם
food
H3899
לֶ֭חֶם
food
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
5 of 9
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 103:6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.Psalms 68:6God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Psalms 10:18To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,Psalms 142:7Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Historical Context
Psalms 146-150 form the final 'Hallelujah Psalms' concluding the Psalter. Likely post-exilic (after 538 BC), this psalm reflects Israel's experience of oppression, hunger, and captivity—yet maintains confidence in YHWH's faithful intervention. It contrasts human princes (v. 3-4) with the eternal God who defends the vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's character as defender of the oppressed challenge your response to injustice in your community?
- In what ways might you be held 'prisoner'—and how does Christ's liberating work apply to your specific bondage?
Analysis & Commentary
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed (עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפָּט לַעֲשׁוּקִים)—The Hebrew mishpat denotes both justice and judgment; God actively vindicates (ashuqim) those crushed by exploitation. This isn't passive sympathy but divine intervention in earthly affairs.
Which giveth food to the hungry (נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לָרְעֵבִים)—God's lechem (bread) provision echoes the manna narrative (Exodus 16) and anticipates Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The LORD looseth the prisoners (יְהוָה מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים)—The verb matir means to release or unbind. Jesus applied this liberation motif to His messianic mission (Luke 4:18), encompassing physical, spiritual, and demonic bondage. This triadic description—justice, provision, liberation—defines God's covenant character and the ethics He demands of His people (Isaiah 58:6-7).