Psalms 149:8

Authorized King James Version

To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֶאְסֹ֣ר

H631

To bind

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

מַלְכֵיהֶ֣ם

H4428

their kings

a king

בְּזִקִּ֑ים

H2131

with chains

properly, what leaps forth, i.e., flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also (from the original sense of the root) a bond

וְ֝נִכְבְּדֵיהֶ֗ם

H3513

and their nobles

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

בְּכַבְלֵ֥י

H3525

with fetters

a fetter

בַרְזֶֽל׃

H1270

of iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 149 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?