Psalms 99:4
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
Original Language Analysis
וְעֹ֥ז
strength
H5797
וְעֹ֥ז
strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
1 of 12
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
כּוֹנַ֣נְתָּ
thou dost establish
H3559
כּוֹנַ֣נְתָּ
thou dost establish
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
מֵישָׁרִ֑ים
equity
H4339
מֵישָׁרִ֑ים
equity
Strong's:
H4339
Word #:
7 of 12
evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
and righteousness
H6666
וּ֝צְדָקָ֗ה
and righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
9 of 12
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
Cross References
Psalms 11:7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.Jeremiah 23:5Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Historical Context
Israel's experience of Egyptian oppression and their own laws (Torah) provided context for appreciating a powerful King who uses strength to establish justice rather than exploit the weak.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's commitment to justice encourage you when you face injustice or oppression?
- In what ways can you use whatever power or influence you have to establish equity and righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration that 'the king's strength also loveth judgment' presents God's power as being devoted to justice (mishpat). Unlike earthly tyrants who use power for oppression, God's strength serves righteousness. The phrase 'thou dost establish equity' (meysharim—uprightness, fairness) shows God actively creating just order. Executing 'judgment and righteousness in Jacob' demonstrates God's involvement in establishing justice among His covenant people. This verse refutes the notion that power and justice are opposed—in God they are perfectly united.