Psalm 105 14

Psalm 105:14 kjv

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

Psalm 105:14 nkjv

He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,

Psalm 105:14 niv

He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings:

Psalm 105:14 esv

he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account,

Psalm 105:14 nlt

Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.
He warned kings on their behalf:

Psalm 105 verses

Psalm 105 14 Meaning

Psalm 105:14 declares God's unwavering and active protection over His chosen people, the early Israelites (the Patriarchs and their families), even when they were few in number and strangers in foreign lands. It asserts that God did not permit any human ruler or power to harm them, but rather actively intervened by rebuking and judging kings on their behalf. This highlights God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly authorities and His specific, zealous care for those He has covenanted with.

Psalm 105 14 Context

Psalm 105 is a hymn of thanksgiving that recounts God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their early history, serving as a reminder of His covenant love and powerful works. It encourages the nation to remember and proclaim God's mighty deeds. Verses 12-15 specifically highlight the period of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and their nomadic existence. Prior to verse 14, the psalm mentions their small number and their transient status, "when they were but a few men... and sojourned from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people." Verse 14 directly follows, illustrating how God, despite their vulnerability, actively safeguarded them. This period showcases God's protective hand long before Israel became a numerous nation with a settled land. Historically and culturally, this period involved interactions with various local kings and tribes, where the vulnerable patriarchal families could have easily been exploited or annihilated. The psalm presents a divine polemic against the notion that kings or human powers hold ultimate authority or that the survival of the 'few' depends on human might; instead, it asserts God's exclusive sovereignty and the efficacy of His word over all earthly dominions, proving Him to be the true protector of His chosen, unlike the powerless idols of other nations.

Psalm 105 14 Word analysis

• He suffered: From the Hebrew verb natan (נָתַן), which primarily means "to give" or "to place." When negated (lo natan), it signifies "He did not allow," "He did not permit," or "He did not abandon." This is not passive allowance but an active non-permission, reflecting divine intentionality and control over events and human actions. It underscores God's active, sovereign intervention to restrict any harm coming to His people.

• no man: Hebrew 'ish (אִישׁ), referring to a human being, particularly a male individual or anyone. The negation "no man" emphasizes the comprehensiveness of God's protective decree—no single person or group, regardless of their status or strength, could bypass God's prohibition.

• to do them wrong: Hebrew la'anotam (לַעֲנוֹתָם), derived from the root 'anah (עָנָה), meaning "to afflict," "to humble," "to oppress," "to distress." This term is used frequently to describe the severe ill-treatment suffered by the Israelites in Egypt (Exod 3:7, Deut 26:6). Here, it signifies the comprehensive range of abuses, from physical harm to emotional distress and social marginalization, that God prevented. The use of this word specifically highlights the type of severe affliction that God guarded them against.

• yea, he reproved: Hebrew wayyokhiaḥ (וַיּוֹכַח), from the root yakhaḥ (יָכַח). This verb carries strong connotations of "to rebuke," "to chide," "to contend with," "to prove," "to judge," "to correct," or "to decide between parties." It indicates a direct and authoritative confrontation. This was not a subtle hint but an unmistakable declaration of divine displeasure and a forceful intervention, implying a divine verdict and consequential action against those who attempted harm.

• kings: Hebrew məlākhim (מְלָכִים), the plural of melek (מֶלֶךְ), meaning "king" or "ruler." The specificity of "kings" underscores that God's authority extends even to the most powerful human figures, the supreme authorities of their nations, who would typically be unchallenged. This showcases God's absolute sovereignty above all earthly power.

• for their sakes: Hebrew ba'avuram (בַּעֲבוּרָם), meaning "on their account," "for their cause," "because of them," or "for their benefit." This phrase highlights that God's action was directly motivated by His concern and covenant relationship with His chosen people, not merely general benevolence. Their protection was paramount to His larger redemptive plan.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "He suffered no man to do them wrong": This phrase emphasizes God's supreme authority over human will and action. It speaks of a proactive divine intervention that effectively blocked potential harm. It points to God's vigilant guardianship, ensuring the well-being and preservation of His people in their vulnerable state. It contrasts sharply with human weakness, portraying God as an impenetrable shield.

• "yea, he reproved kings for their sakes": This clause demonstrates the audacious nature of God's protection. Not only did He prevent harm from ordinary people, but He confronted the most powerful figures on earth—kings—because of His people. This illustrates His unique covenant relationship with Israel, elevating their status to that of sacred charges under divine protection, against whom no human ruler could stand without incurring divine judgment. It underscores God's personal advocacy for His chosen ones.

Psalm 105 14 Bonus section

The active and direct confrontation of "kings" by God in this verse is a potent display of Theophany (manifestation of God) through providential action. It elevates the spiritual standing of Abraham's descendants, signifying they are under a special, higher jurisdiction than that of any earthly kingdom. This historical protection during their nascent stages laid the groundwork for Israel's identity as God's peculiar treasure, demonstrating His capacity to deliver and preserve His people even before the great Exodus, which is the main theme of much of the latter part of Psalm 105. It showcases a continuity of divine care across different phases of the covenant people's history, confirming that God's power is absolute, unaffected by human weakness or power structures.

Psalm 105 14 Commentary

Psalm 105:14 is a profound testament to God's faithful, active, and sovereign protection over His chosen. During a time when the early Israelite community was numerically small, politically insignificant, and culturally foreign—a collection of "strangers" and "sojourners" – they were inherently vulnerable to exploitation and oppression by the more powerful, established nations and their rulers. This verse unveils God's character as a relentless guardian, ensuring their safety despite their precarious situation.

God's action was not passive observation but an emphatic non-permission ("He suffered no man") of affliction, demonstrating His complete control over human events. The subsequent statement, "yea, He reproved kings," reveals an even more direct and authoritative intervention. To "reprove" kings implies a divine judgment, a strong correction, and even an executive action against the most powerful earthly rulers who dared to threaten His chosen ones. Examples like Pharaoh and Abimelech (Gen 12, 20, 26) illustrate God’s willingness to disrupt their peace, warn them through dreams, or inflict plagues, solely "for their sakes."

This verse highlights several critical truths: God's covenant faithfulness is immutable; He personally champions the cause of His people; His sovereignty extends over all earthly authority; and His justice holds even kings accountable for their treatment of His children. For the reader today, it is a timeless reassurance that the God who protected a vulnerable handful of nomads remains the sovereign defender of His people. Just as He safeguarded the physical lineage of Israel for the advent of Christ, He continues to preserve His spiritual body, the Church, against all opposition, visible or invisible. It inspires confidence in His provision and reminds believers that their true security lies not in worldly power or influence, but in their divine Protector.