Psalm 146:8
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind
This phrase highlights the miraculous power of God to bring sight to the blind, both physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word for "opens" is "פּוֹקֵחַ" (pokeach), which implies not just the physical act of opening but also the idea of enlightenment and revelation. In the historical context, blindness was often seen as a metaphor for spiritual ignorance or lack of understanding. Jesus, in the New Testament, fulfills this prophecy by healing the blind, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. Spiritually, this act signifies the opening of one's heart and mind to the truth of God's word, a transformation from darkness to light.

the LORD lifts those who are weighed down
Here, the phrase emphasizes God's compassion and support for those burdened by life's challenges. The Hebrew word for "lifts" is "זֹקֵף" (zoqef), which conveys the idea of raising up or setting upright. This action reflects God's desire to restore and uphold those who are oppressed or discouraged. Historically, the people of Israel often faced oppression and hardship, and this assurance of divine support would have been a source of great comfort. In a broader spiritual sense, it speaks to God's ability to relieve the burdens of sin and guilt, offering hope and strength to the weary.

the LORD loves the righteous
This phrase underscores the special relationship between God and those who live according to His commandments. The Hebrew word for "loves" is "אֹהֵב" (ohev), indicating a deep, abiding affection and commitment. The "righteous" are those who strive to live in accordance with God's will, reflecting His character in their actions. In the scriptural context, righteousness is not merely about following rules but about a heart aligned with God's purposes. This love is not earned but is a response to the faithfulness and devotion of the believer. It assures the faithful of God's unwavering support and favor, encouraging them to continue in their pursuit of holiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. The Blind
Symbolically represents those who are spiritually or physically unable to see, whom God restores.

3. Those Weighed Down
Individuals burdened by life's challenges, whom God supports and uplifts.

4. The Righteous
Those who live in accordance with God's will and are loved by Him.
Teaching Points
God's Compassionate Nature
God is deeply concerned with the physical and spiritual well-being of His people, as seen in His actions of opening eyes and lifting burdens.

Spiritual Blindness and Sight
Just as God opens physical eyes, He also opens spiritual eyes, allowing us to see His truth and live in His light.

God's Support for the Burdened
In times of trouble, God is our support and strength, lifting us when we are weighed down by life's challenges.

Righteous Living
God loves those who pursue righteousness, encouraging us to live in a way that aligns with His will and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's role in opening the eyes of the blind enhance your view of His power and compassion?

2. In what ways can you identify with being "weighed down," and how can you seek God's help in lifting those burdens?

3. How does the concept of spiritual blindness apply to your life, and what steps can you take to seek God's vision?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God's love as you pursued righteousness. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

5. How can you apply the truths of Psalm 146:8 to encourage someone who is struggling with physical or spiritual challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 35:5-6
This passage prophesies the opening of the eyes of the blind, connecting to the messianic fulfillment in Jesus' ministry.

Matthew 11:5
Jesus refers to His works, including giving sight to the blind, as evidence of His messianic identity.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus reads from Isaiah, declaring His mission to bring recovery of sight to the blind, showing the fulfillment of God's promises.

James 5:15
The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, paralleling the lifting of those weighed down.
God Alone Worthy of TrustC. Short Psalm 146:1-10
HallelujahDavid Thomas, D. D.Psalm 146:1-10
HallelujahPsalm 146:1-10
His Last SongSunday CirclePsalm 146:1-10
The Happiness of Him that Hath the God of Jacob for His Help and HopeS. Conway Psalm 146:5-10
Satisfaction in the Activity of GodR. Tuck Psalm 146:6-8
Jesus -- the LiberatorH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Psalm 146:7-9
The Lord's Famous TitlesPsalm 146:7-9
People
Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bent, Blind, Bowed, Lifter, Lifts, Loosing, Lover, Loves, Loveth, Loving, Makes, Open, Openeth, Opening, Opens, Prisoners, Raises, Raiseth, Raising, Righteous, Sight, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 146:8

     1466   vision
     5133   blindness
     5134   blindness, natural
     5135   blindness, spiritual
     5138   bowing
     7150   righteous, the
     8158   righteousness, of believers

Psalm 146:7-9

     1075   God, justice of
     8792   oppression, God's attitude

Library
Concerning Continence Also Itself Hath it not Been Most Openly Said...
43. Concerning continence also itself hath it not been most openly said, "And when I knew that no one can be continent unless God give it, this also itself was a part of wisdom, to know whose gift it was?" [2177] But perhaps continence is the gift of God, but wisdom man bestows upon himself, whereby to understand, that that gift is, not his own, but of God. Yea, "The Lord maketh wise the blind:" [2178] and, "The testimony of the Lord is faithful, it giveth wisdom unto little ones:" [2179] and, "If
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times.
THE question as to the Rabbinic views in regard to the binding character of the Law, and its imposition on the Gentiles, in Messianic times, although, strictly speaking, not forming part of this history, is of such vital importance in connection with recent controversies as to demand special consideration. In the text to which this Appendix refers it has been indicated, that a new legislation was expected in Messianic days. The ultimate basis of this expectancy must be sought in the Old Testament
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

"The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed.
That what we are to speak to for the clearing and improving this noble piece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearly understood and edifying, we shall first take notice of some generals, and then show particularly how or in what respects Christ is called the Truth; and finally speak to some cases wherein we are to make use of Christ as the Truth. As to the first. There are four general things here to be noticed. 1. This supposeth what our case by nature is, and what we are all
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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