Put not your trust
The phrase "Put not your trust" serves as a direct command, urging believers to refrain from placing their confidence or hope in certain entities. The Hebrew root for "trust" is "בָּטַח" (batach), which conveys a sense of security, confidence, and reliance. In the biblical context, trust is often associated with faithfulness and steadfastness. This command is a reminder that ultimate security and assurance should be found in God alone, rather than in fallible human beings or temporal powers.

in princes
The term "princes" refers to rulers or leaders, those who hold positions of authority and power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, princes were often seen as figures of strength and protection. However, the psalmist warns against placing trust in them, as their power is limited and transient. Historically, Israel's experience with kings and leaders often demonstrated that human authority could fail, leading to a reliance on God as the true sovereign ruler.

in mortal man
"Mortal man" emphasizes the frailty and impermanence of human beings. The Hebrew word for "mortal" is "אָדָם" (adam), which is also the name of the first man, highlighting the shared human condition of mortality and fallibility. This phrase serves as a reminder of the limitations inherent in humanity, contrasting with the eternal and unchanging nature of God. It underscores the futility of placing ultimate trust in those who are subject to death and decay.

who cannot save
The phrase "who cannot save" highlights the inability of human beings to provide ultimate deliverance or salvation. The Hebrew root "יָשַׁע" (yasha) means to save, deliver, or rescue. In the biblical narrative, salvation is a divine act, often associated with God's intervention and power. This phrase serves as a theological assertion that true salvation comes from God alone, who possesses the power to deliver and redeem, unlike mortal leaders who are limited in their ability to effect lasting change or rescue.

1. Princes
Refers to rulers or leaders, those in positions of authority and power. In the context of ancient Israel, this would include kings and other governmental figures.

2. Mortal Man
This term emphasizes the human condition, highlighting the limitations and mortality of human beings, regardless of their status or power.

3. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be David, who is expressing a deep trust in God over human leaders.The Limitations of Human Authority
Human leaders, regardless of their power, are limited and cannot provide ultimate salvation or security. Our trust should be in God, who is eternal and all-powerful.

The Nature of True Security
True security and salvation come from God alone. While human leaders can play important roles, they are not infallible or eternal.

The Call to Trust in God
This verse calls believers to place their ultimate trust in God rather than in human institutions or leaders. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Understanding Human Mortality
Recognizing the mortality of humans helps us to prioritize our trust and reliance on God, who is immortal and unchanging.

Practical Trust in Daily Life
In practical terms, trusting God means seeking His guidance in decisions, relying on His provision, and finding peace in His promises, rather than being swayed by the changing tides of human leadership.(3, 4) Princes--The thought of Psalm 118:8-9 is here elaborated, with distinct allusion to Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:19 (Comp. 1 Maccabees 2:63.) The verse, no doubt, was in Shakespeare's mind when he made Wolsey say:

"Oh, how wretched

Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours!"

as it was quoted by Strafford when the news reached him that Charles I. had given the royal assent to the bill of attainder against him. But in the psalm it is not the caprice of princes, as in these notable instances, but their frailty as men that is declared untrustworthy. . . .

Verse 3. - Put not your trust in princes (comp. Psalm 118:10). Israel was always apt to trust in bureau rather than Divine help. Now it was Egypt (Isaiah 30:2; Isaiah 36:6), now Assyria (2 Kings 16:7), now their own kings or nobles. At the time of the return from the Captivity, too much was expected from Zerubbabel and the other "princes." Nor in the son of man. The Prayer-book paraphrase, "nor in any child of man," brings out the sense. Confidence in human aid of whatever kind is forbidden. In whom there is no help; or, "that hath no saving power" (שׁוּעה).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Put not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

your trust
תִּבְטְח֥וּ (tiḇ·ṭə·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in princes,
בִנְדִיבִ֑ים (ḇin·ḏî·ḇîm)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5081: Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee

in mortal
בְּבֶן־ (bə·ḇen-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

man,
אָדָ֓ם ׀ (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

who cannot
שֶׁ֤אֵֽין (še·’ên)
Pronoun - relative | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

save.
תְשׁוּעָֽה׃ (ṯə·šū·‘āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8668: Deliverance, salvation


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OT Poetry: Psalm 146:3 Don't put your trust in princes each (Psalm Ps Psa.)