Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.
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.

Persons / Places / Events
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.
Teaching Points
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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the limitations of human leaders affect your perspective on current events and political figures?

2. In what ways can you actively place your trust in God rather than in human institutions or leaders?

3. How do the teachings of Jeremiah 17:5 and Isaiah 2:22 reinforce the message of Psalm 146:3?

4. Reflect on a time when you placed your trust in human solutions rather than in God. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God over man in your personal and professional life this week?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 17:5
This verse warns against trusting in man and turning away from the Lord, reinforcing the message of Psalm 146:3.

Isaiah 2:22
Advises against placing trust in humans, who are temporary and limited, similar to the message in Psalm 146:3.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord with all your heart, contrasting reliance on human understanding.
The Vanity of Human TrustsR. Tuck Psalm 146:3
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
Dependence on Man ForbiddenN. Emmons, D. D.Psalm 146:3-4
Man Too Frail for Our SupportAnon.Psalm 146:3-4
The Forbidding of Carnal ConfidenceD. Dickson.Psalm 146:3-4
People
Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Confidence, Deliverance, Faith, Mortal, Nobles, Princes, Rulers, Salvation, Save, Trust
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 146:3

     2233   Son of Man
     5597   victory, act of God
     5914   optimism
     5956   strength, human
     8032   trust, lack of
     8354   trustworthiness
     8719   distrust

Psalm 146:3-4

     5864   futility
     5973   unreliability
     8126   guidance, need for
     9021   death, natural

Psalm 146:3-6

     5890   insecurity

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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