The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. The LORD protects the strangersThe Hebrew word for "protects" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or watch over. This word conveys a sense of vigilant care and attentive oversight. In the ancient Near Eastern context, "strangers" or "sojourners" (Hebrew: "גֵּרִים" - gerim) were often vulnerable, lacking the familial and societal support systems that native-born individuals enjoyed. God's protection of strangers underscores His impartial love and justice, reflecting His character as a defender of the marginalized. This divine guardianship is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God commands His people to love and care for the stranger, reminding them of their own history as strangers in Egypt (Exodus 22:21). He sustains the fatherless and the widow but the ways of the wicked He frustrates Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. 2. Foreigners Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, often vulnerable and without the same rights as native-born citizens. 3. Fatherless Orphans who lack parental protection and provision, representing the most vulnerable in society. 4. Widow A woman who has lost her husband, often facing economic and social challenges in ancient times. 5. The Wicked Those who live in opposition to God's ways, often characterized by injustice and unrighteousness. Teaching Points God's Heart for the VulnerableGod consistently shows His concern for those who are marginalized and vulnerable, such as foreigners, orphans, and widows. As believers, we are called to reflect His heart by caring for those in need around us. Divine Justice and Protection The LORD's protection and sustenance of the vulnerable demonstrate His justice. He actively works against the plans of the wicked, ensuring that their ways are frustrated. This should encourage us to trust in God's justice, even when we see injustice prevailing temporarily. Call to Action for Believers As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, providing support and advocacy for those who cannot defend themselves. This includes practical acts of service and standing up against injustice. Trust in God's Sovereignty Understanding that God frustrates the ways of the wicked should give us confidence in His sovereignty. We can rest assured that, ultimately, God's justice will prevail, and evil will not have the final say. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's protection of the vulnerable in Psalm 146:9 influence your view of social justice today?2. In what ways can you personally support the "foreigners, fatherless, and widows" in your community? 3. How does the assurance that God frustrates the ways of the wicked impact your response to witnessing injustice? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or sustenance in a difficult situation. How can this encourage others? 5. How do the themes in Psalm 146:9 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament regarding caring for the least of these? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 10:18This verse highlights God's justice and care for the fatherless and the widow, reinforcing His character as a protector of the vulnerable. James 1:27 This New Testament passage emphasizes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, connecting the Old Testament concern for the vulnerable with Christian practice. Proverbs 15:25 This verse speaks of the LORD's protection over the widow, contrasting it with His opposition to the wicked, similar to the themes in Psalm 146:9.
People Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Alien, Brings, Care, Causeth, Child, Crooked, Destruction, Fatherless, Foreigners, Frustrates, Gives, Lifteth, Maketh, Preserves, Preserveth, Preserving, Protects, Relieveth, Ruin, Sends, Sinners, Sojourners, Stand, Strange, Strangers, Subvert, Supports, Sustains, Takes, Thwarts, Turneth, Turns, Upholdeth, Upholds, Upside, Watches, Wicked, WidowDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 146:9 1080 God, living 1075 God, justice of 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 Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering "The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed. Psalms Links Psalm 146:9 NIVPsalm 146:9 NLT Psalm 146:9 ESV Psalm 146:9 NASB Psalm 146:9 KJV Psalm 146:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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