Put not your trust in princes
This phrase cautions against placing confidence in human leaders or authorities. In the biblical context, "princes" refers to rulers or those in positions of power. Throughout Israel's history, reliance on human leaders often led to disappointment and failure, as seen in the reigns of kings like Saul and Solomon. The Bible consistently emphasizes that true security and guidance come from God alone. This warning is echoed in other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 17:5, which states, "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength." The cultural context of ancient Israel involved frequent interactions with surrounding nations and their rulers, often leading to political alliances that were contrary to God's commands. This phrase serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human leadership and the importance of divine reliance.

in mortal man
The term "mortal man" highlights the transient and limited nature of human beings. Unlike God, who is eternal and unchanging, humans are subject to death and decay. This distinction is crucial in understanding the futility of placing ultimate trust in people. The Bible often contrasts the mortality of humans with the immortality of God, as seen in passages like Isaiah 40:6-8, which compares people to grass that withers. The acknowledgment of human mortality serves as a humbling reminder of our dependence on God, who alone possesses the power to sustain and save. This phrase also points to the limitations of human wisdom and strength, reinforcing the need for divine guidance and intervention.

who cannot save
This phrase underscores the inability of humans to provide ultimate salvation or deliverance. In the biblical narrative, salvation is a central theme, with God as the sole source of true deliverance. Human efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, fall short of providing the redemption that only God can offer. This is evident in the story of the Exodus, where God, not Moses or any other leader, is credited with delivering the Israelites from Egypt. Theologically, this phrase points to the necessity of divine intervention for salvation, a concept fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Savior, whose sacrifice provides eternal salvation, contrasting with the temporary and insufficient solutions offered by human leaders. This phrase serves as a call to place faith in God's saving power rather than in human capabilities.

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.)