Psalms 105:22

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 105:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom.
Psalms 105:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 105

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To bind his princes at his pleasure, etc.] Not to lay them in prison, and bind them with fetters, as he had been bound; but to give laws unto them as he pleased, and bind and oblige them to observe them: for, according to his word, all the people of Egypt, high and low, rich and poor, were to be ruled; and, without his leave, no man was to lift up his hand or foot in all the land, (<014140>Genesis 41:40,44). All Christ’s people are princes, to whom he gives laws at his pleasure, as one having authority, though they are not grievous; and these he binds, obliges, and constrains his people by love to observe, and which they do. Jarchi’s note is, “this is an expression of love like that; and the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To bind his princes at pleasure - Giving him absolute power. The power here referred to was that which was always claimed in despotic governments, and was, and is still, actually practiced in Oriental nations. Literally, “to bind his princes ‘by his soul;’” that is, at his will; or, as he chose. And teach his senators wisdom - This is now an unhappy translation. The word “senator” in fact originally had reference to “age” (see Webster’s Dictionary), but it is now commonly applied to a body of men entrusted with a share in the administration of government - usually a higher body in a government - as the Senate of the United States. As these were usually “aged men,” the word has acquired its…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“teach: Gen 41:33, Gen 41:38; Isa 19:11 Psalms 105:23”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification