Put fear in them, O Lord, let the nations know that they are only men.
The psalm ends with a prayer that the pagan nations may recognize their true limits. The words “Put fear in them” refer to holy fear toward God, which breaks a person’s arrogant self-confidence and reminds him that he is a created being. People may have great authority, mighty armies, and wealth, yet they remain mortal and dependent on God. The phrase “Let them know that they are only men” does not demean the God-given dignity of man. It corrects the pride by which a person tries to put himself in God’s place and to consider himself unaccountable. For the believer, this is a constant warning not to exalt leaders, states, or one’s own abilities to such a degree that they are expected to give what only God can give. Human strength is limited, but God’s authority is limitless. Holy fear does not lead a person to despair, but brings him back to true self-knowledge. The awareness that a person is created, depends on the Lord, and is accountable before Him humbles him and moves him to rely on the grace of God.