Psalms 33:16

16 A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength.

Psalms 33:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host
He may be at the head of a numerous army, and yet not get the victory over a lesser one, nor escape safe, but be taken by it: there have been such instances; and if he is saved, or gets the victory, it is not owing to the multitude with him, but to the Lord, that gives salvation to kings, ( Psalms 144:10 ) . Hence it appears that even such men need salvation themselves, and cannot save themselves, though they have ever so many at command, and therefore are not to be trusted in; salvation is only of the Lord;

a mighty man is not delivered by much strength;
as Goliath, with his great strength, could not deliver himself out of the hands of David, a stripling; wherefore the mighty man should not glory in his might.

Psalms 33:16 In-Context

14 From his house he keeps watch on all who are living on the earth;
15 He makes all their hearts; their works are clear to him.
16 A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger.
18 See, the eye of the Lord is on those in whose hearts is the fear of him, on those whose hope is in his mercy;
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