Psalms 33:16

16 A king is not saved by the size of his army, a strong man not delivered 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 the place where he lives he watches everyone living on earth,
15 he who fashioned the hearts of them all and understands all they do.
16 A king is not saved by the size of his army, a strong man not delivered by his great strength.
17 To rely on a horse for safety is vain, nor does its great power assure escape.
18 But ADONAI's eyes watch over those who fear him, over those who wait for his grace
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.