Psalms 33:16

16 No king achieves a victory with a large army. No warrior rescues himself by his own 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 sits enthroned, he looks down upon all who live on earth.
15 The one who formed their hearts understands everything they do.
16 No king achieves a victory with a large army. No warrior rescues himself by his own great strength.
17 Horses are not a guarantee for victory. Their great strength cannot help someone escape.
18 The LORD's eyes are on those who fear him, on those who wait with hope for his mercy
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.