Psalms 33:17

17 People can't trust a horse to save them either. Though it is very strong, it can't save them.

Psalms 33:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 33:17

A horse [is] a vain thing for safety
Though it is prepared for the day of battle, and is a very warlike creature, and of great service in war, yet safety only is of the Lord, ( Proverbs 21:31 ) ; this is put for all kinds of military preparations which men are apt to trust in, but should not, for they are "a lie" ^F9, as the horse is here said to be; that is, deceives and disappoints when trusted to; in like manner the olive is said "to lie", ( Habakkuk 3:17 ) ; when hope of fruit from it is disappointed; so "fundus mendax" in Horace ^F11;

neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength;
in the time of battle; either by fighting for him, or fleeing with him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (rqv) "mendacium", Pagninus, Montanus; "fallax", V. L.
F11 Epod. l. 1. Ode 16. ver. 45. Carmin. l. 3. Ode 1. v. 30. "Spem mentita seges", ib. Epist. l. 1. ep. 7. v. 87.

Psalms 33:17 In-Context

15 He creates the hearts of all people. He is aware of everything they do.

16 A king isn't saved just because his army is big. A soldier doesn't escape just because he is very strong.

17 People can't trust a horse to save them either. Though it is very strong, it can't save them.

18 But the LORD looks with favor on those who respect him. He watches over those who put their hope in his faithful love.

19 He watches over them to save them from death. He wants to keep them alive when there is no food in the land.