Psalms 33

1 (32-1) <A psalm for David.> Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

2 (32-2) Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

3 (32-3) Sing to him a new canticle, sing well unto him with a loud noise.

4 (32-4) For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.

5 (32-5) He loveth mercy and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

6 (32-6) By the word of the Lord the heavens were established; and all the power of them by the spirit of his mouth:

7 (32-7) Gathering together the waters of the sea, as in a vessel; laying up the depths in storehouses.

8 (32-8) Let all the earth fear the Lord, and let all the inhabitants of the world be in awe of him.

9 (32-9) For he spoke and they were made: he commanded and they were created.

10 (32-10) The Lord bringeth to nought the counsels of nations; and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

11 (32-11) But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever: the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 (32-12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

13 (32-13) The Lord hath looked from heaven: he hath beheld all the sons of men.

14 (32-14) From his habitation which he hath prepared, he hath looked upon all that dwell on the earth.

15 (32-15) He who hath made the hearts of every one of them: who understandeth all their works.

16 (32-16) The king is not saved by a great army: nor shall the giant be saved by his own great strength.

17 (32-17) Vain is the horse for safety: neither shall he be saved by the abundance of his strength.

18 (32-18) Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.

19 (32-19) To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.

20 (32-20) Our soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helper and protector.

21 (32-21) For in him our heart shall rejoice: and in his holy name we have trusted.

22 (32-22) Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hooped in thee.

Psalms 33 Commentary

Chapter 33

God to be praised. (1-11) His people encouraged by his power. (12-22)

Verses 1-11 Holy joy is the heart and soul of praise, and that is here pressed upon the righteous. Thankful praise is the breath and language of holy joy. Religious songs are proper expressions of thankful praise. Every endowment we possess, should be employed with all our skill and earnestness in God's service. His promises are all wise and good. His word is right, and therefore we are only in the right when we agree with it. His works are all done in truth. He is the righteous Lord, therefore loveth righteousness. What a pity it is that this earth, which is so full of the proofs and instances of God's goodness, should be so empty of his praises; and that of the multitudes who live upon his bounty, there are so few who live to his glory! What the Lord does, he does to purpose; it stands fast. He overrules all the counsels of men, and makes them serve his counsels; even that is fulfilled, which to us is most surprising, the eternal counsel of God, nor can any thing prevent its coming to pass.

Verses 12-22 All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 33

Though this psalm has no title to it, it seems to be a psalm of David, from the style and matter of it; and indeed begins with the same words with which the preceding psalm is ended. Theodoret is of opinion it was written by David as a prophecy concerning Hezekiah, as a song to be sung by the people after the destruction of the Assyrian army.