Psalms 33:16

16 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is 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 His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth.

15 He shapes the hearts of each; He considers all their works.

16 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

18 Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion