Psalm 33 Study Notes

33:10-11 These verses set up a contrast between what the nations plan and what God plans. This is similar to 2:1-3 where the nations intend to thwart God’s purposes, but it is instead God who frustrates their plans (Is 8:10). The Lord is sovereign and will see to it that his plans come to pass. The verb stands implies certainty (Pr 19:21; Is 14:24).

33:12 The nation . . . he has chosen—Israel—is in contrast to “the nations” in v. 10. On happy, see note at 1:1. The terms chosen and possession refer to divine election of the nation and its unique relationship to the Lord (Ex 19:5; Dt 7:6).

33:13-15 The omniscience of God is described as his looking down, observing, and gazing on the inhabitants of the earth. Even though his dwelling place is heaven, this does not mean that he is unconcerned with what is happening on earth, even if the nations and the enemies of Israel think this is the case (see note at 10:3-6). Moreover, he not only knows what is happening but he is actively involved in it. The word forms (Hb yzr) is the same word used in the creation account of God’s shaping man from the dust of the earth (Gn 2:7-8). This also connects the creative acts of God with his involvement in history.

33:16-17 Human weaponry is of no use if God does not support it (see note at 20:7-8).

33:18-19 Eye is in an emphatic position in v. 18. Literally it is “behold the eye,” emphasizing God’s close watch on his people. This is even more intense than the descriptions in vv. 13-15 since the Lord has a concern for his own people that is unique in comparison to the other nations. Here, as in the previous verses, it is not only his knowledge but also his activity that is in view to rescue his people and to keep them alive (protect them).

33:20 Shield represents protection and is often identified with the Lord himself (3:3; 18:30; 115:9; 144:2).