Psalms 33:16

16 The king [is] not saved by [the] greatness of an army. The warrior is not delivered by [the] greatness of 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 the inhabitants of the earth,
15 he who fashions altogether their heart, he who understands all their works.
16 The king [is] not saved by [the] greatness of an army. The warrior is not delivered by [the] greatness of strength.
17 The horse [is] a false hope for victory, nor can it save by the greatness of its power.
18 Behold, the eye of Yahweh [is] on those who fear him, on those who hope for his loyal love
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.