Psalm 33:17

17 A horse is vain for safety; neither shall he be delivered by the greatness of his power.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 33:17 In-Context

15 who fashioned their hearts alone; who understands all their works.

16 A king is not saved by reason of a great host; and a giant shall not be delivered by the greatness of his strength.

17 A horse is vain for safety; neither shall he be delivered by the greatness of his power.

18 Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him, those that hope in his mercy;

19 to deliver their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine.