Psalms 33

1 You who are godly, sing with joy to the Lord. It is right for honest people to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp. Make music to him on the lyre that has ten strings.

3 Sing a new song to him. Play with skill, and shout with joy.

4 What the LORD says is right and true. He is faithful in everything he does.

5 The LORD loves what is right and fair. The earth is full of his faithful love.

6 The heavens were made when the LORD commanded it to happen. All of the stars were created by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea together. He puts the oceans in their places.

8 Let the whole earth have respect for the Lord. Let all of the people in the world honor him.

9 He spoke, and the world came into being. He commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD blocks the sinful plans of the nations. He keeps them from doing what they want to do.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever. What he wants to do will last for all time.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Blessed are the people he chose to be his own.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees everyone.

14 From his throne he watches all those who live on the earth.

15 He creates the hearts of all people. He is aware of everything they do.

16 A king isn't saved just because his army is big. A soldier doesn't escape just because he is very strong.

17 People can't trust a horse to save them either. Though it is very strong, it can't save them.

18 But the LORD looks with favor on those who respect him. He watches over those who put their hope in his faithful love.

19 He watches over them to save them from death. He wants to keep them alive when there is no food in the land.

20 We wait in hope for the Lord. He helps us. He is like a shield that keeps us safe.

21 Our hearts are full of joy because of him. We trust in him, because he is holy.

22 Lord, may your faithful love rest on us. We put our hope in you.

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.