Psalm 33:16

16 There is no melech saved by the multitude of an army; a gibbor is not delivered by rav ko’ach.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 33:16 In-Context

14 From the place of His habitation He looketh upon kol yoshvei ha’aretz.

15 He formeth their hearts yachad; He considereth all their ma’asim (deeds).

16 There is no melech saved by the multitude of an army; a gibbor is not delivered by rav ko’ach.

17 A sus is a sheker (vain, false thing) for teshu’ah (deliverance, salvation, safety); neither shall it save any by its great strength.

18 Hinei, the eye of Hashem is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His chesed;