Psalms Chapter 33
1 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright.
2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to him a new song. Play skilfully with a shout of joy!
4 For the LORD's word is right. All his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of the LORD.
6 By the LORD's word, the heavens were made: all their army by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap. He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands fast forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The LORD looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither does he deliver any by his great power.
18 Behold, the LORD's eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness,
19 to deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul has waited for the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let your loving kindness be on us, LORD, since we have hoped in you.
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Psalms Chapter 33 Guide
This is a triumphant song of praise, opening with a call to vocal and instrumental music. "Rejoice," "praise," "give thanks," "sing praises," "sing," "play" - thus all modes of expression are appealed to.
The praise proceeds and the greatness and goodness of Jehovah are sung in general terms (4-11). The whole of the facts are summarized, His word is right, His work is faithful! (4). His character is perfect, combining light- "righteousness and judgment"; and love- "loving-kindness" (5). He is the Creator, full of power so that men should worship (6-9). He is the active King, overruling all the affairs of men (10-11). The song then praises Jehovah as the God of the chosen people (12-19). He chose them and in their interest watches all the sons of men (12-15). His watchfulness of His own is a greater security than armies or horses (16-19). The song ends with an affirmation of trust, an assurance of joy, and a prayer for mercy (20-22). There is a lilt and a lift about this psalm which is of the very essence of gladness.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 33 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- 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.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.