Psalms 33

1 Be glad in the Lord, O doers of righteousness; for praise is beautiful for the upright.

2 Give praise to the Lord on the corded instrument; make melody to him with instruments of music.

3 Make a new song to him; playing expertly with a loud noise.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his works are certain.

5 His delight is in righteousness and wisdom; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the army of heaven by the breath of his mouth.

7 He makes the waters of the sea come together in a mass; he keeps the deep seas in store-houses.

8 Let the earth be full of the fear of the Lord; let all the people of the world be in holy fear of him.

9 For he gave the word, and it was done; by his order it was fixed for ever.

10 The Lord undoes the designs of the nations; he makes the thoughts of the peoples without effect.

11 The Lord's purpose is eternal, the designs of his heart go on through all the generations of man.

12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he has taken for his heritage.

13 The Lord is looking down from heaven; he sees all the sons of men;

14 From his house he keeps watch on all who are living on the earth;

15 He makes all their hearts; their works are clear to him.

16 A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength.

17 A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger.

18 See, the eye of the Lord is on those in whose hearts is the fear of him, on those whose hope is in his mercy;

19 To keep their souls from death; and to keep them living in time of need.

20 Our souls are waiting for the Lord; he is our help and our salvation.

21 For in him our hearts have joy; in his holy name is our hope.

22 Let your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we are waiting for you.

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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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible