Psalms 33

Psalms 33:1

Psalm 33: A New SongThere appears to be an unmistakable link between the first verse of this Psalm and the last verse of the preceding one. In both, the writer urges the righteous to rejoice in the Lord. But this Psalm elaborates the theme by telling why it is appropriate for the righteous to praise Him. We should note that there is no mention here of active enemies, of persecution, of tribulation. It is rather a peaceful scene, with Israel dwelling in safety and the Lord acknowledged as the universal Sovereign. The Psalm thus belongs to the beginning of Christ’s kingdom, when Gentile oppression has been smashed and the time of Jacob’s trouble is past. 33:1, 2 The call to worship goes out to Israel in the first seven verses, then to the Gentiles as well in verse 8. Praise is so beautiful and so compelling that the sweetest and finest possible instrumental accompaniment should be utilizedthe harp and an instrument of ten strings. 33:3 The new song is the song of redemption. It follows the forgiveness of sins (Ps. 32) and belongs to all who have been cleansed by the precious blood of Christ. But this song will be sung in a very special way by redeemed Israel at the outset of the Millennium (Rev_14:3). 33:4 The new song celebrates the word of the LORD and all His work. His word is absolutely true and righteous, unchanging and trustworthy. All His works are done in faithfulness. This is seen in creation"seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night" (Gen_8:22). It is seen in providence. “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom_8:28). And it is seen in redemption"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1Jo_1:9). 33:5 God is not only upright and faithful, upholding righteousness and justice, but the evidences of the goodness of the LORD are everywhere. 33:6, 7 The greatness of God is seen in that He created the heavens and their starry host by no greater expenditure of energy than by speaking the energizing word. Just this easily did He confine the oceans within appointed limits. Some see these two utterances as a poetic veiled reference to Israel as the stars of the heavens (Gen_15:5) and to the Gentile nations as the raging seas, bottled up at last by the Lord Jesus at His Second Advent. 33:8, 9 In any case, God is so great that all mankind should reverence Him and show Him the deepest respect. His word was the sound energy which became matter. By His command all creation came into being. 33:10, 11 Throughout human history the ungodly nations have collaborated to thwart God and to ruin His people. But, as Burns said, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley,” or, as we would say, they often go haywire! God ultimately frustrates the cleverest plots hatched by His opponents. And nothing can hinder the accomplishment of His purposes. He will always have the last word, and whatever He plans will come to pass. 33:12 So the pathway of blessing lies in cooperating with God. Happy is the nation that acknowledges Jehovah as its God. This is the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. 33:13-17 As the LORD looks down from heaven, He has a perfect view of all mankind. Nothing escapes Him. He sees all that is done and, what is more, He knows the thoughts and intents of every heart. He sees some who fight with carnal weaponsand He chuckles at their folly. They depend on army, navy, and air force rather than on the living God. When will they learn that the finest cavalry can’t bring them victory? 33:18, 19 God also sees those who trust in Him for salvation and who depend on His mercy for provision. These are the ones who please Him. He looks down on them with keenest favor. 33:20-22 There is no question which class the psalmist and his people belong to. They trust Jehovah as their Helper and Protector. They have found true happiness by putting all their confidence in His holy name. All they ask is that they might continue to bask in the sunshine of His steadfast love as they continue to depend on Him alone.