Psalms 33
DOYLY— with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.] This should be rendered as it is in the Greek, “on the ten-stringed lute.” Green.
Psalms 33:3
- — a new song;] The “new song” shews the Psalm to be composed upon a new occasion. This appears likewise from the tenth verse, which speaks of some grand defeat given to the projects of the heathen. Mudge.
Psalms 33:4
- — all his works &c.] That is, all his works are done agreeably to his word or promises. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 33:6
- By the word of the Lord &c.] The meaning is, that the whole body of the heavens, and all that is in them, were created by his bare speaking of the word, commanding that they should have a being. Dr. Hammond.
Psalms 33:7
- He gathereth the waters &c.] The element of water, though it be naturally apt to spread itself, yet hath He, in his providence and power, gathered up as in one heap; and part thereof, instead of overflowing the face of the earth, He hath confined in the secret receptacles thereof. Bp. Hall.
Psalms 33:11
- Be glad in the Lord.] It seems probable that this verse ought to be the first of the following Psalm. Bps. Lowth and Hare, Dr. Kranicott.
Outward calamities, and inward pangs of conscience, are the strokes of God’s hand, designed to humble the sinner, and lead him to confession; and in the infliction of these, such severity is sometimes necessary, that the patient is brought to death’s door, before a turn can be given to the disease: but the pain of a blow upon an ulcerated part, however exquisite, is well compensated if, by promoting a discharge, it effect a cure. Encouraged by the example and declaration of David, to hope for mercy on confession of sin, it is foretold in this Psalm, that humble penitents shall be led to make their prayer unto God in the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation, while He “may be found:” that so they may be forgiven, and preserved from great and overwhelming calamities; from the fears of death, and the terrours of judgment. Bp. Horne.
Psalm XXXIII. This Psalm is an acknowledgment of the great power, and wisdom, and goodness of God in his works of creation and providence; wherein, all are obliged to sing praises to his name, and faithfully to serve and depend on Him. Dr. Hammond. It was probably composed on the occasion of some special benefit received from God. Reeves.
Ver. 2. — with harp: — with the psaltery] The harp let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Psalms 33:15
- He fashioneth their hearts &c.] He formed their hearts one and all, and consequently must know what are their thoughts and intentions. Mudge.
Psalms 33:17
- An horse is a vain thing &c.] If David was the author of this Psalm, these words may refer to his vic-
e Iss. 19. 3. maketh frustrate. d Prov. 19. 21. Isa. 46. 10. generation and generation. e Ps. 65. 4. & 144. 15.