Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Commentaries
Psalms 33

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole BibleCommentary Critical

Introduction

PSALM 33

:-. A call to lively and joyous praise to God for His glorious attributes and works, as displayed in creation, and His general and special providence, in view of which, the Psalmist, for all the pious, professes trust and joy and invokes God's mercy.

Verse 1

1-3. The sentiment falls in with Psalms 32:11 (compare Psalms 32:11- :). The instruments (Psalms 92:3; Psalms 144:9) do not exclude the voice.

Verse 3

3. a new song—fresh, adapted to the occasion (Psalms 40:3; Psalms 96:1).

play skilfully—(Compare 1 Samuel 16:17).

Verse 4

4-9. Reasons for praise: first, God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.

Verse 6

6. In "word" and "breath"—or, "spirit," there may be an allusion to the Son (John 1:1) and Holy Spirit.

Verse 7

4-9. Reasons for praise: first, God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.

Verse 9

9. he spake—literally, "said."

it was—The addition of "done" weakens the sense (compare :-).

Verse 10

10, 11. In God's providence He thwarts men's purposes and executes His own.

heathen—literally, "nations."

Verse 12

12-19. The inference from the foregoing in Psalms 33:12 is illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.

Verse 13

13. looketh—intently ( :-).

Verse 14

12-19. The inference from the foregoing in Psalms 33:12 is illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.

Verse 15

15. fashioneth—or, "forms," and hence knows and controls ( :-).

alike—without exception.

considereth—or, "understands"; God knows men's motives.

Verse 16

16, 17. Men's usual reliances in their greatest exigencies are, in themselves, useless.

Verse 17

17. On the war horse (compare Job 39:19-25).

a vain thing—a lie, which deceives us.

Verse 18

18, 19. Contrasted is God's guidance and power to save from the greatest earthly evil and its most painful precursor, and hence from all.

Verse 20

20-22. waiteth—in earnest expectation.

Verse 21

21. his holy name—(Compare Psalms 5:12; Psalms 22:22; Psalms 30:4). Our faith measures mercy (Matthew 9:29); and if of grace, it is no more of debt (Matthew 9:29- :).

Verse 22

20-22. waiteth—in earnest expectation.

Bibliographical Information
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Psalms 33". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jfb/psalms-33.html. 1871-8.
 
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