Psalms 33

1 David cum inmutavit vultum suum coram Abimelech et dimisit eum et abiit

2 benedicam Dominum in omni tempore semper laus eius in ore meo

3 in Domino laudabitur anima mea audiant mansueti et laetentur

4 magnificate Dominum mecum et exaltemus nomen eius in id ipsum

5 exquisivi Dominum et exaudivit me et ex omnibus tribulationibus meis eripuit me

6 accedite ad eum et inluminamini et facies vestrae non confundentur

7 iste pauper clamavit et Dominus exaudivit %eum; et de omnibus tribulationibus eius salvavit eum

8 vallabit angelus Domini in circuitu timentium eum et eripiet eos

9 gustate et videte quoniam suavis est Dominus beatus vir qui sperat in eo

10 timete Dominum %omnes; sancti eius quoniam non est inopia timentibus eum

11 divites eguerunt et esurierunt inquirentes autem Dominum non minuentur omni bono diapsalma

12 venite filii audite me timorem Domini docebo vos

13 quis est homo qui vult vitam cupit videre dies bonos

14 prohibe linguam tuam a malo et labia tua ne loquantur dolum

15 deverte a malo et fac bonum inquire pacem et persequere eam

16 oculi Domini super iustos et aures eius in precem eorum

17 facies Domini super facientes mala ut perdat de terra memoriam eorum

18 clamaverunt iusti et Dominus exaudivit et ex omnibus tribulationibus eorum liberavit eos

19 iuxta est Dominus his qui tribulato sunt corde et humiles spiritu salvabit

20 multae tribulationes iustorum et de omnibus his liberavit eos

21 Dominus custodit omnia ossa eorum unum ex his non conteretur

22 mors peccatorum pessima et qui oderunt iustum delinquent

23 redimet Dominus animas servorum suorum et non delinquent omnes qui sperant in eum

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.

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.