---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 33"
description: "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 prov"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/33"
---

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.

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

**3. a new song**—fresh, adapted
to the occasion ([Psalms 40:3](../../../kjv/psalms/40/3);
[Psalms 96:1](../../../kjv/psalms/96/1)).
**play skilfully**—(Compare
[1 Samuel 16:17](../../../kjv/1-samuel/16/17)).

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

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

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

**9. he spake**—literally, "said."
**it was**—The addition of
"done" weakens the sense (compare ).

**10, 11.** In God's providence He
thwarts men's purposes and executes His own.
**heathen**—literally,
"nations."

**12-19.** The inference from the
foregoing in [Psalms 33:12](../../../kjv/psalms/33/12) is
illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His
minute knowledge of all men.

**13. looketh**—intently ().

**12-19.** The inference from the
foregoing in [Psalms 33:12](../../../kjv/psalms/33/12) is
illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His
minute knowledge of all men.

**15. fashioneth**—or, "forms,"
and hence knows and controls ().
**alike**—without
exception.
**considereth**—or,
"understands"; God knows men's motives.

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

**17.** *On the war horse*
(compare [Job 39:19-25](../../../kjv/job/39/19-25)).
**a vain thing**—a lie,
which deceives us.

**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.

**20-22. waiteth**—in earnest
expectation.

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

**20-22. waiteth**—in earnest
expectation.

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