1.
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
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.
2.
Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3.
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
3. a new song—fresh, adapted
to the occasion (Psalms 40:3;
Psalms 96:1).
play skilfully—(Compare
1 Samuel 16:17).
4.
For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
4-9. Reasons for praise: first,
God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative
power which all must honor.
5.
He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
6.
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
6. In "word" and
"breath"—or, "spirit," there may be an allusion
to the Son (John 1:1) and Holy
Spirit.
7.
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
4-9. Reasons for praise: first,
God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative
power which all must honor.
8.
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9.
For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
9. he spake—literally, "said."
it was—The addition of
"done" weakens the sense (compare ).
10.
The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
10, 11. In God's providence He
thwarts men's purposes and executes His own.
heathen—literally,
"nations."
11.
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
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.
13.
The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
13. looketh—intently ().
14.
From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
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.
15.
He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
15. fashioneth—or, "forms,"
and hence knows and controls ().
alike—without
exception.
considereth—or,
"understands"; God knows men's motives.
16.
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
16, 17. Men's usual reliances in
their greatest exigencies are, in themselves, useless.
17.
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
17. On the war horse
(compare Job 39:19-25).
a vain thing—a lie,
which deceives us.
18.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
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.
19.
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
20-22. waiteth—in earnest
expectation.
21.
For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
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).
22.
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
20-22. waiteth—in earnest
expectation.