Psalms Chapter 33 — A New Song of Praise
Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise calling the righteous to worship God for His creative power, His eternal word, and His sovereign control over the nations.
1Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous!
2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre.
3Sing to him a new song.
4For the LORD’s word is right.
5He loves righteousness and justice.
6By the LORD’s word, the heavens were made:
7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap.
8Let all the earth fear the LORD.
9For he spoke, and it was done.
10The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing.
11The counsel of the LORD stands fast forever,
12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
13The LORD looks from heaven.
14From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15he who fashions all of their hearts;
16There is no king saved by the multitude of an army.
17A horse is a vain thing for safety,
18Behold, the LORD’s eye is on those who fear him,
19to deliver their soul from death,
20Our soul has waited for the LORD.
21For our heart rejoices in him,
22Let your loving kindness be on us, LORD,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 33:6
“By the LORD’s word, the heavens were made: and all their army by the breath of his mouth.”
This verse emphasizes the power of God's spoken word in the creation of the universe.
Psalms 33:12
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.”
It highlights the unique relationship and blessing associated with a people who follow God.
Psalms 33:20
“Our soul has waited for the LORD. He is our help and our shield.”
This verse expresses patient trust and reliance on God for protection.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 33 begins with an invitation for the righteous to praise God with music, instruments, and a new song. The text emphasizes that God's word is right and His work is faithful, noting His deep love for righteousness and justice. It describes how the heavens and the waters of the sea were created by His command, highlighting the power of His spoken word in contrast to human efforts. The chapter contrasts the temporary plans of nations with the eternal counsel of God, declaring that those who choose Him as their God are truly blessed. It explains that God observes all humanity from His heavenly dwelling, fashioning their hearts and knowing their deeds. Ultimately, the psalm warns that military strength and physical power are insufficient for safety, placing hope instead in God's watchful eye and His lovingkindness to deliver and protect those who fear Him and wait for His help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main message is a call to joyfully worship God because of His reliable word, His role as the Creator of the world, and His sovereign authority over human events.
The psalm states that the heavens were made by the word of the Lord and the 'breath of his mouth,' showing that creation happened through His command.
The text explains that no king is saved by a large army and a horse is a 'vain thing' for safety, suggesting that true deliverance comes from God's eye being upon those who fear Him.
Study Note
Unlike many other psalms in the first book of the Psalter, Psalm 33 does not have a traditional title or superscription in the Hebrew text.
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