There is no king saved by the multitude of an host ; literally, the king is not saved by the greatness of his host. The article, however, is used generically, as it is with "horse" in the next verse, so that the translation of the Authorized Version gives the true sense. (For illustration of the sentiment, see 2 Chronicles 14:11 ; 1 Macc. 3:19.) A mighty man is not delivered by much strength . read more
A horse is a vain thing for safety ; literally, the horse ; i.e. the species, horse, is not to be depended on for safety—it is "a vain thing," quite unable to secure victory, or even escape, to those who trust in it. The use of the horse in war seems certainly to be implied here as familiar to the writer, whence it is rightly concluded that he must have lived later than the time of David. Solomon was the first Israelite king who enrolled a chariot and a cavalry force ( 1 Kings 10:26 ).... read more
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him; upon them that hope in his mercy . The eye of the Lord is in a certain sense upon all ( Psalms 33:13 , Psalms 33:14 ), but it rests especially upon the righteous. He notes how all men act, but carefully watches over the safety and prosperity of his faithful ones read more
To deliver their soul from death . The protection and deliverance, which a man's own strength cannot give, which no host, however numerous, can afford ( Psalms 33:16 ), which are not to be obtained from the largest chariot or cavalry force ( Psalms 33:17 ), can he and will be furnished freely by God, who alone keeps souls from death, and "delivers" those who are in peril. And to keep them alive in famine . Famine was a calamity from which Palestine often suffered (see Genesis 12:10 ;... read more
Our soul waiteth for the Lord (comp. Psalms 25:21 ; Psalms 62:1 , Psalms 62:5 ; Psalms 130:5 , Psalms 130:6 , etc.). Confident in God's good will, and in his power to help us, we wait patiently and cheerfully for him to manifest himself in his own good time. He is our Help and our Shield . We trust in no one and nothing but him—not in armies ( Psalms 33:16 ), not in horses ( Psalms 33:17 ), not in our own strength ( Psalms 33:16 ). He alone is our dependence. (For the use... read more
A brief address of the people to God, arising out of what has been declared concerning his goodness ( Psalms 33:4 , Psalms 33:5 , Psalms 33:12-19 ) and his power ( Psalms 33:6-11 ), which constitute a call upon them for praise and adoration. read more
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host - By the number of his armies. His safety, however numerous and mighty may be his forces, is in God alone. He is the great Protector, whatever means men may use to defend themselves. The most numerous and the best organized armies cannot secure a victory. It is, after all, wholly in the hands of God. A wasting sickness in a camp may defeat all the plans of war; or success in battle may depend on contingencies which no commander could anticipate... read more
An horse - The reference here is undoubtedly to the war-horse. See the notes at Psalms 20:7.Is a vain thing - literally, is a “lie.” That is, he cannot be confided in.For safety - For securing safety in battle. He is liable to be stricken down, or to become wild and furious so as to be beyond the control of his rider; and however strong or fleet he may be, or however well he may be “broken,” yet none of these things make it certain that the rider will be safe. God is the only being in whom... read more
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him - He watches over them, and “he” guards them from danger. His eye is, in fact, upon all men; but it is directed with special attention to those who fear him and trust in him. Their security is in the fact that the eye of God is upon them; that he knows their wants; that he sees their dangers; that he has ample ability to deliver and save them.Upon them that hope in his mercy - Upon the pious; upon his friends. The expression is a very... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 33:12-22
What God's people possess in him. The call to praise God is supported by a setting forth of that which his people possess in him. The theme of this second part of the psalm is set forth in the twelfth verse, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah." I. BECAUSE GOD IS THE CREATOR HE HAS THE MOST PERFECT KNOWLEDGE . ( Psalms 33:13-15 .) He not only observes men's doings, but knows their hearts, as having created them. You cannot know a man perfectly from... read more