Psalms 33

This psalm, though anonymous, undoubtedly belongs to David, and is the fresh effusion of joy and praise for some recent display of divine power and mercy in saving Israel. Evidently the nation had been imperilled by the heathen nations, (Psalms 33:10,) who had been overthrown by superhuman power, (Psalms 33:16-17,) as a token of distinguishing grace to God’s peculiar people, (Psalms 33:18.) It suits well the condition of things at the close of the Syrian and Ammonitish wars, (2 Samuel 12:26-31,) and is considered by some (and in ten manuscripts) as part of Psalms 32:0. The divisions of the psalm may be given as follows: Psalms 33:1-3, a call upon the covenant people to praise God with song and instruments. The reasons for this loud praise are, for his universal righteousness and mercy, (Psalms 33:4-5;) as creator of heaven and earth, (Psalms 33:6-9;) for his government over the nations, frustrating the counsels of the heathen, and establishing his own covenant people, (Psalms 33:10-12;) for his infinite knowledge and cognizance of all human affairs, (Psalms 33:13-15.) A corollary of these reflections is the vanity of all trust in human strength or device, God only being the true deliverer. (Psalms 33:16-19.) The psalmist closes with a profession of Israel’s hope in God, (Psalms 33:20-21,) and a prayer for his continued mercy. Psalms 33:22