View Psalms 33 in the note window.
The Psalmist exhorts the righteous to praise God, for his truth,
justice and goodness, ver. 1 - 5,
For creating the world, ver. 6 - 9.
For his providence in governing it, ver. 10 - 17.
For his peculiar favour to his people, encouraging them to trust
in him, ver. 18 - 22.
2: Harp, &c. - These instruments were used in the publick worship of
God in the tabernacle.
3: A new song - Renewed or continued from day to day.
4: The word - All God's counsels and commands are wise, and just, and
good. His works - All his works of providence agree with his word, and
are the accomplishment of his promises or threatenings.
5: Goodness - He not only doth no man wrong, but he is kind and
merciful to all men.
6: The word - God made this admirable structure of the heavens, and
all its glorious stars; not with great pains and time, but with one
single word. Host - The angels: or the stars.
7: Store - houses - Either in the clouds, or in the bowels of the
earth.
10: The Lord - Thus he passes from the work of creation, to the works
of providence, and from the instances of his power, in senseless and
irrational creatures, to his power in over - ruling the thoughts and wills,
and actions of men, whether single or united.
11: The Counsel - All his purposes and designs are always successful.
13: All men - Although he hath a relation to Israel, yet he hath
a general care over all mankind, all whose hearts and ways he observes.
15: Fashioneth - Having said that God sees and observes all men, he
now adds, that he rules and governs them; yea, even the hearts which are
most unmanageable, he disposes and inclines according to the counsel of
his will. Alike - Or, equally, one as well as another: whether they be
Jews or Gentiles, princes or peasants; all are alike subject to his
jurisdiction. Their works - Both outward and inward, all the workings of
their minds and actions, and all their endeavours and actions.
16: No king - He instances in these, as the most uncontrollable
persons in the world, and most confident of themselves. By which he
strongly proves his general proposition, of God's powerful providence
over all men. By an host - But only by God's providence, who disposes
of victory and success, as he pleases, and that frequently to the
weakest side.
17: An horse - Though he be strong and fit for battle, or for
flight, if need requires. And so this is put for all warlike
provisions. Vain things - Heb. a lie; because it promises that help
and safety which it cannot give.
18: The eye - Whosoever therefore would have safety, must expect it
only from the watchful eye, and almighty hand of God. That fear - These
are the chief objects of his care and favour. Hope - That place their
hope and trust, and happiness, not in any creature, but only in God,
and in his mercy and blessings.
