Psalms
Summary
Psalm 33 is a magnificent hymn of praise to the LORD as the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. It calls the righteous to rejoice with the "ten-stringed lyre" and a "new song" because the word of the LORD is right and true. The psalmist marvels that "by the word of the LORD the heavens were made" and that He has "gathered the waters of the sea into heaps." The psalm emphasizes that the LORD's counsel stands for ever and that no king is saved by the size of his army. It concludes with the confident hope of those who wait for the LORD as their help and shield.
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous; for praise is fitting for the upright.
Praise the LORD with the harp; sing to him with the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song; play skilfully with a shout of joy.
For the word of the LORD is right, and all his works are done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; he lays up the deep in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen as his own inheritance.
The LORD looks from heaven; he beholds all the sons of men.
From the place of his dwelling he looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
He fashions their hearts alike; he considers all their works.
No king is saved by the size of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for victory; neither shall it deliver any by its great power.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his mercy;
to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in you.