Psalm 33

A hymn of praise in Book One of the Psalms (Psalms 1–41), Psalm 33 has no superscription in the Hebrew text. The preceding Psalm 32 ends with a call for the "righteous" and the "upright" to rejoice, and Psalm 33 opens with the same call.

Structure

• Verses 1–3 The righteous and the upright are called to give thanks with the harp and an instrument of ten strings and to praise the LORD with a new song.
• Verses 4–5 The reasons for praise are given. The word of the LORD is right, and all his works are done in truth; he loves righteousness and judgment. The earth is full of his goodness.
• Verses 6–9 The LORD made the heavens and all their host by his word and by the breath of his mouth, and he gathered the waters of the sea together as a heap. Therefore, the psalm declares, all the earth should fear him.
• Verses 10–12 The counsel of the nations comes to nothing, but the counsel of the LORD stands forever. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.
• Verses 13–15 The LORD looks down from heaven upon all people. He fashions their hearts and considers all their works.
• Verses 16–19 Neither a great army, nor a warrior's strength, nor a horse can save. The LORD delivers those who fear him from death and famine.
• Verses 20–22 Speaking as "we," the community confesses the LORD as its help and shield and asks for his mercy.

Key Verses

• Psalm 33:6 "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made" — a representative verse celebrating creation by the word. It is read alongside Genesis 1, John 1, and Hebrews 11:3.
• Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" — sums up in a single line the blessing enjoyed by God's people.
• Psalm 33:3 "Sing unto him a new song" — frequently quoted in discussions of praise.

People and Places

No specific persons or place names appear in this psalm.

• The LORD: Portrayed as the Creator and the one who governs the history of the nations.
• The righteous and the upright: The community of faith called to praise.
• The nations and peoples: Those whose plans are brought to nothing before the LORD.
• Although the Hebrew text has no superscription, the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) attributes the psalm to David.

Points for Reflection

• The psalm has 22 verses, matching the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. However, it is not an acrostic psalm in which each verse begins with successive letters of the alphabet.
• The word "breath" in verse 6 translates the Hebrew ruach, which can mean wind, breath, and spirit. Some of the early church fathers are known to have read "word" and "breath" as the Logos and the Holy Spirit, taking the verse as a revelation of the Trinity. Many interpreters, by contrast, regard it as an instance of poetic parallelism (the expression of the same idea in two parallel lines).
• Verse 12 originally refers to Israel. Some interpreters apply it to the church (compare 1 Peter 2:9), while others apply it to modern nations. Views differ on how far the application should extend.
• Verses 2–3 are often cited as a basis for using musical instruments in worship. However, some a cappella traditions regard these verses as regulations for Old Testament temple worship and do not treat them as binding (see debate over worship music).
• The "new song" also appears in Psalm 96, Isaiah 42, and Revelation 5. Verses 16–17 echo Psalm 20:7, which speaks of trusting in the LORD rather than in chariots and horses.

In the Korean Church

Verses 1–3 are frequently cited in sermons about choirs, worship teams, and praise services. Verse 12 is often used as a sermon text at prayer meetings for the nation.