Psalm 33

Psalm 33 is the 33rd psalm from the Book of Psalms. Its purpose is to praise "the Sovereignty of the Lord in Creation and History".[1] In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 32.

This article is about Psalm 33 in Hebrew (Masoretic) numbering. For Psalm 33 in Greek Septuagint or Latin Vulgate numbering, see Psalm 34.
Psalm 33
BookBook of Psalms
Hebrew Bible partKetuvim
Order in the Hebrew part1
CategorySifrei Emet
Christian Bible partOld Testament
Order in the Christian part19

Content

In the International Critical Commentary series, Charles and Emilie Briggs described it as follows: "Ps. 33 is a song of praise. (1) A call to worship in the temple with song, music, and shouting (v.1–3), because of the righteousness and kindness of Yahweh (v.4–5). (2) All mankind are called to fear Yahweh, the creator of all things, and disposer of all nations (v.6–10). (3) Yahweh from His heavenly throne inspects all mankind (v.13–15); and victory is not due to armies or warriors (v.16–17). (4) He delivereth those who fear Him (v.18–19); therefore his people long for Him, are glad in him, and trust in His name for victory (v.20–22). A gloss praises the plans of Yahweh as everlastingly secure, and also the happiness of His people (v.11–12)."[2]

Psalm 33 does not contain an ascription to any particular author in the Hebrew text, although the Septuagint ascribes it to David.[3] Some manuscripts join it with Psalm 32.[4] The Briggses suggest that it dates to the time of the Maccabees.[3]

Psalm 33 (KJV)

1. Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

2. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

3. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

4. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

5. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

6. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

7. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

8. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

13. The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

14. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

15. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

16. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

17. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

18. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

19. To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

20. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

21. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

22. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Verse 7
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.[5]

Alternatively, "as a heap" may be read as "in a vessel",[6] or "in a wineskin".[7]

Uses

Judaism

New Testament

Verse 6, "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made",[17] is alluded to in Hebrews 11:3: "By faith we know the universe was made by God's command".[18]

Book of Common Prayer

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the sixth day of the month.[19]

References
  1. Sub-title to Psalm 33 in the New King James Version
  2. Briggs & Briggs 1960, pp. 284–85.
  3. Briggs & Briggs 1960, p. 286.
  4. Rodd, C. S., 18. Psalms, in Barton, J. and Muddiman, J. (2001), The Oxford Bible Commentary, p. 377
  5. Psalm 33:7: New King James Version
  6. Footnote b in the New King James Version at Psalm 33:7
  7. Main text translation of Psalm 33:7 in the Jerusalem Bible (1966); "heap" also reported as reflecting the Hebrew
  8. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 386
  9. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 770
  10. The Artscroll Tehillim, p. 329
  11. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 405
  12. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 66
  13. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah, p. 111
  14. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 64
  15. The Complete Artscroll Siddur p. 137
  16. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 265
  17. Psalm 33:6: NIV
  18. Hebrews 11:3: NIV
  19. Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff

Bibliography
  • Briggs, Charles Augustus; Briggs, Emilie Grace (1960) [1906]. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Psalms. International Critical Commentary. Vol. 1. Edinburgh: T & T Clark.
  • Nosson Scherman (1984), The Complete Artscroll Siddur, Mesorah Publications, ISBN 978-0899066509.
  • Psalm 33 in Hebrew and English – Mechon-mamre
  • Psalm 33 King James Bible – Wikisource
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