Verses 1-3

Psalm 33:1-22. A call to lively and joyous praise to God for His glorious attributes and works, as displayed in creation, and His general and special providence, in view of which, the Psalmist, for all the pious, professes trust and joy and invokes God‘s mercy.

The sentiment falls in with Psalm 32:11 (compare 1 Corinthians 14:15). The instruments (Psalm 92:3; Psalm 144:9) do not exclude the voice.

Verse 3

a new song — fresh, adapted to the occasion (Psalm 40:3; Psalm 96:1).

play skilfully — (Compare 1 Samuel 16:17).

Verses 4-9

Reasons for praise: first, God‘s truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.

Verse 6

In “word” and “breath” - or, “spirit,” there may be an allusion to the Son (John 1:1) and Holy Spirit.

Verse 9

he spake — literally, “said.”

it was — The addition of “done” weakens the sense (compare Genesis 1:3-10).

Verse 10-11

In God‘s providence He thwarts men‘s purposes and executes His own.

heathen — literally, “nations.”

Verses 12-19

The inference from the foregoing in Psalm 33:12 is illustrated by God‘s special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.

Verse 13

looketh — intently (Isaiah 14:16).

Verse 15

fashioneth — or, “forms,” and hence knows and controls (Proverbs 21:1).

alike — without exception.

considereth — or, “understands”; God knows men‘s motives.

Verse 16-17

Men‘s usual reliances in their greatest exigencies are, in themselves, useless.

Verse 17

On the war horse (compare Job 39:19-25).

a vain thing — a lie, which deceives us.

Verse 18-19

Contrasted is God‘s guidance and power to save from the greatest earthly evil and its most painful precursor, and hence from all.

Verses 20-22

waiteth — in earnest expectation.

Verse 21

his holy name — (Compare Psalm 5:12; Psalm 22:22; Psalm 30:4). Our faith measures mercy (Matthew 9:29); and if of grace, it is no more of debt (Romans 11:6).