Psalms 33 Explained!!

[Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

Click Reference Link to Read Psalms 33 Chapter: BibleRef.com

Chapter Commentary:

The psalm opens with a call on the collected worshippers of Israel. The psalmist, likely David, appeals for joyful praise of God. The opening verses refer to "a new song," which carries more than one meaning. In a literal sense, "new songs" are expressions of each generation's personal experience of God's goodness. Creating original songs to honor God is a way of praising and worshipping Him. The "new song" also implies a refreshed, ever-present sense of the Lord. David includes references to musical instruments in this call for praise (Psalm 33:1–3).

For most of the psalm, the psalmist extols God's justice, creative power, omnipotent sovereignty, and omniscient love for His people. God's power is demonstrated in His creative speech: by simply expressing His desire, He can form something from nothing. No earthly power can thwart God's will. As much as any country or culture tries to overthrow God, He cannot be defeated. Those who rely on worldly power are doomed to failure, while reliance on God is the path to eternal salvation (Psalm 33:4–19).

The end of this song is a collective shout of praise. To "wait" on the Lord implies a patient, attentive interest in His will. That requires trust, which is the essence of biblical faith. The people led by the psalmist sing their intent to rely on God and to eagerly expect His powerful work in their lives (Psalm 33:20–22).

Verse Context:

Psalm 33:1–3 calls upon the Lord's righteous people to delight in Him. They should praise God and be thankful to Him. The psalmist calls God's worshippers to use music and singing. Their praise should come so naturally that it is spontaneous.

Psalm 33:4–19 records David's reasons to praise the Lord. They include praise for God's Word, His creative power, His sovereignty over the nations, His all-seeing vision, His faithful works, and His deliverance of His people.

Psalm 33:20–22 completes David's song with an expression of faith in the Lord. The congregation and choir, having recounted the many reasons to praise the Lord, confess their peace, hope, and trust in God. They ask Him to place His steadfast love upon them.

Chapter Summary:

David summons the worshipers of Israel to be joyful as they praise God. The psalm celebrates God's creative power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Rather than relying on earthly strength, the Lord's people can trust in His omnipotent power. This results in a collective praise for God and His unfailing love for those who trust and hope in Him.

Chapter Context:

The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, attributes this psalm to David. It is a psalm that encourages worshipers to praise the Lord. It may have been written after Israel experienced a victory over an enemy. Because the verbs in this psalm are plural, it features the worship leader's call to worship and the worshipers' response.

Book Summary:

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

To help you all and myself get a full understanding of the Book of Psalms, I am going back to the beginning of Psalms, and including an explanation of each Chapter I have read.

And just as some of the current explanation of the Psalms having the Scripture links, and some won’t, so will these reposted ones have the same.

Again, this will help you all dig deep into your study of the Book of Psalm. I will redo Psalms 1 to Psalms 43. I will post Psalms 33 today, with Psalms 85.

I think it is a great idea to go back and study Psalms 1 to Psalms 43 with the explanation. Because the ones with the explanation will give you a detailed explanation of each Psalm.

I want to show that the people in the days of Psalms, also had questions for God and they expressed them – they poured out their hearts to God. God knows how we feel in our hearts when we are hard pressed down by the things of life – GOD LOVES US NO MATTER WHAT (Romans 8)!!

And God wants us to come to HIM and CAST ALL those CARES, things upon Him, just like the people in the Psalms. GOD CARES FOR US (1 Peter 5:7)!!

As we see from the Psalms, NO MATTER WHAT David faced, he PRAISED, THANKED, AND WORSHIPPED GOD!! NOT that he was glad he was going through, but he TRUSTED that GOD WOULD rescue him, and bring him through WHATEVER he faced; David remembered that GOD had brought him through every time in the past!!  Therefore, let us each day, as we read these Psalms, do as David did, PRAISE, THANK, AND WORSHIP GOD for HIS GOODNESS to us!!

There is ALWAYS something we can look back at, and see how GOD, our ABBA, has brought us out of!! And we can look at our present lives, and see GOD bringing us out of something every day!!

GOD IS A GOOD. GOOD, GOOD FATHER to us; HE takes GREAT care of us!!

Questions:

1. In today’s Psalm, do you see what David is praising God for, being thankful to God for, or worshiping God for?

2. Today, what are YOU praising God for, thankful to God for, or worshipping God for?

Just as before, I pray the explanation of each Chapter of the Book of Psalms, is a BLESSING to you all as you all dive deeper into the Word of God this year!!

And don’t forget to pray as you study this material, asking Holy Spirit to give you all the revelational knowledge YOU NEED, to transform your life from the inside out!! I pray this year will be your BEST year ever!! Stay walking hand in hand with our loving Heavenly Father, our ABBA, ALWAYS acknowledging Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in the way you should go daily, not going your own way, and be a disciple of Jesus, not a fan, then you won’t go wrong!!

Click Here for PDF Version of “Psalms 33 Explained!!”

 

Click Here for PDF Version of “Links to Psalms 1 to 32 Explained!!”

God’s BLESSINGS to you all and your families!!

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks