Psalm 33

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.

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

Key Outline:
1. v. 1-3 Sing and play before the Lord
2. v. 4-9 The Word of the Lord
3. v. 10-17 The Sovereignty of the Lord
4. v. 18- 22 The Lord preserves the way

Key Observation:
The Lord rules in majesty despite the intents of men.

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

Devotion:
J. Vernon McGee exults so much over this psalm that he suggests that we just study psalms rather than go to a new meeting on building better Sunday Schools or reading some new book. I agree heartily with his wishes!

This psalm is an orphan psalm. It is unattributed. It is possible that David wrote it, but that is only a guess. It is also the first psalm in which musical instruments are plainly mentioned.

It is necessary for we Christians to trust in the Lord, though we see all the armies of the world arrayed against us, yet it will be to no avail (Psalm 2). The Lord, the psalmest reminds us “made the heavens and the earth” and the “earth is filled with his goodness”. The Lord rules. End of story. So while we walk here, we walk in the most wonderful grace it is possible to imagine. This past year I have often found myself reflecting that we are in a “no-lose” situation. As bad as things can get in this world, and you have no need of me to tell you of the evil of this world, they cannot prevail. God has promised us eternity, and eternity we shall get. Once you let that idea get ahold of you it will change your perspective literally forever!

D. L. Moody says: “Now, grace means unmerited mercy—undeserved favor. If men were to wake up to the fact, they would not be talking about their own worthiness when we ask them to come to Christ. When the truth dawns upon them that Christ came to save the unworthy, then they will accept salvation.” Have you followed the gift of God through believing? Once for all it is done, and grace you receive, for now and all eternity, it is God’s Gift to you.