Psalm 33
Pastor Mark Hudson
I like to look at how others outline chapters. So here are some examples:
- Invocation to praise 1-3
- Substance of praise 4-19
- The Lord’s Word 4-9
- The Lord’s Plan 10-12
- The Lord’s Eye 13-15
- The Lord’s Might 16-19
- Conclusion 20-22 (Craigie, Word Commentary)
Rejoice in the Lord 1-3
His creative word 4-9
His triumphant will 10-12
His discerning gaze 13-19
We Hope in Thee 20-22 (Kidner)
Righteous exhorted to praise 1-3
Because of the excellency of His character 4-5
And His majesty in creation 6-7
Men to fear God because of His providence 8-11
His people are called blessed 12
Care of His people celebrated 13-19
Fervent expression of confidence 20-22 (Spurgeon, Treasury of David)
Since I prefer simple, I favor Craigie’s outline. Spurgeon’s does not have a unifying coherence. But he evidently loved this Psalm because he comments on this Psalm from pages 104-121. I like how Craigie helps us see (and remember) the contour and content of verses 4-19.
Verses 1-3 is a call to praise in terms of music. Notice praise befits us, and we are to use instruments, to sing, to play instruments and to shout affirmation. I heard a sermon where the minister asked the congregation to do the impossible: imagine a world without music. There are no symphonies, no instruments, no songs on the radio, on your phone or computer. No musical notes on any devices. There is no country, pop, rock, classical, jazz, etc. The church service is devoid of music and singing. Movies have no sound. T.V shows and sports with no music. Actually, you can’t imagine a world with the sound of singing birds or the various sounds of the human voice. John Lennon could not say, “It is easy if you try” on this task. The world would be a bit colder, less friendly, less joyful, and much less enjoyable. Thankfully, we don’t have a world like that.
In vs. 4-19, we have reasons to praise God. In 4-9, the Psalmist praises God for His word. The Lord and His word are in perfect harmony. As v. 6 states, God does not even perform His first act of creation apart from His word. Verse 7 may refer both to creation and the exodus as well as during Joshua’s crossing of the Jordan (Ex 15:8; Joshua 3:16). So, by His word He created the Jordan (and everything else) and when he spoke the flowing waters of the Jordan gathered in a heap – all just by His spoken word.
Then in vs. 10-12, we are to praise God for his sovereign will. He cancels the will of the nations. No matter how much authority the peoples (those who stand against God) think they have, He ‘frustrates the plans’. While His thoughts or His plans endure from generation to generation. Any nation that aligns themselves with Him will the blessed.
God sees everything according to vs. 13-15. There is nothing hidden from His sight. He knows all no matter if they profess to know and love Him or not. He is the very One who created their hearts where they think, will, and plan. God is so exalted; He has to come down (v. 13). What God sees; He knows. To see is to know.
The next section reminds us of the might or power of God. Oh, we are so limited in our minds by what our eyes see. Armies, horses, soldiers impress because they can maim and kill. But we ought to fear the One who can cast our souls into hell. He is the same who can deliver our souls from death. Just think of the power of God. We know so little of the next life. Some people even foolishly think there is no life after death. Don’t be tricked into believing that all that you can see is all there is. Be alive to who God is and the reality of the Kingdom of God.
The author ends with hope, joy, and love. Remember to compare the worldview of the Bible to the worldviews of the world. They offer nothing of lasting worth or value and where is the joy in a secular worldview? There is no reason for kindness (random acts of kindness?), compassion, or love. A godless person who is not a Christian may be loving, compassionate, and caring but there is no reason for it that naturally emerges from their worldview.
Lord, our soul waits for You and we are glad in You. There are so many good reasons to praise You. We praise You for Your Word, will, knowledge, and power. How can we ever thank You for who You are? That is a reason to praise You for the rest of our lives and all eternity. Open our eyes to Your worth, majesty, power, and love. In Christ’s glorious and eternal name. Amen.