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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 33, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: {for} praise is comely for the upright.
Psalms 33:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery {and} an instrument of ten strings.
Psalms 33:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
Psalms 33:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 For the word of the LORD {is} right; and all his works {are done} in truth.
Psalms 33:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. {goodness: or, mercy}
Psalms 33:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Psalms 33:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
Psalms 33:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Psalms 33:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 For he spake, and it was {done}; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Psalms 33:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. {bringeth: Heb. maketh frustrate}
Psalms 33:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. {to all...: Heb. to generation and generation}
Psalms 33:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Blessed {is} the nation whose God {is} the LORD; {and} the people {whom} he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 33:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
Psalms 33:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
Psalms 33:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
Psalms 33:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Psalms 33:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17 An horse {is} a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver {any} by his great strength.
Psalms 33:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD {is} upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psalms 33:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Psalms 33:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he {is} our help and our shield.
Psalms 33:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Psalms 33:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Psalms 33:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.