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Psalms 33:12
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Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Hence the call to praise God is supported (2) by a setting forth of that which His people possess in Him. This portion of the song is like a paraphrase of the אשׁרי in Deu 33:29. The theme in Psa 33:12 is proved in Psa 33:13 by the fact, that Jahve is the omniscient Ruler, because He is the Creator of men, without whose knowledge nothing is undertaken either secretly or openly, and especially if against His people. Then in Psa 33:16 it is supported by the fact, that His people have in Jahve a stronger defence than the greatest worldly power would be. Jahve is called the fashioner of all the hearts of men, as in Zac 12:1, cf. Pro 24:12, as being their Maker. As such He is also the observer of all the works of men; for His is acquainted with their origin in the laboratory of the heart, which He as Creator has formed. Hupfeld takes יחד as an equalisation (pariter ac) of the two appositions; but then it ought to be וּמבין (cf. Psa 49:3, Psa 49:11). The lxx correctly renders it καταμόνας, singillatim. It is also needless to translate it, as Hupfeld does: He who formed, qui finxit; for the hearts of men were not from the very first created all at one time, but the primeval impartation of spirit-life is continued at every birth in some mysterious way. God is the Father of spirits, Heb 12:9. For this very reason everything that exists, even to the most hidden thing, is encompassed by His omniscience and omnipotence. He exercises an omniscient control over all things, and makes all things subservient to the designs of His plan of the universe, which, so far as His people are concerned, is the plan of salvation. Without Him nothing comes to pass; but through Him everything takes place. The victory of the king, and the safety of the warrior, are not their own works. Their great military power and bodily strength can accomplish nothing without God, who can also be mighty in the feeble. Even for purposes of victory (תּשׁוּעה, cf. ישׁוּעה, Psa 21:2) the war-horse is שׁקר, i.e., a thing that promises much, but can in reality do nothing; it is not its great strength, by which it enables the trooper to escape (ימלּט). "The horse," says Solomon in Pro 21:31, "is equipped for the day of battle, but התּשׁוּעה לה, Jahve's is the victory," He giveth it to whomsoever He will. The ultimate ends of all things that come to pass are in His hands, and - as Psa 33:18. say, directing special attention to this important truth by הנּה - the eye of this God, that is to say the final aim of His government of the world, is directed towards them that fear Him, is pointed at them that hope in His mercy (למיחלים). In Psa 33:19, the object, לחסדּו, is expanded by way of example. From His mercy or loving-kindness, not from any acts of their own, conscious of their limited condition and feebleness, they look for protection in the midst of the greatest peril, and for the preservation of their life in famine. Psa 20:8 is very similar; but the one passage sounds as independent as the other.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The inference from the foregoing in Psa 33:12 is illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,.... Who have an interest in such a wonder working God, both in creation and in providence, and especially in grace: which, though it may have a principal regard to the nation of Israel, whose God he was in a very distinguishing manner, yet must not be limited to them; for he is the God of the Gentiles also: this nation is the chosen generation, the holy nation and peculiar people, both among Jews and Gentiles; and the Lord is the God of these; not only as the God of nature and providence, but as the God of all grace; who must be happy, since he is their portion and exceeding great reward; nor shall they want any good thing, nor need they fear any evil; they are on the heart of God, and cannot be separated from his love; they are engraven on the palms of his hands, and shall be helped, strengthened, and upheld with the right hand of his righteousness; all things work together for their good; and this God of theirs will be their God and guide unto death; they may expect every needful good thing now, and all glory and happiness hereafter; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance; not Israel only, but the Gentiles also; not all mankind, but a peculiar people, whom the Lord has chosen out of the world to be his possession, and who are his jewels and peculiar treasure; these are happy, being the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance; and he chooses an inheritance for them, adopts and begets them unto it, and makes them meet to be partakers of it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here taught to give to God the glory, I. Of his common providence towards all the children of men. Though he has endued man with understanding and freedom of will, yet he reserves to himself the government of him, and even of those very faculties by which he is qualified to govern himself. 1. The children of men are all under his eye, even their hearts are so; and all the motions and operations of their souls, which none know but they themselves, he knows better than they themselves, Psa 33:13, Psa 33:14. Though the residence of God's glory is in the highest heavens, yet thence he not only has a prospect of all the earth, but a particular inspection of all the inhabitants of the earth. He not only beholds them, but he looks upon them; he looks narrowly upon them (so the word here used is sometimes rendered), so narrowly that not the least thought can escape his observation. Atheists think that, because he dwells above in heaven, he cannot, or will not, take notice of what is done here in this lower world; but thence, high as it is, he sees us all, and all persons and thing are naked and open before him. 2. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand: He fashions their hearts. He made them at first, formed the spirit of each man within him, then when he brought him into being. Hence he is called the Father of spirits: and this is a good argument to prove that he perfectly knows them. The artist that made the clock, can account for the motions of every wheel. David uses this argument with application to himself, Psa 139:1, Psa 139:14. He still moulds the hearts of men, turns them as the rivers of water, which way soever he pleases, to serve his own purposes, darkens or enlightens men's understandings, stiffens or bows their wills, according as he is pleased to make use of them. He that fashions men's hearts fashions them alike. It is in hearts as in faces, though there is a great difference, and such a variety as that no two faces are exactly of the same features, nor any two hearts exactly of the same temper, yet there is such a similitude that, in some things, all faces and all hearts agree, as in water face answers to face, Pro 27:19. He fashions them together (so some read it); as the wheels of a watch, though of different shapes, sizes, and motions, are yet all put together, to serve one and the same purpose, so the hearts of men and their dispositions, however varying from each other and seeming to contradict one another, are yet all overruled to serve the divine purpose, which is one. 3. They, and all they do, are obnoxious to his judgment; for he considers all their works, not only knows them, but weighs them, that he may render to every man according to his works, in the day, in the world, of retribution, in the judgment, and to eternity. 4. All the powers of the creature have a dependence upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him, Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17. It is much for the honour of God that not only no force can prevail in opposition to him, but that no force can act but in dependence on him and by a power derived from him. (1.) The strength of a king is nothing without God. No king is sacred by his royal prerogatives, or the authority with which he is invested; for the powers that are, of that kind, are ordained of God, and are what he makes them, and no more. David was a king, and a man of war from his youth, and yet acknowledged God to be his only protector and Saviour. (2.) The strength of an army is nothing without God. The multitude of a host cannot secure those under whose command they act, unless God make them a security to them. A great army cannot be sure of victory; for, when God pleases, one shall chase a thousand. (3.) The strength of a giant is nothing without God. A mighty man, such as Goliath was, is not delivered by his much strength, when his day comes to fall. Neither the firmness and activity of his body nor the stoutness and resolution of his mind will stand him in any stead, any further than God is pleased to give him success. Let not the strong man then glory in his strength, but let us all strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God, go forth, and go on, in his strength. (4.) The strength of a horse is nothing without God (Psa 33:17): A horse is a vain thing for safety. In war horses were then so highly accounted of, and so much depended on, that God forbade the kings of Israel to multiply horses (Deu 17:16), lest they should be tempted to trust to them and their confidence should thereby be taken off from God. David houghed the horses of the Syrians (Sa2 8:4); here he houghs all the horses in the world, by pronouncing a horse a vain thing for safety in the day of battle. If the war-horse be unruly and ill-managed, he may hurry his rider into danger instead of carrying him out of danger. If he be killed under him, he may be his death, instead of saving his life. It is therefore our interest to make sure God's favour towards us, and then we may be sure of his power engaged for us, and need not fear whatever is against us. II. We are to give God the glory of his special grace. In the midst of his acknowledgements of God's providence he pronounces those blessed that have Jehovah for their God, who governs the world, and has wherewithal to help them in every time of need, while those were miserable who had this and the other Baal for their god, which was so far from being able to hear and help them that is was itself senseless and helpless (Psa 33:12): Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, even Israel, who had the knowledge of the true God and were taken into covenant with him, and all others who own God for theirs and are owned by him; for they also, whatever nation they are of, are of the spiritual seed of Abraham. 1. It is their wisdom that they take the Lord for their God, that they direct their homage and adoration there where it is due and where the payment of it will not be in vain. 2. It is their happiness that they are the people whom God has chosen for his own inheritance, whom he is pleased with, and honoured in, and whom he protects and takes care of, whom he cultivates and improves as a man does his inheritance, Deu 32:9. Now let us observe here, to the honour of divine grace, (1.) The regard which God has to his people, Psa 33:18, Psa 33:19. God beholds all the sons of men with an eye of observation, but his eye of favour and complacency is upon those that fear him. He looks upon them with delight, as the father on his children, as the bridegroom on his spouse, Isa 62:5. While those that depend on arms and armies, on chariots and horses, perish in the disappointment of their expectations, God's people, under his protection, are safe, for he shall deliver their soul from death when there seems to be but a step between them and it. If he do not deliver the body from temporal death, yet he will deliver the soul from spiritual and eternal death. Their souls, whatever happens, shall live and praise him, either in this world or in a better. From his bounty they shall be supplied with all necessaries. he shall keep them alive in famine; when others die for want, they shall live, which shall make it a distinguishing mercy. When visible means fail, God will find out some way or other to supply them. He does not say that he will give them abundance (they have no reason either to desire it or to expect it), but he will keep them alive; they shall not starve; and, when destroying judgments are abroad, it ought to be reckoned a great favour, for it is a very striking one, and lays us under peculiar obligations, to have our lives given us for a prey. Those that have the Lord for their God shall find him their help and their shield, Psa 33:20. In their difficulties he will assist them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them, so that they shall not receive any real damage. (2.) The regard which God's people have to him and which we ought to have in consideration of this. [1.] We must wait for God. We must attend the motions of his providence, and accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently expect the issue of them. Our souls must wait for him, Psa 33:20. We must not only in word and tongue profess a believing regard to God, but it must be inward and sincere, a secret and silent attendance on him. [2.] We must rely on God, hope in his mercy, in the goodness of his nature, though we have not an express promise to depend upon. Those that fear God and his wrath must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from God, but by flying to him. These pious dispositions will not only consist together, but befriend each other, a holy fear of God and yet at the same time a hope in his mercy. This is trusting in his holy name (Psa 33:21), in all that whereby he has made known himself to us, for our encouragement to serve him. [3.] We must rejoice in God, Psa 33:21. Those do not truly rest in God, or do not know the unspeakable advantage they have by so doing, who do not rejoice in him at all times; because those that hope in God hope for an eternal fulness of joy in his presence. [4.] We must seek to him for that mercy which we hope in, Psa 33:22. Our expectations from God are not to supersede, but to quicken and encourage, our applications to him; he will be sought unto for that which he has promised, and therefore the psalm concludes with a short but comprehensive prayer, "Let thy mercy, O Lord! be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit of it, not according as we merit from thee, but according as we hope in thee, that is, according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us and according to the faith which thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us." If, in singing these verses, we put forth a dependence upon God, and let out our desires towards him, we make melody with our hearts to the Lord.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:12 People who fear God are chosen as his inheritance (see 33:13-19); this excludes rebellious people (78:62).
Psalms 33:12
Praise to the Creator
11The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. 12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1
By Alan Cairns3.4K09:08PSA 33:12PRO 14:34PRO 29:2MIC 6:8MAT 22:21ROM 6:232CO 10:5EPH 5:111TI 2:11PE 5:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage in the political process with a discerning eye, recognizing the threats to Christian morality and the right of Christianity to exist in society. The message underscores the need for God's people to stand against anti-Christian ideologies and to make informed decisions based on God's truth.
Open Air Meeting - Part 2
By Billy Sunday3.0K02:47PSA 33:12PRO 14:34MAT 22:21ROM 13:11PE 2:13
This sermon addresses the presence of bootleggers, moonshiners, and moral decay in society, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral values and the role of faith in God and Jesus Christ in maintaining civilization. It calls for the enforcement of laws and the preservation of American values, urging individuals to embrace the principles of citizenship and loyalty to the nation.
A Christian Manifesto - Part 1
By Francis Schaeffer2.2K14:34PSA 33:12PRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 5:13ACT 5:29ROM 12:2GAL 6:7EPH 6:122TI 4:31PE 5:8
Dr. Francis Schaeffer, a missionary to American intellectuals, founded L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland to address life's philosophical questions. He emphasized the importance of historic Christianity in solving modern dilemmas, highlighting the shift from a Christian to a humanistic worldview as the root cause of societal issues. Schaeffer warned about the consequences of a materialistic, humanistic worldview on morality, law, and freedom, particularly in the context of public institutions like schools and courts.
Turning the Tide - Part 3
By Charles Stanley1.8K08:392CH 7:14PSA 33:12PRO 14:34JAS 5:161PE 4:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of upholding the biblical view of marriage as between a husband and a wife, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's design. It also addresses the correlation between societal wickedness and disasters, urging believers to humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from wickedness to bring about healing and restoration. The call to prayer for the nation is extended, emphasizing the need for righteousness and obedience to accompany fervent intercession for lasting change.
Leonard Ravenhill's America Is Too Young to Die
By David Ravenhill1.5K02:552CH 7:14PSA 33:12ISA 64:1EPH 6:18JAS 5:16
This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for prayer and spiritual revival in America, drawing attention to the moral, economic, political, and spiritual decline of the nation. It stresses the importance of humbling ourselves, turning from wickedness, and seeking God's face in prayer as the key to healing the land. The message highlights the necessity for desperate, fervent prayer to bring about a transformation and calls believers to a deeper level of intercession for the nation's restoration.
The Foursquare Gospel
By George Jeffreys1.2K09:46GospelPSA 33:12MRK 16:17LUK 21:28LUK 24:49ACT 2:38ROM 8:232TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting back to the Bible and accepting it as the inspired word of God. The Four Square Gospel message is highlighted as a powerful and transformative message that meets the needs of individuals in spirit, soul, and body. The preacher explains that this message includes salvation through Jesus, healing through Jesus, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the second coming of Christ. The sermon also references biblical examples and teachings to support the message, such as Jesus' authority and Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Son of God.
Psalms 33 - Christianity Personal Corporate
By Richard Owen Roberts6131:43:05PSA 33:12PSA 33:20ISA 65:1ISA 65:17ISA 65:24
This sermon emphasizes the importance of a nation being under God's blessing by acknowledging Him as Lord. It challenges individuals to consider personal and corporate repentance, highlighting the need for revival not just on a personal level but also on a national scale. The speaker urges listeners to believe in the possibility of God using ordinary individuals, especially the youth, to bring about significant change and to seek a closer relationship with Christ.
One Nation Above God
By Shane Idleman55224:07DEU 28:1JDG 2:10PSA 33:12MIC 6:8MAT 11:28
This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to God and the foundational principles of biblical values that shaped the nation. It discusses the significance of prayer, the dangers of drifting away from God, and the need for individuals to stand up for righteousness in the face of moral decline and societal challenges.
Why Didn't Someone Do Something?
By Shane Idleman55059:36DEU 28:1JDG 2:10PSA 33:12MIC 6:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering in various aspects: remembering God's commands, the nation's history, and the need for revival. It calls for prayer, fasting, and seeking God's intervention to address the moral decline and challenges faced by the nation. The speaker highlights the critical role of prayer and fasting in seeking God's guidance and restoration.
God Goes to Washington
By Aimee Semple McPherson7540:49RevivalFaith in America2CH 7:14PSA 33:12PRO 14:34JER 29:11MAT 5:14Aimee Semple McPherson emphasizes the profound impact of faith on the founding and future of America, urging a return to the principles of prayer and the Bible that shaped the nation. She calls for a revival that transcends borders, highlighting the importance of God in Washington and the need for citizens to stand firm in their faith amidst rising secularism and destructive ideologies. McPherson passionately reminds her audience of the historical significance of prayer in American governance and the necessity of maintaining a moral compass rooted in scripture. She encourages individuals to embrace their Christian identity and actively participate in the revival of faith in their communities and the nation. The sermon culminates in a heartfelt invitation for all to accept Christ and commit to living out their faith.
The Futility of One Nation Above God
By Shane Idleman1855:05Moral DecayFaith and NationPSA 33:12PRO 1:7ROM 3:15Shane Idleman emphasizes the futility of prioritizing a nation above God, particularly in the context of Memorial Day, urging remembrance of the sacrifices made for freedoms that are now being undermined by moral decay. He highlights the historical significance of America being founded on godly principles and warns against the consequences of valuing privileges over principles. Idleman calls for a return to the fear of God and the importance of teaching future generations about faith and morality, asserting that true change must come from a spiritual awakening and a commitment to uphold God's Word in all areas of life.
Ezekiel 16:14
By Chuck Smith0God's BeautyCovenant Relationship2CH 15:2PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 61:3EZK 16:14MAT 5:16ROM 12:22CO 3:18GAL 5:221PE 3:3Chuck Smith emphasizes the beauty of the Lord as reflected in the nation of Israel, which was transformed from nothing into a strong and beautiful nation through God's grace. However, as Israel became prosperous, she turned away from God to pursue other idols, mirroring the current state of America, which has also strayed from its covenant with God. The sermon highlights that true beauty comes from a relationship with God, who desires to mold us into His image, and warns against the dangers of trusting in our own beauty rather than in Him. Smith calls for a return to God, reminding us that righteousness exalts a nation while sin brings reproach. Ultimately, he encourages believers to allow the beauty of Jesus to shine through their lives.
I Kings 17:7
By Chuck Smith0IdolatryNational RepentanceDEU 8:192CH 7:14PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 1:4JER 2:13HOS 4:6MAT 6:24ROM 12:2REV 3:19Chuck Smith discusses the decline of Israel as a nation, emphasizing that their sin against God led to their downfall. He highlights how Israel, once established by God, turned to worship other gods and forsook His laws, ultimately leading to their destruction. Smith draws parallels to America, warning that the nation has similarly strayed from its foundation in God, embracing materialism and false idols. He stresses the importance of recognizing God's warnings and returning to Him to avoid a similar fate. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
By Thomas Brooks0National IntegrityRighteousness2CH 7:14PSA 33:12PSA 37:27PRO 14:34PRO 21:3ISA 1:17JER 22:3MIC 6:8MAT 5:6ROM 1:17Thomas Brooks emphasizes that righteousness is the true foundation for a nation's greatness, contrasting it with the futility of wealth, military power, and political strategy. He argues that it is not external factors that elevate a nation, but rather its commitment to justice and righteousness. Brooks warns that if a nation allows injustice to flourish, it will face divine consequences, urging a return to righteousness for true honor and security. He specifically calls out England, cautioning against the dangers of supporting the wicked while oppressing the righteous.
The World War and What Followed
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 2:4ISA 9:6DAN 2:21MAT 24:6ROM 13:11TH 5:32TI 3:1REV 17:14Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned by the prophet Daniel. The sermon delves into the prediction of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom, ultimately leading to the unleashing of the dogs of war. Gaebelein discusses the intricate timeline of events in July 1914 that sparked the European tragedy, emphasizing the unseen power behind the human hatred. The sermon also touches on the significant role of various nations, the failure of peace negotiations, the rise of Japan, the League of Nations, and the aftermath of the war, including the Prohibition amendment and its unintended consequences.
The Beginning of the Harvest of Russian Recognition in the United States
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein02CH 7:14PSA 33:12PSA 46:1PRO 3:5ISA 41:10MAT 5:14ROM 15:131CO 16:13EPH 6:121PE 5:8Arno Clemens Gaebelein delivers a sermon highlighting the alarming rise of Communist activities in the United States post-establishment of diplomatic relations with Russia, leading to revolutionary propaganda, sabotage, and subversive actions. The sermon delves into the infiltration of Communist ideologies in various sectors, including labor unions, schools, and government agencies, causing unrest and potential threats to national security. Gaebelein also addresses the economic challenges faced by the nation, the failure of recovery efforts under the New Deal, and the growing military tensions in Europe, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and a return to faith amidst the prevailing hopelessness and chaos in the world.
The Lamb's Book of Life
By James Smith0PSA 33:12JHN 1:29JHN 3:19JHN 6:37ROM 8:29ROM 11:7EPH 1:42TI 1:9REV 13:8James Smith preaches about the representation of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Lamb in Scripture, symbolizing His sacrifice for sin and His role in taking away the sins of the world. The sermon delves into the concept of the 'book of life' where the names of the beloved are recorded, emphasizing the eternal purpose of God and the assurance of salvation through Jesus. It highlights the doctrine of eternal election, explaining how God's chosen ones are predestined for sonship and eternal glory, encouraging believers to find strong consolation in their election and to live holy lives devoted to God.
Exposition on Psalm 34
By St. Augustine0PSA 33:1PSA 33:5PSA 33:8PSA 33:12PSA 33:18PSA 33:20St. Augustine preaches about the importance of righteousness, humility, and trust in the Lord. He emphasizes the need to depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and have patience in tribulations. St. Augustine highlights the significance of faith as the firm support of a Christian, likening it to unbreakable bones. He explains that the death of sinners is the worst, especially for those who hate the righteous one, but assures that the Lord redeems the souls of His servants, and none who trust in Him shall perish.
The Structure of the Books of the Old Testament According to the Hebrew Canon
By E.W. Bullinger0GEN 15:1JOS 1:3PSA 33:12ISA 9:6DAN 12:1E.W. Bullinger delves into the structure of the Bible, highlighting the organization of the books into categories such as The Law, The Prophets, and The Psalms. Each section reveals God's interaction with Israel, from their beginnings as a family to their establishment as a nation, and the eventual blessings and judgments they experience. The Psalms, Proverbs, and other writings showcase God's purposes, moral governance, and the ultimate deliverance and redemption of His people.
America Then vs Now
By Shane Idleman0PSA 33:12PRO 14:34MAT 5:132TI 3:161PE 2:9Shane Idleman preaches on the significant shift in America's foundation from being deeply rooted in biblical principles during its conception to the current state where the Bible is mocked, ridiculed, and discarded. He contrasts the reverence for the Bible among the Founding Fathers, early American leaders, and educational institutions with the current challenges faced by those who openly profess faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon highlights the drastic change in societal values, from protecting innocent life and upholding Christian principles to the normalization of practices like abortion and the suppression of Christian beliefs in public spaces.
China's Confession ---- Episode 4
By Zhiming Yuan02CH 7:14PSA 33:12PSA 51:10PRO 3:5ISA 1:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:9ROM 12:2PHP 4:13Zhiming Yuan delivers a sermon on the tumultuous history of China from 1840 to 1990, highlighting key events such as the Taiping Rebellion, the Westernization Movement, the Boxers' Rebellion, and the rise of influential figures like Hong Xiuquan, Hong Renxuan, and Sun Yatsen. The sermon emphasizes the impact of Christianity on these historical figures and the nation's quest for reform, democracy, and cultural renewal amidst political corruption and moral decay. Yuan reflects on the struggles, failures, and ultimate resilience of the Chinese people in their journey towards embracing God's values and principles.
Changing the Politicians' Thinking
By Robert P. Jr Dugan0GEN 1:26LEV 25:10PSA 33:12PRO 6:16PRO 29:18HOS 4:6AMO 5:24JHN 8:321TI 5:8Robert P. Jr Dugan preaches about the importance of evangelicals engaging in politics to influence society positively by being both salt and light. He emphasizes the need for evangelicals to commit to a new level of civic awareness, educating themselves on crucial issues and influencing lawmakers through personal contact, single-interest groups, and broader agendas. Dugan highlights the significance of evangelicals promoting Judeo-Christian values in education and legislation, protecting religious liberty, preserving the traditional family, and advocating for justice for all, including the protection of life as sacred.
From the Death of Queen Alexandra to the Death of Antigonus
By Flavius Josephus0PSA 20:7PSA 33:12PSA 118:8PSA 146:3PRO 3:5PRO 16:7PRO 21:1ROM 12:18ROM 13:1ROM 15:5Flavius Josephus recounts the political intrigues and power struggles within Judea, highlighting the influence of Antipater and his sons, Herod and Phasaelus, in the governance of the region. The narrative includes the accusations against Herod, his trial before the Sanhedrin, and his subsequent rise to power with Roman support. The account also details the honors and alliances that the Romans, including Julius Caesar, bestowed upon the Jews, showcasing their courage, fidelity, and political significance in the region.
Letter - to King Charles Ii
By Isaac Penington0PSA 33:12PRO 16:12PRO 21:1MIC 6:81PE 5:5Isaac Penington preaches a message to the king, urging him to govern with purity, peace, and righteousness, seeking guidance from God to avoid further shaking and dissettling of the nation. He warns against pride, forgetting the Lord in times of prosperity, and the dangers of governing without God's counsel. Penington emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience to God's will, and seeking after love, meekness, and righteousness in leadership. He encourages the king to eschew worldly pleasures, avoid unnecessary yokes over people's consciences, and to walk in the path of self-denial and mortification for eternal blessings.
To the Present Distracted and Broken Nation of England
By Edward Burrough02CH 7:14PSA 33:12PSA 37:37PSA 85:10PRO 14:34PRO 16:7PRO 29:2ISA 1:4JER 18:7MIC 6:8Edward Burrough preaches a message of lamentation and mourning over the divisions, distractions, and sins plaguing the nation of England. He highlights the consequences of the nation's sins, the lack of true peace and unity, and the need for repentance and turning back to God. Burrough emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's guidance and righteousness in governance, warning against self-seeking and corruption in leadership. He calls for a genuine transformation, urging the nation to forsake iniquities, embrace righteousness, and seek true peace, unity, and justice under God's rule.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Hence the call to praise God is supported (2) by a setting forth of that which His people possess in Him. This portion of the song is like a paraphrase of the אשׁרי in Deu 33:29. The theme in Psa 33:12 is proved in Psa 33:13 by the fact, that Jahve is the omniscient Ruler, because He is the Creator of men, without whose knowledge nothing is undertaken either secretly or openly, and especially if against His people. Then in Psa 33:16 it is supported by the fact, that His people have in Jahve a stronger defence than the greatest worldly power would be. Jahve is called the fashioner of all the hearts of men, as in Zac 12:1, cf. Pro 24:12, as being their Maker. As such He is also the observer of all the works of men; for His is acquainted with their origin in the laboratory of the heart, which He as Creator has formed. Hupfeld takes יחד as an equalisation (pariter ac) of the two appositions; but then it ought to be וּמבין (cf. Psa 49:3, Psa 49:11). The lxx correctly renders it καταμόνας, singillatim. It is also needless to translate it, as Hupfeld does: He who formed, qui finxit; for the hearts of men were not from the very first created all at one time, but the primeval impartation of spirit-life is continued at every birth in some mysterious way. God is the Father of spirits, Heb 12:9. For this very reason everything that exists, even to the most hidden thing, is encompassed by His omniscience and omnipotence. He exercises an omniscient control over all things, and makes all things subservient to the designs of His plan of the universe, which, so far as His people are concerned, is the plan of salvation. Without Him nothing comes to pass; but through Him everything takes place. The victory of the king, and the safety of the warrior, are not their own works. Their great military power and bodily strength can accomplish nothing without God, who can also be mighty in the feeble. Even for purposes of victory (תּשׁוּעה, cf. ישׁוּעה, Psa 21:2) the war-horse is שׁקר, i.e., a thing that promises much, but can in reality do nothing; it is not its great strength, by which it enables the trooper to escape (ימלּט). "The horse," says Solomon in Pro 21:31, "is equipped for the day of battle, but התּשׁוּעה לה, Jahve's is the victory," He giveth it to whomsoever He will. The ultimate ends of all things that come to pass are in His hands, and - as Psa 33:18. say, directing special attention to this important truth by הנּה - the eye of this God, that is to say the final aim of His government of the world, is directed towards them that fear Him, is pointed at them that hope in His mercy (למיחלים). In Psa 33:19, the object, לחסדּו, is expanded by way of example. From His mercy or loving-kindness, not from any acts of their own, conscious of their limited condition and feebleness, they look for protection in the midst of the greatest peril, and for the preservation of their life in famine. Psa 20:8 is very similar; but the one passage sounds as independent as the other.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The inference from the foregoing in Psa 33:12 is illustrated by God's special providence, underlying which is His minute knowledge of all men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,.... Who have an interest in such a wonder working God, both in creation and in providence, and especially in grace: which, though it may have a principal regard to the nation of Israel, whose God he was in a very distinguishing manner, yet must not be limited to them; for he is the God of the Gentiles also: this nation is the chosen generation, the holy nation and peculiar people, both among Jews and Gentiles; and the Lord is the God of these; not only as the God of nature and providence, but as the God of all grace; who must be happy, since he is their portion and exceeding great reward; nor shall they want any good thing, nor need they fear any evil; they are on the heart of God, and cannot be separated from his love; they are engraven on the palms of his hands, and shall be helped, strengthened, and upheld with the right hand of his righteousness; all things work together for their good; and this God of theirs will be their God and guide unto death; they may expect every needful good thing now, and all glory and happiness hereafter; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance; not Israel only, but the Gentiles also; not all mankind, but a peculiar people, whom the Lord has chosen out of the world to be his possession, and who are his jewels and peculiar treasure; these are happy, being the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance; and he chooses an inheritance for them, adopts and begets them unto it, and makes them meet to be partakers of it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here taught to give to God the glory, I. Of his common providence towards all the children of men. Though he has endued man with understanding and freedom of will, yet he reserves to himself the government of him, and even of those very faculties by which he is qualified to govern himself. 1. The children of men are all under his eye, even their hearts are so; and all the motions and operations of their souls, which none know but they themselves, he knows better than they themselves, Psa 33:13, Psa 33:14. Though the residence of God's glory is in the highest heavens, yet thence he not only has a prospect of all the earth, but a particular inspection of all the inhabitants of the earth. He not only beholds them, but he looks upon them; he looks narrowly upon them (so the word here used is sometimes rendered), so narrowly that not the least thought can escape his observation. Atheists think that, because he dwells above in heaven, he cannot, or will not, take notice of what is done here in this lower world; but thence, high as it is, he sees us all, and all persons and thing are naked and open before him. 2. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand: He fashions their hearts. He made them at first, formed the spirit of each man within him, then when he brought him into being. Hence he is called the Father of spirits: and this is a good argument to prove that he perfectly knows them. The artist that made the clock, can account for the motions of every wheel. David uses this argument with application to himself, Psa 139:1, Psa 139:14. He still moulds the hearts of men, turns them as the rivers of water, which way soever he pleases, to serve his own purposes, darkens or enlightens men's understandings, stiffens or bows their wills, according as he is pleased to make use of them. He that fashions men's hearts fashions them alike. It is in hearts as in faces, though there is a great difference, and such a variety as that no two faces are exactly of the same features, nor any two hearts exactly of the same temper, yet there is such a similitude that, in some things, all faces and all hearts agree, as in water face answers to face, Pro 27:19. He fashions them together (so some read it); as the wheels of a watch, though of different shapes, sizes, and motions, are yet all put together, to serve one and the same purpose, so the hearts of men and their dispositions, however varying from each other and seeming to contradict one another, are yet all overruled to serve the divine purpose, which is one. 3. They, and all they do, are obnoxious to his judgment; for he considers all their works, not only knows them, but weighs them, that he may render to every man according to his works, in the day, in the world, of retribution, in the judgment, and to eternity. 4. All the powers of the creature have a dependence upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him, Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17. It is much for the honour of God that not only no force can prevail in opposition to him, but that no force can act but in dependence on him and by a power derived from him. (1.) The strength of a king is nothing without God. No king is sacred by his royal prerogatives, or the authority with which he is invested; for the powers that are, of that kind, are ordained of God, and are what he makes them, and no more. David was a king, and a man of war from his youth, and yet acknowledged God to be his only protector and Saviour. (2.) The strength of an army is nothing without God. The multitude of a host cannot secure those under whose command they act, unless God make them a security to them. A great army cannot be sure of victory; for, when God pleases, one shall chase a thousand. (3.) The strength of a giant is nothing without God. A mighty man, such as Goliath was, is not delivered by his much strength, when his day comes to fall. Neither the firmness and activity of his body nor the stoutness and resolution of his mind will stand him in any stead, any further than God is pleased to give him success. Let not the strong man then glory in his strength, but let us all strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God, go forth, and go on, in his strength. (4.) The strength of a horse is nothing without God (Psa 33:17): A horse is a vain thing for safety. In war horses were then so highly accounted of, and so much depended on, that God forbade the kings of Israel to multiply horses (Deu 17:16), lest they should be tempted to trust to them and their confidence should thereby be taken off from God. David houghed the horses of the Syrians (Sa2 8:4); here he houghs all the horses in the world, by pronouncing a horse a vain thing for safety in the day of battle. If the war-horse be unruly and ill-managed, he may hurry his rider into danger instead of carrying him out of danger. If he be killed under him, he may be his death, instead of saving his life. It is therefore our interest to make sure God's favour towards us, and then we may be sure of his power engaged for us, and need not fear whatever is against us. II. We are to give God the glory of his special grace. In the midst of his acknowledgements of God's providence he pronounces those blessed that have Jehovah for their God, who governs the world, and has wherewithal to help them in every time of need, while those were miserable who had this and the other Baal for their god, which was so far from being able to hear and help them that is was itself senseless and helpless (Psa 33:12): Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, even Israel, who had the knowledge of the true God and were taken into covenant with him, and all others who own God for theirs and are owned by him; for they also, whatever nation they are of, are of the spiritual seed of Abraham. 1. It is their wisdom that they take the Lord for their God, that they direct their homage and adoration there where it is due and where the payment of it will not be in vain. 2. It is their happiness that they are the people whom God has chosen for his own inheritance, whom he is pleased with, and honoured in, and whom he protects and takes care of, whom he cultivates and improves as a man does his inheritance, Deu 32:9. Now let us observe here, to the honour of divine grace, (1.) The regard which God has to his people, Psa 33:18, Psa 33:19. God beholds all the sons of men with an eye of observation, but his eye of favour and complacency is upon those that fear him. He looks upon them with delight, as the father on his children, as the bridegroom on his spouse, Isa 62:5. While those that depend on arms and armies, on chariots and horses, perish in the disappointment of their expectations, God's people, under his protection, are safe, for he shall deliver their soul from death when there seems to be but a step between them and it. If he do not deliver the body from temporal death, yet he will deliver the soul from spiritual and eternal death. Their souls, whatever happens, shall live and praise him, either in this world or in a better. From his bounty they shall be supplied with all necessaries. he shall keep them alive in famine; when others die for want, they shall live, which shall make it a distinguishing mercy. When visible means fail, God will find out some way or other to supply them. He does not say that he will give them abundance (they have no reason either to desire it or to expect it), but he will keep them alive; they shall not starve; and, when destroying judgments are abroad, it ought to be reckoned a great favour, for it is a very striking one, and lays us under peculiar obligations, to have our lives given us for a prey. Those that have the Lord for their God shall find him their help and their shield, Psa 33:20. In their difficulties he will assist them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them, so that they shall not receive any real damage. (2.) The regard which God's people have to him and which we ought to have in consideration of this. [1.] We must wait for God. We must attend the motions of his providence, and accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently expect the issue of them. Our souls must wait for him, Psa 33:20. We must not only in word and tongue profess a believing regard to God, but it must be inward and sincere, a secret and silent attendance on him. [2.] We must rely on God, hope in his mercy, in the goodness of his nature, though we have not an express promise to depend upon. Those that fear God and his wrath must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from God, but by flying to him. These pious dispositions will not only consist together, but befriend each other, a holy fear of God and yet at the same time a hope in his mercy. This is trusting in his holy name (Psa 33:21), in all that whereby he has made known himself to us, for our encouragement to serve him. [3.] We must rejoice in God, Psa 33:21. Those do not truly rest in God, or do not know the unspeakable advantage they have by so doing, who do not rejoice in him at all times; because those that hope in God hope for an eternal fulness of joy in his presence. [4.] We must seek to him for that mercy which we hope in, Psa 33:22. Our expectations from God are not to supersede, but to quicken and encourage, our applications to him; he will be sought unto for that which he has promised, and therefore the psalm concludes with a short but comprehensive prayer, "Let thy mercy, O Lord! be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit of it, not according as we merit from thee, but according as we hope in thee, that is, according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us and according to the faith which thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us." If, in singing these verses, we put forth a dependence upon God, and let out our desires towards him, we make melody with our hearts to the Lord.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:12 People who fear God are chosen as his inheritance (see 33:13-19); this excludes rebellious people (78:62).