Psa 33:1-3 | Clarke | e4.org | PSALM XXXIII The Lord is praised for his works of creation , 1-9; and for the stability of his own counsels , 10, 11. The blessedness of the people who have the knowledge of the true God, his grace, and providence , 12-15. The vanity of all earthly dependence , 16, 17. The happiness of them that fear God, and trust in his mercy , 18-22. NOTES ON PSALM XXXIII This Psalm has no title in the Hebrew and it was probably written on no particular occasion, but was intended as a hymn of praise in order to celebrate the power, wisdom, and mercy of God. Creation and providence are its principal subjects; and these lead the psalmist to glance at different parts of the ancient Jewish history. In eight of Kennicott's MSS., this Psalm is written as a part of the preceding. Verse 1. Rejoice in the Lord ] It is very likely that the last verse of the preceding Psalm was formerly the first verse of this. As this Psalm has no title , the verse was the more easily separated. In the preceding Psalm we have an account of the happiness of the justified man: in this, such are taught how to glorify God, and to praise him for the great things he had done for them. Praise is comely for the upright. ] It is right they should give thanks to Him, who is the fountain whence they have received all the good they possess and thankfulness becomes the lips of the upright.

‏ Psalms 33:1-3

PSALM XXXIII

The Lord is praised for his works of creation, 1-9;

and for the stability of his own counsels, 10, 11.

The blessedness of the people who have the knowledge of the true God, his grace, and providence, 12-15.

The vanity of all earthly dependence, 16, 17.

The happiness of them that fear God, and trust in his mercy,

18-22.

NOTES ON PSALM XXXIII

This Psalm has no title in the Hebrew and it was probably written on no particular occasion, but was intended as a hymn of praise in order to celebrate the power, wisdom, and mercy of God. Creation and providence are its principal subjects; and these lead the psalmist to glance at different parts of the ancient Jewish history. In eight of Kennicott's MSS., this Psalm is written as a part of the preceding.

Verse 1. Rejoice in the Lord] It is very likely that the last verse of the preceding Psalm was formerly the first verse of this. As this Psalm has no title, the verse was the more easily separated. In the preceding Psalm we have an account of the happiness of the justified man: in this, such are taught how to glorify God, and to praise him for the great things he had done for them.

Praise is comely for the upright.] It is right they should give thanks to Him, who is the fountain whence they have received all the good they possess and thankfulness becomes the lips of the upright.

Verse 2. Praise the Lord with harp] kinnor; probably something like our harp: but Calmet thinks it the ancient testudo, or lyre with three strings.

The psalter] nebel. Our translation seems to make a third instrument in this place, by rendering asor, an instrument of ten strings; whereas they should both be joined together, for nebel-asor signifies the nebal, or nabla, with ten strings, or holes. Calmet supposes this to have resembled our harp. In one of Kennicott's MSS., this Psalm begins with the second verse.

Verse 3. Sing unto him a new song] Do not wear out the old forms: fresh mercies call for new songs of praise and gratitude.

Play skilfully with a loud noise.] Let sense and sound accompany each other; let the style of the music be suited to the words. This skill is possessed by few singers. They can make a loud noise, but they cannot adapt sound to sense.