A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments: Psalms: Psalms Chapter 33
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
The sentiment falls in with Psa 32:11 (compare Co1 14:15). The instruments (Psa 92:3; Psa 144:9) do not exclude the voice.
a new song--fresh, adapted to the occasion (Psa 40:3; Psa 96:1).
play skilfully--(Compare Sa1 16:17).
Reasons for praise: first, God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.
In "word" and "breath"--or, "spirit," there may be an allusion to the Son (Joh 1:1) and Holy Spirit.
he spake--literally, "said."
it was--The addition of "done" weakens the sense (compare Gen 1:3-10).
In God's providence He thwarts men's purposes and executes His own.
heathen--literally, "nations."
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.
looketh--intently (Isa 14:16).
fashioneth--or, "forms," and hence knows and controls (Pro 21:1).
alike--without exception.
considereth--or, "understands"; God knows men's motives.
Men's usual reliances in their greatest exigencies are, in themselves, useless.
On the war horse (compare Job 39:19-25).
a vain thing--a lie, which deceives us.
Contrasted is God's guidance and power to save from the greatest earthly evil and its most painful precursor, and hence from all.
waiteth--in earnest expectation.
his holy name--(Compare Psa 5:12; Psa 22:22; Psa 30:4). Our faith measures mercy (Mat 9:29); and if of grace, it is no more of debt (Rom 11:6).