Psalm 33 Bible Study

Psalm 33 Bible Study

Introduction

God speaks. This is the heart of biblical revelation.

O.T. — “Thus says the Lord”

N.T. — “Truly, truly, I say unto you”

Throughout church history God is speaking and we are called to give reverence.

In God’s divine condescension God has chosen to speak through the words and works of humanity.

We will see emphasis in God speaking but as well as God “seeing.” God is always seeing. Our ways are known to Him. Our lives are always under His review. In other words, He is always present with us.

Quote: The word without the eye can keep God distant, as the eye without the word can keep God silent and unknown. [Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 262.]

Psalm 33 is considered a mediation upon the word of God and the eye of God. Some ascribe it as a hymn.

Is God’s word trustworthy?

Is God’s word actually powerful?

Does God’s word have a relationship with creation?

Is God autonomous when it comes to His plans in the world?

How does god interact with world powers?

1) We are invited to worship (vv1-3)

Notice the imperative beginning.

“Rejoice” = shout for joy (a public celebration)

“Righteous” = summoned to worship due to God separating them from the heathen, cleansed, and called to know the one true living God.

“Beautiful” or “fitting” is the praise to God.

David tells us HOW TO PRAISE GOD:

The music is made to God, not the congregation (v2)

Worship is not a performance for the congregation.

If the righteous do not bring a heart of worship, worship will never be a reality.

Worship is used to lift out our praise and joy up to the Lord.

“New song”

Not something traditional or familiar.

Think about the history of spiritual song writing; a history reflecting a creative joy in response to God’s interactions with His people.

“skillfully”

We should offer our very best to God.

It should be joyful, beautiful, and boisterous.

It sounding good is not indicative to it being beautiful to God (HEART)

2) Worship is created by the WORD (vv4-5)

“For the word of the Lord is right”

“right” = upright or straightforward

In other words, there is no deception when it comes to what God has, is and will say.

“His work is done in truth”

John 17:17 “17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

We can trust all that God works out.

This was materialized fully is Jesus Christ; the Word-Worker.

David elaborates upon God’s works

Righteousness = moral purity in relationships

Justice = true judgments

Goodness = covenant-love

All of these work are a true expression of God’s character.

Turn to Matthew 5:43-48 “43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Illustration how we need an outside standard or reference for morality: Without their instruments, the pilot has to rely on his feelings or his senses. In blind flying, a pilot is deprived of visual references and he also loses his ability to distinguish between the usual forces of gravity and the “g-forces” of turning, diving, or climbing. Instrument flying is based on the principle that the pilot must have an accurate standard of reference outside of himself. He must obey it whether he feels like it or not. Pilots place their faith in their instruments and those instruments brings passengers safely through the clouds, the fog, and the darkness to a pinpoint landing on an airstrip at our destination.

So, what should our worship be based on?:

God’s word

God’s actions; righteous, just, and loving

3) Creation’s relationship with God’s Word (vv6-9)

Notice how this text assumes Genesis 1.

“all the host of them”

army host, military congregation as a large fighting unit, vast multitude.

Referring to all the angelic beings.

By God’s BREATH (His Spirit) brought these angels into existence.

(v7) Notice God’s relationship with creation.

He puts the oceans and underground waters in particular boundaries.

Look up Genesis 1:9-10 “9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.”

He is the one who controls and provides for all of creation.

He also knew the amount of water it would take to bring about a world flood.

(v8) Therefore, all the earth should STAND IN AWE OF HIM!

(v9) God creates ex-nihilo; at His command every thing stands; creation out of nothing pre-existing.

He not only creates but SUSTAINS.

Turn to Colossians 1:15-17 “15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

Once again, we have reason to bow before God with reverential fear and praise.

4) The relationship between God’s Word and nations (vv10-12)

We clearly see both the counsel and plans of nations and God existing together. WHO IS AUTONOMOUS?

The difference between the two is that one makes its plans from the horizontal while the other (God) decrees His in the vertical.

In warfare, the one on the higher ground always has the advantage.

Gentile nation plans:

Dictatorship, democracy, pro-choice, New Deal, thousand year Reich, NATO, Warsaw Pact, etc…

We have seen world powers and alliances rise and fall.

They must always come face to face with the God who with righteousness and truth, breaks their FALSE AUTONOMY.

(v12) The nation who submits to God is promised blessing.

“the people He has chosen as His own inheritance”

This is referring to Israel; God’s servant to carry out His redemptive plan into the world.

This of course extends on to the church.

A decline in our nation is in step with out growing independence of God.

5) God see everyone (vv13-15)

Even though God is transcendent, He is very much eminent.

“The Lord looks from heaven”

His watchful eye reveals to us His close attention and presence.

“Looketh” = to gaze; to look at with fixed eyes.

King Asa was promised this — 2 Chronicles 16:9 “9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

(v15) They all have the same organ pumping blood through their veins, but their actions are often times different from one another.

“considereth” = understands

Not one person can escape God’s judgement.