12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he has taken for his heritage. 13 The Lord is looking down from heaven; he sees all the sons of men; 14 From his house he keeps watch on all who are living on the earth; 15 He makes all their hearts; their works are clear to him. 16 A king's salvation is not in the power of his army; a strong man does not get free by his great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope; his great power will not make any man free from danger. 18 See, the eye of the Lord is on those in whose hearts is the fear of him, on those whose hope is in his mercy; 19 To keep their souls from death; and to keep them living in time of need. 20 Our souls are waiting for the Lord; he is our help and our salvation. 21 For in him our hearts have joy; in his holy name is our hope. 22 Let your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we are waiting for you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 33:12-22
Commentary on Psalm 33:12-22
(Read Psalm 33:12-22)
All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.