17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
17 Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.
17 A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
17 Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory- for all its strength, it cannot save you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 33:17
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.