Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

There is no king {H4428} saved {H3467} by the multitude {H7230} of an host {H2428}: a mighty man {H1368} is not delivered {H5337} by much {H7230} strength {H3581}.

A king is not saved by the size of his army, a strong man not delivered by his great strength.

No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.

There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.

Commentary on Psalms 33:16 (KJV)

Psalms 33:16 declares, "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength." This powerful verse serves as a profound statement on the limitations of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Context

Psalm 33 is a joyful hymn of praise, celebrating God's creative power, His righteous acts in history, and His providential care over humanity. The psalm opens with a call to worship the Lord, who spoke the universe into existence (Psalms 33:6). Leading up to verse 16, the psalmist has already highlighted God's eternal counsel and His ability to frustrate the plans of nations (Psalms 33:10). Verse 16 specifically contrasts human reliance on military might and individual strength with God's absolute control, setting the stage for the following verses which assert God's watchful eye over those who fear Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Human Strength: The core message is that neither vast armies nor immense personal strength can guarantee salvation, victory, or deliverance. Kings, despite their immense resources and military might, cannot secure their own safety or destiny through human means alone. This theme highlights the inherent limitations of human effort when faced with divine will.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Implicitly, if human power is insufficient, then true salvation and deliverance must come from a higher source – God. The verse underscores God's absolute authority and ultimate control over all outcomes, irrespective of human preparations or prowess.
  • Call to Trust in God Alone: By dismantling the illusion of security found in human power, the verse paves the way for the psalm's concluding call to place trust in the Lord. It encourages reliance on God's unwavering power and faithfulness rather than fleeting human capabilities or strategies.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "host" (חַיִל, chayil) in this context refers specifically to a military force or army. It emphasizes a large, powerful gathering of warriors. The term "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) denotes physical power, might, or capability. The parallelism in the verse—comparing a "multitude of an host" to "much strength"—reinforces the idea that neither collective nor individual human power is sufficient for true deliverance or salvation. The emphasis is on the inadequacy of *any* human means for ultimate security.

Practical Application

In contemporary life, this verse challenges our tendency to place ultimate confidence in worldly resources, technological advancements, financial stability, or personal achievements for our security and well-being. It reminds us that true deliverance, lasting peace, and ultimate salvation come from God alone. This applies not only to national security and global conflicts but also to individual struggles and everyday anxieties. It encourages a posture of humility, recognizing our dependence on the Creator, and fostering a deep trust in His divine providence rather than self-sufficiency or reliance on human institutions. As Psalms 20:7 similarly states, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 44:3

    For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Psalms 44:6

    For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

  • Psalms 44:7

    But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

  • 1 Samuel 17:45

    Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

  • 1 Samuel 17:49

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:8

    With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

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