TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 33:12–22. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here taught to give to God the glory,
I.Of his common providence towards all the children of men.
Though he has endued man with understanding and freedom of will, yet he reserves to himself the government of him, and even of those very faculties by which he is qualified to govern himself.
1.The children of men are all under his eye, even their hearts are so; and all the motions and operations of their souls, which none know but they themselves, he knows better than they themselves, Psa 33:13, Psa 33:14. Though the residence of God's glory is in the highest heavens, yet thence he not only has a prospect of all the earth, but a particular inspection of all the inhabitants of the earth. He not only beholds them, but he looks upon them; he looks narrowly upon them (so the word here used is sometimes rendered), so narrowly that not the least thought can escape his observation. Atheists think that, because he dwells above in heaven, he cannot, or will not, take notice of what is done here in this lower world; but thence, high as it is, he sees us all, and all persons and thing are naked and open before him.
2.Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand: He fashions their hearts. He made them at first, formed the spirit of each man within him, then when he brought him into being. Hence he is called the Father of spirits: and this is a good argument to prove that he perfectly knows them. The artist that made the clock, can account for the motions of every wheel. David uses this argument with application to himself, Psa 139:1, Psa 139:14. He still moulds the hearts of men, turns them as the rivers of water, which way soever he pleases, to serve his own purposes, darkens or enlightens men's understandings, stiffens or bows their wills, according as he is pleased to make use of them. He that fashions men's hearts fashions them alike. It is in hearts as in faces, though there is a great difference, and such a variety as that no two faces are exactly of the same features, nor any two hearts exactly of the same temper, yet there is such a similitude that, in some things, all faces and all hearts agree, as in water face answers to face, Pro 27:19. He fashions them together (so some read it); as the wheels of a watch, though of different shapes, sizes, and motions, are yet all put together, to serve one and the same purpose, so the hearts of men and their dispositions, however varying from each other and seeming to contradict one another, are yet all overruled to serve the divine purpose, which is one.
3.They, and all they do, are obnoxious to his judgment; for he considers all their works, not only knows them, but weighs them, that he may render to every man according to his works, in the day, in the world, of retribution, in the judgment, and to eternity.
4.All the powers of the creature have a dependence upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him, Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17. It is much for the honour of God that not only no force can prevail in opposition to him, but that no force can act but in dependence on him and by a power derived from him.
(1.)The strength of a king is nothing without God. No king is sacred by his royal prerogatives, or the authority with which he is invested; for the powers that are, of that kind, are ordained of God, and are what he makes them, and no more. David was a king, and a man of war from his youth, and yet acknowledged God to be his only protector and Saviour.
(2.)The strength of an army is nothing without God. The multitude of a host cannot secure those under whose command they act, unless God make them a security to them. A great army cannot be sure of victory; for, when God pleases, one shall chase a thousand.
(3.)The strength of a giant is nothing without God. A mighty man, such as Goliath was, is not delivered by his much strength, when his day comes to fall. Neither the firmness and activity of his body nor the stoutness and resolution of his mind will stand him in any stead, any further than God is pleased to give him success. Let not the strong man then glory in his strength, but let us all strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God, go forth, and go on, in his strength.
(4.)The strength of a horse is nothing without God (Psa 33:17): A horse is a vain thing for safety. In war horses were then so highly accounted of, and so much depended on, that God forbade the kings of Israel to multiply horses (Deu 17:16), lest they should be tempted to trust to them and their confidence should thereby be taken off from God. David houghed the horses of the Syrians (Sa2 8:4); here he houghs all the horses in the world, by pronouncing a horse a vain thing for safety in the day of battle. If the war-horse be unruly and ill-managed, he may hurry his rider into danger instead of carrying him out of danger. If he be killed under him, he may be his death, instead of saving his life. It is therefore our interest to make sure God's favour towards us, and then we may be sure of his power engaged for us, and need not fear whatever is against us.
II.We are to give God the glory of his special grace.
In the midst of his acknowledgements of God's providence he pronounces those blessed that have Jehovah for their God, who governs the world, and has wherewithal to help them in every time of need, while those were miserable who had this and the other Baal for their god, which was so far from being able to hear and help them that is was itself senseless and helpless (Psa 33:12): Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, even Israel, who had the knowledge of the true God and were taken into covenant with him, and all others who own God for theirs and are owned by him; for they also, whatever nation they are of, are of the spiritual seed of Abraham.
1.It is their wisdom that they take the Lord for their God, that they direct their homage and adoration there where it is due and where the payment of it will not be in vain.
2.It is their happiness that they are the people whom God has chosen for his own inheritance, whom he is pleased with, and honoured in, and whom he protects and takes care of, whom he cultivates and improves as a man does his inheritance, Deu 32:9. Now let us observe here, to the honour of divine grace,
(1.)The regard which God has to his people, Psa 33:18, Psa 33:19. God beholds all the sons of men with an eye of observation, but his eye of favour and complacency is upon those that fear him. He looks upon them with delight, as the father on his children, as the bridegroom on his spouse, Isa 62:5. While those that depend on arms and armies, on chariots and horses, perish in the disappointment of their expectations, God's people, under his protection, are safe, for he shall deliver their soul from death when there seems to be but a step between them and it. If he do not deliver the body from temporal death, yet he will deliver the soul from spiritual and eternal death. Their souls, whatever happens, shall live and praise him, either in this world or in a better. From his bounty they shall be supplied with all necessaries. he shall keep them alive in famine; when others die for want, they shall live, which shall make it a distinguishing mercy. When visible means fail, God will find out some way or other to supply them. He does not say that he will give them abundance (they have no reason either to desire it or to expect it), but he will keep them alive; they shall not starve; and, when destroying judgments are abroad, it ought to be reckoned a great favour, for it is a very striking one, and lays us under peculiar obligations, to have our lives given us for a prey. Those that have the Lord for their God shall find him their help and their shield, Psa 33:20. In their difficulties he will assist them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them; they shall be helped over them, helped through them. In their dangers he will secure them, so that they shall not receive any real damage.
(2.)The regard which God's people have to him and which we ought to have in consideration of this.
[1.]We must wait for God. We must attend the motions of his providence, and accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently accommodate ourselves to them, and patiently expect the issue of them. Our souls must wait for him, Psa 33:20. We must not only in word and tongue profess a believing regard to God, but it must be inward and sincere, a secret and silent attendance on him.
[2.]We must rely on God, hope in his mercy, in the goodness of his nature, though we have not an express promise to depend upon. Those that fear God and his wrath must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from God, but by flying to him. These pious dispositions will not only consist together, but befriend each other, a holy fear of God and yet at the same time a hope in his mercy. This is trusting in his holy name (Psa 33:21), in all that whereby he has made known himself to us, for our encouragement to serve him.
[3.]We must rejoice in God, Psa 33:21. Those do not truly rest in God, or do not know the unspeakable advantage they have by so doing, who do not rejoice in him at all times; because those that hope in God hope for an eternal fulness of joy in his presence.
[4.]We must seek to him for that mercy which we hope in, Psa 33:22. Our expectations from God are not to supersede, but to quicken and encourage, our applications to him; he will be sought unto for that which he has promised, and therefore the psalm concludes with a short but comprehensive prayer, "Let thy mercy, O Lord! be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit of it, not according as we merit from thee, but according as we hope in thee, that is, according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us and according to the faith which thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us." If, in singing these verses, we put forth a dependence upon God, and let out our desires towards him, we make melody with our hearts to the Lord.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
[God] is always helping and providing us with salvation. The term “protector,” you see, is a metaphor from those thrusting their own shields among the enemy and by protection from these often sheltering others and freeing them from every disaster.
"My soul shall be patient for the Lord:" that hereafter it may be filled with dainties incorruptible, meanwhile, while here it remains, my soul shall be patient for the Lord. "For He is our Helper and Defender" [Psalm 33:20]: our Helper He is, while we endeavour after Him; and our Defender, while we resist the adversary.
When the psalmist says “he waits,” he indicates the endurance of the Christian … since it is endurance that makes the martyrs glorious, that watches over the good things of our faith, that conquers everything that stands against us, not by fighting against God’s will, but by enduring, not by complaining, but by giving thanks. Endurance suppresses deceptive luxury, it overcomes the heat of anger, it removes the jealousy that lays waste the human race, it renders people gentle, it smiles appropriately at the kind, and it sets the cleansed in good order for the rewards that are to come. Endurance wipes away the dregs of every pleasure; it makes souls appear bright. Through endurance we serve as God’s soldiers, through it we conquer the devil, through it we arrive as the blessed to his heavenly kingdom, for it is written, “in your endurance you will gain possession of your souls.”
The psalmist’s word waits reflects the patience of the Christian.… Patience is what makes glorious martyrs, what guards the blessings of our faith, what conquers all adversity not by wrestling but by enduring, not by grumbling but by giving thanks. Patience represses the extravagance that beguiles us. It overcomes hot anger, it removes the envy that ravages the human race, it makes people gentle, it smiles becomingly on the kind, and it orders people who are cleansed to attain the rewards that are to come. Patience wipes away the dregs of all pleasure; patience makes souls pure. Through patience we soldier for Christ, through it we conquer the devil, through it we blessedly attain the kingdom of heaven. As Scripture says, “In your patience you shall possess your souls.”
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Summary
Psalms 33:20 is a profound declaration of collective faith, expressing the deep and patient reliance of God's people on Him as their ultimate source of assistance and protection. It encapsulates the essence of biblical hope, affirming that true security and deliverance are found not in human strength or worldly resources, but solely in the sovereign Lord, who faithfully acts as both their active helper and impenetrable shield.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Psalms 33, a vibrant psalm of praise that extols God's magnificent attributes and actions. The psalm opens with a call to worship and rejoice in the Lord, celebrating His upright word and righteous deeds in creation and history, as detailed in Psalms 33:1-11. It then transitions to highlight God's sovereignty over nations and His providential care for those who fear Him, contrasting human futility with divine omnipotence in Psalms 33:12-19. Specifically, Psalms 33:16-17 explicitly state that no king is saved by the size of his army, nor is a warrior delivered by his great strength, and a horse is a vain hope for deliverance. This sets the immediate stage for Psalms 33:20, where the psalmist emphatically declares that the true source of help and protection is the Lord alone, providing a powerful counterpoint to reliance on human might. The psalm concludes with an appeal for God's steadfast love to be upon those who hope in Him, as expressed in Psalms 33:21-22, reinforcing the overarching theme of trusting in divine faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context
While not explicitly tied to a specific historical event, Psalms 33 reflects the worldview of ancient Israel, a nation often surrounded by powerful empires and engaged in warfare. In a world where national security was often dependent on military strength, strategic alliances, and the might of kings, the psalm presents a radical counter-cultural perspective. It asserts that true national and individual security does not lie in chariots, horses, or vast armies, which were symbols of military power in that era, as similarly noted in Psalms 20:7. Instead, it points to the Lord as the ultimate deliverer and protector. This theological stance would have been a profound challenge to the prevailing geopolitical realities and a call for the people of God to place their trust in a transcendent power rather than earthly might. The communal language ("Our soul," "our help," "our shield") suggests a corporate declaration of faith, likely in the context of temple worship or national assembly, where the community reaffirmed its covenant relationship with God.
Key Themes
Psalms 33:20 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 33 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty and Providence, emphasizing God's absolute control over creation, nations, and the destinies of individuals. This is contrasted with the futility of human endeavor and self-reliance, highlighting that God's plan prevails over all human designs, as powerfully stated in Psalms 33:10-11. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the theme of Trust and Hope in God. The "waiting" is not passive but an active, confident expectation rooted in God's character and His proven faithfulness, a concept echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalms 62:5. Thirdly, the imagery of "help" and "shield" reinforces the theme of God as Protector and Deliverer. He is depicted as the ever-present aid and defense for His people, a refuge in times of trouble, a truth consistently affirmed in Scripture from Genesis 15:1 to Deuteronomy 33:29. Finally, the collective pronouns ("Our") highlight Communal Faith and Solidarity, indicating that the reliance on God is a shared experience and declaration within the community of believers.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H2442) conveys more than mere passive waiting. Properly, it means "to adhere to," and by extension, "to await." It implies a hopeful, eager, and patient expectation, often with a sense of looking forward to something with confidence and steadfastness. It suggests an active posture of longing and anticipation, rooted in faith that God will indeed act. It is not idleness but a disciplined, expectant endurance.
This is a robust term (H5828) denoting strong assistance, succor, and support, particularly in times of need or distress. It signifies active intervention and aid, often in contexts where human resources are insufficient. It is used of God's powerful assistance to His people in battle, in deliverance from enemies, and in providing for their needs.
Literally referring to a defensive weapon (H4043) used in warfare (a small one or buckler), this word is used figuratively to portray God as the ultimate protector. It symbolizes comprehensive security, safeguarding His people from spiritual, physical, and emotional harm. The imagery evokes a sense of impenetrable protection and refuge, also used to describe a "protector."
Verse Breakdown
"Our soul waiteth for the LORD"
This opening clause expresses a deep, internal, and collective posture of patient expectation. "Our soul" (H5315, nephesh) refers to the innermost being, the very essence of life and desire, indicating that this waiting is not superficial but a profound, whole-person orientation towards God. It signifies a confident and hopeful anticipation of God's timing, intervention, and provision, acknowledging His sovereignty and trustworthiness (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh).
"he [is] our help"
This declaration identifies the Lord as the active and indispensable source of assistance. The verb "is" is implied in the Hebrew, creating a direct and powerful statement of identity. God is not merely a potential helper but the very essence of "our help," providing strength, support, and deliverance in all circumstances where human strength fails or is insufficient.
"and our shield"
This final phrase employs vivid military imagery to portray God as the ultimate protector. Just as a shield defends a warrior from blows, the Lord stands guard over His people, offering comprehensive defense against all forms of threats—spiritual attacks, physical dangers, and emotional harm. This signifies His constant vigilance and impenetrable security for those who trust in Him.
Literary Devices
Psalms 33:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Personification is evident in "Our soul waiteth," attributing the human capacity for waiting and longing to the soul itself, emphasizing the deep, internal nature of this reliance on God. The most prominent device is Metaphor, as God is described as "our help" and "our shield." These are not literal attributes but symbolic representations of His active assistance and comprehensive protection. The metaphor of a "shield" is particularly potent, evoking images of defense and security in a world often fraught with danger. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "our help" and "our shield" convey similar ideas of divine support and protection, reinforcing the central theme through repetition of concept. The use of Collective Pronouns ("Our") also serves as a rhetorical device, emphasizing the communal nature of faith and shared experience within the believing community.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 33:20 stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of divine providence and human dependence. It articulates a core biblical truth: true security and hope are not found in human strength, worldly resources, or political power, but solely in the sovereign Lord. This verse teaches that God is not a distant deity but an immanent and active participant in the lives of His people, providing both the necessary assistance to navigate life's challenges and the ultimate defense against all forms of evil. It calls believers to a posture of patient, active waiting, recognizing that God's timing and methods are perfect, and His faithfulness is unwavering. This theological stance challenges self-sufficiency and invites a radical trust in God's benevolent rule over all creation.
Reflection and Application
In a world characterized by rapid change, pervasive anxiety, and a constant drive for self-reliance, Psalms 33:20 offers a profound counter-cultural invitation: to cultivate a posture of patient and confident waiting on the Lord. This is not a call to passivity, but to an active, hopeful expectation that acknowledges God's sovereignty over every circumstance. When we face uncertainties—whether personal crises, global instability, or spiritual battles—this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and provision do not stem from our own efforts, financial stability, or the strength of human institutions, but from the faithful, all-powerful God. It encourages us to shift our gaze from fleeting earthly supports to the eternal, unchanging character of our Creator and Redeemer. To "wait for the LORD" means to trust His timing, His wisdom, and His unfailing love, knowing that He is uniquely qualified to be our help in times of trouble and our impenetrable shield against every adversary. This trust brings peace and stability to the soul, anchoring us in His unfailing promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for "our soul" to "wait for the LORD"?
For "our soul" to "wait for the LORD" means that our deepest being, our entire person, is oriented towards God in expectant hope and patient trust. It's not a passive idleness but an active, hopeful anticipation of God's intervention, timing, and provision. It implies a confident reliance on His character and promises, even when circumstances are difficult or His actions are not immediately apparent. This waiting is rooted in faith that He is faithful and will act on behalf of those who seek Him, as seen in the promise of strength for those who wait on Him in Isaiah 40:31.
How is God "our help" and "our shield"?
God is "our help" in that He actively provides assistance, support, and deliverance in all circumstances. When human strength fails, or challenges seem insurmountable, He is the one who intervenes, strengthens, and sustains His people. This help can be spiritual, emotional, or physical. He is "our shield" in that He provides comprehensive protection and defense. Just as a physical shield guards against attacks, God safeguards His people from spiritual attacks, physical harm, and all forms of evil. He is an impenetrable refuge and a constant guardian, as promised to Israel in Deuteronomy 33:29.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 33:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "waiting for the LORD" that characterized the hope of Israel culminates in the advent of the Messiah, for whom the faithful generations longed. Jesus is the embodiment of God's "help," for He came not only to teach but to actively deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death, offering true succor and strength to all who believe. Believers are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence, that they may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need, as articulated in Hebrews 4:16. He is the ultimate "shield" for His people, having conquered the powers of darkness and offering eternal security that no enemy can breach; indeed, Jesus declared that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or His Father's hand, as recorded in John 10:28-29. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ became the very means by which God's righteous help and protective presence are fully extended to believers. Our patient waiting for the Lord is now transformed into a confident hope in Christ's return and the consummation of His kingdom, knowing that in Him, we have a faithful Helper and an eternal Shield against all spiritual and temporal adversaries, as our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself, as described in Philippians 3:20-21.