Psalms
Chapter 33
1
1 Rejoice, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting.
2
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise.
3
Sing to God a new song; skillfully play with joyful chant.
4
For the LORD'S word is true; all his works are trustworthy.
5
The LORD loves justice and right and fills the earth with goodness.
6
2 By the LORD'S word the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host.
7
3 The waters of the sea were gathered as in a bowl; in cellars the deep was confined.
8
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all who dwell in the world show reverence.
9
For he spoke, and it came to be, commanded, and it stood in place.
10
The LORD foils the plan of nations, frustrates the designs of peoples.
11
But the plan of the LORD stands forever, wise designs through all generations.
12
Happy the nation whose God is the LORD, the people chosen as his very own.
13
From heaven the LORD looks down and observes the whole human race,
14
Surveying from the royal throne all who dwell on earth.
15
The one who fashioned the hearts of them all knows all their works.
16
A king is not saved by a mighty army, nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
17
Useless is the horse for safety; its great strength, no sure escape.
18
But the LORD'S eyes are upon the reverent, upon those who hope for his gracious help,
19
Delivering them from death, keeping them alive in times of famine.
20
Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and shield.
21
For in God our hearts rejoice; in your holy name we trust.
22
May your kindness, LORD, be upon us; we have put our hope in you.
Table of Contents Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Footnotes

1 [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Psalm 33:1-3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Psalm 33:4-5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Psalm 33:6-9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Psalm 33:10-11). The greatness of human beings consists in God's choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Psalm 33:12-22).

2 [6] All their host: the stars of the sky are commonly viewed as a vast army, e.g., Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 40:26; 45:12; Jeremiah 33:22.

3 [7] The waters . . . as in a bowl: ancients sometimes attributed the power keeping the seas from overwhelming land to a primordial victory of the storm-god over personified Sea. God confines the seas as easily as one puts water in a bowl.


New American Bible Copyright © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

USCCB Home Page New American Bible Home Page





__________________________________

New American Bible
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3000
December 09, 2002 Copyright © by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops