Psalm 33
God's Character in the Light of Christ
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Intro
Psalm 33 is a beautiful hymn of praise, acknowledging God's role as Creator, His supremacy over the affairs of nations, and the absolute hope we have in His unfailing love. By reflecting on these themes in the light of the New Covenant and the teachings of Christ, we gain deeper insights into the character of God.
Section 1: Praising the Creator (1-9)
"1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him...6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth...9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm."
Talking Points:
The call to praise God for His acts of creation echoes Christ's own acknowledgement of God as the Creator and His affirmation of the Creator's work (Matthew 19:4).
The Psalmist's recognition of God's word as the force behind creation connects with the Logos concept of Christ, the Word through whom all things were made (John 1:1-3).
God's supreme authority expressed in His command over creation is reminiscent of the authority Christ demonstrated in His teachings and miracles (Matthew 7:29).
Cross Reference: Colossians 1:16, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
Questions:
How does the Psalmist's praise of God as Creator enrich your understanding of Christ's recognition of God's creative work?
How does the concept of God's word as the creative force connect with the Logos concept in the Gospel of John?
How does God's command over creation as expressed in this Psalm resonate with Christ's demonstrated authority in the Gospels?
Section 2: God's Sovereign Plans (10-17)
"10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations...16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength...17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save."
Talking Points:
The idea that God thwarts human plans while His plans stand firm resonates with Christ's teachings about the permanence of His words and God's kingdom (Matthew 24:35).
The assertion that earthly strength or power does not guarantee deliverance or salvation aligns with Christ's teaching that salvation comes not through human effort but through God's grace (John 6:44).
The vain hope placed in horses or military might for deliverance emphasizes the biblical truth echoed in Jesus' teachings that true security is found not in earthly resources but in God alone (Matthew 6:19-21).
Cross Reference: Proverbs 21:30, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."
Questions:
How does the depiction of God's sovereignty over human plans in the Psalm deepen your understanding of the enduring nature of God's word and kingdom as taught by Jesus?
How does the Psalmist's emphasis on God's grace over human strength in delivering or saving individuals reflect the teachings of Christ?
How does the contrast drawn between the vanity of earthly security and the surety of hope in God connect with Jesus' teachings on where true security lies?
Section 3: God's Unfailing Love (18-22)
"18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love...22 May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
Talking Points:
God's watchfulness over those who fear Him and hope in His unfailing love resonates with Christ's teaching of God's care and attentiveness towards His children (Matthew 10:29-31).
The psalmist's hope in God's unfailing love mirrors the hope we have in God's love revealed through Christ (Romans 5:8).
The prayer for God's unfailing love to be with us echoes the assurance of Christ's ever-abiding presence through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).
Cross Reference: Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Questions:
How does the Psalmist's understanding of God's watchfulness over those who hope in His unfailing love connect with Jesus' teachings about God's care for His children?
How does the hope expressed in God's unfailing love in the Psalm relate to the hope we have in God's love as revealed through Christ?
How does the prayer for God's love to be with us align with the promise of Christ's abiding presence through the Holy Spirit?
Summary
Psalm 33, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, is a celebration of God's righteous character and creative power, both of which find their fullest expression in Jesus.
The call to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him with instruments points towards worship of Christ, who is the object of our praise and joy. The depiction of God as Creator, who made the heavens and gathered the waters, reminds us of Christ, through whom all things were made (John 1:3).
God's plans standing firm forever and His thoughts enduring through all generations foreshadow the eternal purpose accomplished in Christ (Ephesians 3:11).
The Psalmist's faith in God's unfailing love, and His role as deliverer and protector, is fully realized in Jesus, who embodies God's love (John 3:16) and brings ultimate deliverance from sin and death (Romans 6:23).
The hope expressed in waiting for the Lord is a reflection of our hope in Christ's second coming (Titus 2:13).
Psalm 33 is a testament to God's creative, sustaining, and redeeming power, all of which is embodied in Jesus Christ.