Psalm 33 (32):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord disarms the plans of the nations, of those who pursue their own kingdoms rather than His. He renders the strategies of men ineffective, especially those who long for worldly joy. Additionally, He admonishes the schemes of leaders, those who aspire to govern over nations. (Psalms 32:10)

This passage provides insight into how God uplifts those who place their faith in Him by dismantling the misguided gatherings of humanity focused on idolatry and vanity, while disregarding the assemblies of earthly rulers. It can also be connected to the period of suffering when humanity plotted to crucify the Sovereign of glory; nonetheless, He redeemed mankind through the formation of the cross. Through His Resurrection, the plans devised by the Gentiles—including Pilate, the soldiers, and all who participated in the crucifixion—were obliterated, and the assemblies of the rulers, which included bishops, scribes, and leaders among the people, were cast aside, as the Resurrection nullified their schemes.

The Lord abolishes the schemes of nations, understood in a spiritual sense. He disrupts the intentions of humanity and nullifies the plans of rulers. He rendered the wickedness of all the Jews ineffective and triumphantly rose on the third day. This is His desire, and He remains eternal.

The words of the prophet can be understood in two ways. The Lord not only brought to ruin the plans of the Assyrians, including Sennacherib and Rapsacus, thereby demonstrating the strength and truth of His own intentions, but also dispersed the uprisings of the nations against the apostles across the entire world, revealing the greatness of His power to everyone. This is captured in the prophetic message that states, 'The thoughts of His heart are in generation and generation.' The reference to two generations indicates both what was occurring at that time and what is to come.

These phrases should be understood in a threefold manner, referring to the Assyrians who besieged Jerusalem, the Jews who crucified the Savior, and the oppressors who inflicted suffering on the Apostles and martyrs. The Assyrians are called Gentiles because they were a coalition of various nations that attacked Jerusalem during Hezekiah's reign with a specific purpose; the Jews are termed nations since some among them were inclined to capitulate to the Assyrians, driven by the pressures of the siege; and the leading figures among the besiegers are labeled princes. To grasp the meaning related to the crucifiers of the Lord, one should refer to the commentary on the second Psalm, which provides clarification on the distinctions among the Gentiles, the nations, and the princes of the Jews.

The prophet ultimately arrives at the understanding of divine wisdom, demonstrating that God deserves reverence everywhere. He asserts that the wisdom of God far exceeds all human insight; no matter how much advice people offer, no matter the depth of their reasoning, or how wise they may believe their counsel to be, God can instantly render it meaningless. This divine intervention occurs not just in the judgment of individuals by dismissing their foolish thoughts, but also in the evaluation of entire nations, and even more pointedly in the judgment of rulers, who often surround themselves with advisers well-versed in various teachings.

In the Hebrew text, this psalm lacks an inscription, suggesting a connection to Psalm 31. It serves as an Old Testament reflection of the divine assurance: do not be afraid, little flock (Lk.12:32). The impetus for its creation may have stemmed from a miraculous triumph achieved by God's faithful, even against formidable foreign nations. Recognizing the extraordinary assistance from God, the psalmist invites the faithful of Israel—the righteous and the upright—to joyfully sing a new song (vv.1-3) with triumphant shouts (1Ezdr.3:11). In this granted victory, the Lord has magnificently revealed His pervasive love for truth (v.4 reflecting His faithfulness) and mercy towards Israel, while exercising righteousness in judgment against the nations (v.5).

The advice given by demons to the people aimed at the ultimate downfall of idolatry, while through the grace of Holy Baptism, Christ the Lord triumphed. The Jewish people and their leaders, in their sinister assembly, faced ruin; they conspired to bring eternal death upon the immortal Christ the Lord, yet they themselves, due to their lack of faith, faced everlasting demise. The Almighty God, Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Savior, sees all and weighs the spiritual deeds and thoughts of individuals, rewarding each according to their actions.