Psalm 33 (32):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

A mighty ruler cannot find salvation through his immense power, nor can one who governs his desires achieve salvation if he places too much trust in his own might. Similarly, a giant will not be delivered by sheer strength, and one who battles against the inclinations of his own flesh or confronts the adversary and his fallen angels will not secure salvation through self-reliance.

The power of a king does not depend on sheer might. Salvation is not found in a vast army, fortified cities, or a multitude of soldiers and cavalry, nor in the capability of naval fleets, for it is the Lord who ‘establishes kings and makes kings’ (Dan. 2:21), and ‘no power is power except from God’ (cf. Rom. 13:1). Thus, the king’s salvation comes ‘not by much power,’ but through God's grace; hence, it is affirmed, ‘by grace ye are saved’ (Eph. 2:5). Similarly, the farmer reaps the benefits of his labor not solely through his own efforts, but by the hand of God, who blesses his work; as it is written, ‘neither he that planteth is anything, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase’ (1 Cor. 3:7).

The events reveal to us that we cannot depend on physical might, mental fortitude, the speed of cavalry, or the number of followers; for despite possessing an abundance of these attributes, Sennacherib ultimately faced complete ruin. So, what course should we take? Let us be guided by the Prophet.

The ruler is not delivered or kept safe, he declares, by sheer might, meaning a vast army, cavalry, chariots, or riches. Even the mighty warrior, noted for his bravery and physical prowess, cannot preserve himself solely by his own valor. Ultimately, it is only through the strength of God that the king, the valiant warrior, and all others find salvation and preservation, not through their own efforts.

We often place undue emphasis on the power of our physical forms, mistakenly measuring our strength based on external factors like wealth or companionship. Yet, true salvation comes solely from divine assistance. Consider the cases of Goliath and Pharaoh. The former, a formidable giant, was swiftly vanquished by the innocent youth David. In contrast, Pharaoh, with his mighty chariots and cavalry in pursuit of Israel, met his end in the depths of the sea.

Through these statements, the Prophet conveys that no individual can, by their own might, escape the numerous trials that often beset us; rather, all are in need of God's grace. He illustrates this truth by referencing those who might be thought to embody strength the most, such as kings and warriors. Just as a monarch is not deterred in defending his life by the multitude of his servants, a valiant knight is not impeded by his own might. In the Hebrew scripture, the term used refers to a strong or valiant individual rather than specifically to a giant. However, the seventy interpreters chose to employ the term giant to emphasize that such beings are usually more formidable and fearsome, as exemplified by the giant Goliath in the first book of Kings, specifically in 1 Kings 17:4.

In the Hebrew text, this psalm lacks an inscription, leading to the conclusion that it relates to Psalm 31. It serves as an Old Testament reflection of the Lord’s message: do not fear, little flock (Lk. 12:32). The context for its creation may have been a miraculous triumph achieved by God’s seemingly small group of followers over powerful pagan nations. Acknowledging God's remarkable assistance, the psalmist invites the faithful of Israel (the righteous, the upright) to raise a jubilant song (joyful, victorious shouts; 1Ezdr. 3:11) along with melodic praise—a new and extraordinary hymn (vv. 1-3). In this granted victory, the Lord has spectacularly revealed Himself as loving truth (v.

Although the king possesses great authority and might, he remains powerless against death. It is only the one true God, the King of kings, who delivers from both temporal and everlasting death.