Main thoughts:
As we continue looking at Psalm 33 we now see the power of God on display in creation and in human history. The psalm employs Hebrew parallelisms which are found in much of Hebrew poetry. The same idea is presented in two different ways. This helps us to get a well-formed understanding of the author’s mind and intent. We see God’s power on display:
In Creation (6-9)
The psalmist gives us four statements of the power of God in creation and our appropriate response:
The act of creation – In verse 6 we see the Triune God creating all things by the power of His breath. The power on display here is infinite and beyond our comprehension.
God’s rule over the water – In verse 7 we see God’s power over the water. With all our technology and might, we still cannot control or conquer the seas, yet God rules over them with absolute sovereignty. Literally a word from His mouth will cause them to stand up and obey.
God is to be feared – The psalmist speaks of the earth or ground fearing God, and then he speaks of the inhabitants of the earth or people fearing God. Creation fears God. We are to fear God just as creation does. The word for “stand in awe” literally means to “turn aside from the road.” We must stop what we are doing and the way we are going to consider the power of God over us.
God’s power on display – He concludes this section by rehearsing once again how powerful God is as seen in creation. He speaks and it is. He commands and it comes into being never to be changed.
In human history (10-11)
The author has already told us that all God’s works are done in truth. This is expounded upon here by showing us God’s true and sovereign rule over human history. He demonstrates this in two ways:
God stops man – Men will plan and plot to accomplish things in this world. God completely vetoes and nullifies all that man may plot to do. The greatest of man’s ideas are stopped in their tracks by the smallest action of God. This is seen in the Tower of Babel, and it is also seen in the return of Christ. The gathered armies of this world will be destroyed with one word out of Jesus’ mouth.
Nothing can stop God – God’s plans will never be thwarted. They will be accomplished. We cannot guarantee that anything will be done in this life much less in the next generation. The unspoken thoughts of God will be carried out.
Application:
Do you fear God?
Is this fear of God seen by you stopping the road you are travelling?
Are you plotting your own plans or seeking to know the will of God?
Will you trust God?
Will you praise God for His works in creation and His power over mankind?
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