PSALM 33: Reason for Praise

Psalm 33:

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made;

and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

vs.6

"The outline of this hymn of praise is unmistakable:
the call to praise (verses 1-3),
the cause for praise (verses 4-19),
and the conclusion (verses 20-22).
The call is directed toward the righteous, for whose praise to God is fitting.
The cause for praise is twofold:
---The Lord is dependable in both word (verses 4-9), and work (verses 10-12),
---and the Lord is just and loyal in dealing with His children (verses 13-19).

 The Creator sovereignly rules over His total creation, over all creatures throughout time.

I.       A Praise Prelude (33:1-3).

Sing unto him a new song... vs.3

II.      The Rationale for Praise (33:4-5).

A.  The Lord’s Sovereign Power in Natural History (33:4);

For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. vs.4

B.   The Lord’s Sovereign Providence over Human History (33:5).

... the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. vs.5

III.     The Response of Praise (33:6-19).

A.  The Creator’s Sovereign Power (33:6-9);

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; vs.6

B.   The Creator’s Sovereign Providence (33:10-19).

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; vs.18

IV.    A Prayer Finale (33:20-22).

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. vs.21

Verses 1-3: Five different expressions in the imperative tense are used as a call to praise and thanksgiving. They are commands for the “righteous”, not options: “Rejoice, praise the Lord, Praise the LORD with harp, sing unto Him, play skillfully with a loud noise”."

BookOfTheBible

Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help and our shield.

vs.20