“An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.”
The psalmist affirms that the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his covenant loyalty. The shift from futility of human power to efficacy of God's protection marks the turning point of the psalm's argument. The phrase "the eye of the LORD" suggests God's attention and care directed toward those who maintain proper relationship with God. The reference to fearing God and hoping in his lovingkindness establishes the conditions under which God's protection operates. The verse establishes that those who have abandoned trust in military might and placed faith in God can be confident in protection.
Church Fathers on Psalms 33:17
1. “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous:” rejoice, O you righteous, not in yourselves, for that is not safe; but in the Lord. “For praise is comely to the upright” Psalm 32:1: these praise the Lord, who submit themselves unto the Lord; for else they are distorted and perverse. 2. “Praise the Lord with harp:” praise the Lord, presenting unto Him your bodies a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 “Sing unto Him with the psaltery for ten strings” Psalm 32:2: let your members be…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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