Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise to the God of all creation who has made a covenant with the people of Israel.
1-3 – A call to praise God who is righteous; he is faithful to act according to his holiness and his covenant promises. God’s people are called “O you righteous” and “the upright.” Praising God includes singing and musical instruments.
4-9 – Here the singer offers the first reason to praise God; God’s word is upright and spoke creation into existence. The attributes of God extolled here include uprightness (expressing the very best motives on God’s part), faithfulness, righteousness, and steadfast love.
10-12 – Next, the singer offers the second reason to praise God; God’s will prevails. God has made the world and rules it according to his own purposes. There is no power that can successfully oppose God. How fortunate are his covenant people.
13-19 – Reason three to praise God is that God is all knowing and discerns all things. God is both immanent and transcendent. The protective eye of the LORD is on those who fear him.
20-22 – As a result of these three reasons to praise God, the faithful, upright people of the covenant can be glad and trust in the steadfast love of God.