Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 33:18
Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
18. the eye of the Lord ] Cp. Psa 32:8, note; Psa 34:15; Ezr 5:5; Job 36:7; 1Pe 3:12.
that hope in his mercy ] Or, that wait for his lovingkindness (Psa 31:24).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him – He watches over them, and he guards them from danger. His eye is, in fact, upon all men; but it is directed with special attention to those who fear him and trust in him. Their security is in the fact that the eye of God is upon them; that he knows their wants; that he sees their dangers; that he has ample ability to deliver and save them.
Upon them that hope in his mercy – Upon the pious; upon his friends. The expression is a very beautiful one. It describes the true state of a pious heart; it in fact characterizes the whole of religion, for we imply all that there is in religion on earth when we say of a man, that – conscious of his weakness and sinfulness – he hopes in the mercy of God.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 33:18-20
Behold! the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.
The eye of the Lord
Behold! It is a marked word in Scripture! Isaiah typifying the Christ that was to come, opens the glorious secret thus–Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth: I will put My spirit upon Him; He shall bring forth judgment unto the Gentiles. And, when that despicable creature Pilate brought forth the glorious, the insulted, and the suffering Jesus, his word was–Behold! the man. And so the Holy Ghost adopts this striking, telling word–Behold[ to captivate the heart with that which follows; giving a faithful description of She church in her chequered state of exercise and trial in all ages.
I. the character spoken of in the text–them that fear Him. Do you fear God? Another character is, them that hope in his mercy. Observe that word–them that hope in His mercy. That is enough! That is Christianity! But hope set up in a broken heart!
II. Upon all such is the eye of the Lord. Is that eye on you?
III. why the eye of the Lord is upon them–to deliver their soul from death and to keep, etc.
IV. the personal experience of the text. (J. J. West, M. A.)
Special pleading with the specially feeble
See the opposite in the text–fear and hope. They seem to be contradictions, but yet here they are together. That is a blessed state in which fear keeps the door and hope spreads the table; fear the watch-dog without and hope the lamp within. Then that hope in the Lords mercy may be the very least of His people, but they are His people, for His eye is upon them. Now, to those whose sole hope is hope in Gods mercy, we would say–
I. this hope is one, and only one. Let me ask–
1. Have you any hope in your own character? At once he replies, None at all. Now this is well, humbling as the admission is. O, self-truster, you are a living insult to the Cross of Christ.
2. Have you any hope in external ordinances?
3. Have you any trust in the priesthood of man?
4. In scientific discoveries? Now, to all these questions the answer is clear and explicit. He has no trust in them at all, but in Christ only. Then–
II. that this hope in Christ has good foundations. I rejoice in your sense of sin, but I lament your doubts of pardon; for consider–
1. The merciful character of God. His very name is love. And–
2. There is a gospel. There is forgiveness for the greatest sin. The very word gospel is full of the greatest hope for man.
3. Think of the life of the Lord Jesus hero on earth. Did He ever reject any who came to Him?
4. And of the Holy Spirit. He is provided to meet all your difficulties. And–
5. We may pray. It would be a wicked hoax if a man invited poor people to his house to receive charity, and then, when they came there, denied them relief, God does not deal with us so.
6. And how many have come to Christ and been moved by Him? I am one of them. I do not think that you are any worse than I was.
III. this hope may be yours. Let me try to chase away objections. Oh, say you, I have been guilty of the worst of sins. In the case of certain of you I do not believe it. You have enough to answer for without blackening yourself needlessly. But worse sinners than you have come to Christ. And may there not be a spice of rebellion against God in your humility, a little sullenness in it? Dont put away Christ from you out of a proud despair. Accept His mercy as a commonplace sinner. And what good do you think your death, if He leaves you to perish, as you think He will, will do Him? And suppose, after all, you are one of His chosen, and that He has loved you all along, is it not sad that you should not love and trust him. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 18. Behold, the eye of the Lord] Though all the above are unavailing, yet here is one thing that can never fail; “the eye of the Lord”-the watchful providence of the Most High, “is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.”
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Whosoever therefore would have safety and deliverance, must seek and expect it only from the watchful eye and almighty hand and mercy of God.
Them that fear him; these are the chief objects of his care and favour.
Them that hope in his mercies; that place their hope, and trust, and happiness not in any creature, but only in God, and in his mercy and blessings. The conjunction and order of these two qualifications of the person whom God careth for is observable here, they must be such as fear God, and so make conscience of keeping his commands, Ecc 12:13, and then they may and must hope in or rely upon his mercy for their safety and happiness.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18, 19. Contrasted is God’sguidance and power to save from the greatest earthly evil and itsmost painful precursor, and hence from all.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Behold, the eye of the Lord [is] upon them that fear him,…. Not with dread of his wrath, or distrust of his grace, or for sinister ends and selfish views, but with a godly fear; by which men hate evil, depart from it, are careful not to offend God by it, but to serve and worship him; on such is not only his eye of Providence to protect from danger, to supply with the necessaries of life, but of love and grace; he looks upon them with delight and pleasure; his eye is upon them to watch over them for good, to guard them from every enemy, and from all evil, and to communicate to them every needful measure of grace;
upon them that hope in his mercy; not his absolute mercy, but his special mercy in Christ; which appears in the provision of him as a Saviour, in the mission of him into this world, and redemption by him; and is displayed in regeneration, the pardon of sin, and eternal life: and such that hope in it are they that see themselves miserable creatures, and in need of it; and who are encouraged to hope in it from the plenty and abundance of it in the heart of God; and from the many instances of it among men, and even some the chief of sinners; and they do hope in it for the forgiveness of their sins, and for salvation and eternal glory; and on these the eye of the Lord is, as before,
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
18. Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him. Having shown that what men account their best defences often profit them nothing, or rather are utterly worthless, when men depend upon them; the Psalmist now shows, on the other hand, that believers, although they are neither men of great power nor of great wealth, are nevertheless sufficiently protected by God’s favor alone, and shall be safe for ever. His meaning is not a little illustrated by this comparison, that kings and giants derive no aid from their invincible strength, while God supports the life of the saints in famine and dearth, as really as if he were to restore life to them when dead. We consequently understand better why the prophet lays low all the strength of the world; not, surely, that men should lie prostrate, or be so heart-broken as to pine away in despair; but that, laying aside their pride, they should fix their thoughts on God alone, and persuade themselves that their life depends on his protection. Moreover, in saying that the eye of God is bent upon them that fear him to save them, he expresses more than if he had said that his hand and power were sufficient to preserve them. A doubt might creep into the minds of the weak, whether God would extend this protection to every individual; but when the Psalmist introduces him as keeping watch and ward, as it were, over the safety of the faithful, there is no reason why any one of them should tremble, or hesitate with himself a moment longer, since it is certain that God is present with him to assist him, provided he remain quietly under his providence. From this, also, it appears still more clearly how truly he had said a little before, that the people are blessed whose God is Jehovah, because, without him, all the strength and riches which we may possess will be vain, deceitful, and perishing; whereas, with a single look he can defend his people, supply their wants, feed them in a time of famine, and preserve them alive when they are appointed to death. The whole human race, no doubt, are maintained by the providence of God; but we know that his fatherly care is specially vouchsafed to none but his own children, that they may feel that their necessities are truly regarded by him.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
18, 19. If no enlargement or concentration of human forces can be trusted for victory and safety, yet there is one resource unfailing the God of hosts, the God of battles, Jehovah, the covenant God.
The eye of the Lord Denoting his perfect knowledge and personal care of those who trust him.
Death famine The connexion would suggest “death,” here, as the effect of war, and this, with “famine,” have been the dreaded scourges of the nations in all ages.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 549
GODS CARE OF HIS PEOPLE
Psa 33:18-22. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
IN the Psalms of David, we do not look so much for the peculiarities of the Gospel as for general views of Gods providence and grace. But let them not be undervalued on that account: for the very use of evangelical truth is so to bring us into a state of reconciliation with God, that we may have a richer and more intimate enjoyment of him in all his dispensations.
The words before us declare the interest which he takes in his peculiar people: and, in unfolding them to your view, I will endeavour to shew,
I.
Gods care for his people
The manner in which our attention is called to this subject clearly shews the vast importance of it: Behold! behold the eye of the Lord is on them that fear him.
Two things in particular we are here called to notice: and,
1.
The description given of his people
[Never can we sufficiently admire the goodness of God in giving to us such descriptions of his people as will enable every upright soul to discern his own character, and to number himself among them. Were they designated by such terms as would comprehend only those of higher attainments, the lower classes among them would be driven to despair. But when, as in the text, the lowest terms are used, even such as mark the very babes in Christ, every member of Gods family is encouraged, and emboldened to claim the privileges to which a relationship to God entitles him. There is not in his family a new-born babe who does not fear him. All regard him as a mighty Sovereign, whom they are bound to obey. All desire to serve him, and greatly dread his displeaure. All account his favour as their supreme felicity: and desire so to approve themselves to him, that they may be accepted of him in the last day. Yet, it is not on their good dispositions that they found their hopes, and much less on their actual attainments. They are sensible of their short-comings and defects, even in their very best duties; and are conscious, that, if God were to enter into judgment with them on the footing of strict justice, they must inevitably and eternally perish. They therefore renounce, utterly, all claims upon the justice of God, and hope altogether in his mercy, in his mercy as revealed to them in the Gospel.
Behold, now, ye who are of a doubtful or desponding mind: Are ye not ready to leap for joy, when you find that persons of these low attainments may claim relationship to God, and assure themselves that they are interested in his paternal care? Hear, then,]
2.
The particular interest which he takes in them
[His eye is over them at all times. It is over the whole creation indeed, as we are told in the preceding context: The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men: from the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth [Note: ver. 13, 14.]. But on his peculiar people his eye is fixed with a more especial interest; namely, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine; or, in other words, to preserve them from all dangers, and to supply their every want. In relation both to their souls and bodies, they are exposed to continual and most imminent dangers. Disease or accident may at any moment consign them over to the grave. And Satan, that roaring lion, goes about seeking daily and hourly to devour their souls. On every side the world also assaults them with its temptations, whilst their own inbred corruptions are ever watching for an opportunity to betray them into the hands of their great Adversary. But Gods eye is ever over them, to counteract the devices of their enemies, and to uphold them in his everlasting arms. Not one of them will he ever suffer to be plucked out of his hands. Their wants too, whether temporal or spiritual, he will supply. He may suffer them to be reduced to great straits, even as Israel were, when they had come out of Egypt. But sooner shall manna be given them from the clouds, and water from the rock, than they be left to perish: for his express promise to them is, that provision shall accompany his protection; and that, whilst their place of defence is the munition of rocks, bread shall be given them, and their water shall be sure [Note: Isa 33:16.]. Whilst they seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all needful things, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature, shall surely be added unto them [Note: Mat 6:33.].]
But, before you take to yourselves the full comfort of these declarations, it will be proper for me yet further to shew,
II.
What should be your feelings towards him
The truly upright, even of the lowest class, can say, with David, Our soul waiteth for the Lord. If you are indeed of the number of his people, then are you waiting for him,
1.
In a way of humble affiance
[The language of your heart is, He is our help and our shield. But is it thus indeed? Are you going to him from day to day, as sinners who stand in need of mercy? and are you crying to him continually for grace to help you in every time of need? I do not ask whether you are free from assaults; but, whether they drive you to him for aid? It is supposed that you have enemies to conflict with, and trials to sustain: else you would not need to be looking out for a shield to protect, or for help to succour, you. But do you so realize the watchful care of God, as to renounce all hope in the creature, and to rely on him alone? If you truly fear him, and truly hope in his mercy, you cannot but make him your refuge, and commit to him your every care.]
2.
In a way of confident expectation
[The Psalmist, having such a Protector and such a Helper, anticipates a successful issue to all his trials; and declares, that the very trust which he reposes in God is at once the ground and measure of his expectations from God: Our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. And shall this be thought too bold an assertion? It is not more bold than true: for God has repeatedly pledged his word, that none of them that trust in him shall be desolate [Note: Psa 34:22.]. Nay more, on every occasion we may consider him as saying to us, According to your faith it shall be unto you [Note: Mat 8:13; Mat 9:29.]. His conduct towards Abraham clearly shews us how he will act towards all who believe in him. Abraham is tried as never man was: he is bidden to offer up in sacrifice his only son Isaac, in and through whom all the promises of God were to be fulfilled. The holy man proceeds to execute the divine command, assured, that though Isaac were already reduced to ashes on an altar, God both could, and would, raise him up again, and fulfil in him all that he had promised. Accordingly, Isaac was given him, as it were, from the dead; and was made the instrument of raising up to Abraham that seed, in whom all the nations of the earth were to be blessed. So, in proportion as our expectations are enlarged, shall be Gods exertions in our favour. If only we can say with David, Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation: He only is my rock, and my salvation, and defence; we may, with assured confidence, add with him, I shall not be moved [Note: Psa 62:1-2; Psa 62:5-6.].]
And now let me ask,
1.
What evidence have you that you are the Lords?
[Do you answer to the character here given of his people, fearing him above all, and hoping in his mercy alone? Do you evince that that is indeed your character, by waiting upon him continually, and expecting at his hands his proffered benefits? Examine well the habit of your minds from day to day: for it is of such only that it can be said, His eye is over them for good [Note: Deu 30:9.]. But far different is the state of those who fear him not: for the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth [Note: Psa 34:15-16.]. I again say, and rejoice to say, that, though your attainments reach no further than holy fear and humble hope, the Lord will look upon you with tender and paternal love: but, if these graces be not rooted in your hearts, you have yet to learn what it is to receive the grace of God in truth.]
2.
What would be your state, if Gods mercy to you should be measured by your regards for him?
[St. John prayed for Gaius, that his bodily health might prosper as his soul prospered [Note: 3 John, ver. 2.]. And are you prepared to pray with David, Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon me, according as my hope is in thee? Verily, were this Gods rule of acting towards us all, the greater part of us would never taste of his mercy to all eternity. But, thanks he to God! he is sovereign in the exercise of his mercy, being found often-times of them that sought him not, and made known to them that inquired not after him. Yet let us not presume on this: for, if he shew mercy to any, he will assuredly bring them to the state described in our text, and both put his fear in their hearts, and make them to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Do not these verses sweetly follow the former, as an application of the blessed doctrine there expressed? If unfolded and explained in a gospel strain, do they not in effect say, Behold and take notice, every individual of you that are the Lord’s heritage, the eye of Jesus is always upon you; his arm is stretched forth to your protection, help, and deliverance. In times of temporal and spiritual famine, Jesus will keep both body and soul alive: your bread shall be given, and your water shall be sure. He that is your God, will be, and is all that you can need. Isa 33:16 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Ver. 18. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on them that fear him ] He looketh upon such with singular delight; not without sweet intimations of his singular kindness and care of their good.
Upon them that hope in his mercy
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 33:18-22
18Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.
Psa 33:18-22 Notice how the faithful follower is characterized.
1. those who fear YHWH, Psa 33:18
2. those who hope for His lovingkindness, Psa 33:18
3. those who wait for YHWH, Psa 33:20
4. those who see Him as their help and shield, Psa 33:20
5. those who rejoice in Him, Psa 33:21
6. those who trust in His holy name, Psa 33:21
7. those who hope (lit. wait) in Him, Psa 33:22
YHWH will
1. keep His eye on them, Psa 33:13-15
2. deliver them (BDB 664, KB 717, Hiphil infinitive construct)
3. keep them (BDB 310, KB 309, Piel infinitive construct)
4. help (BDB 740) and protect (BDB 171) them
Notice how at the conclusion of many of the Psalms, the plural is used to widen the prayer/praise from one to all faithful followers.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. List the imperatives in Psa 33:1-3 that relate to musical worship. Why is music such an important aspect of worship?
2. How does Psa 33:6-9 reflect Genesis 1?
3. Explain Psa 33:11 in your own words.
4. How does Psa 33:15 reflect Gen 1:26-28?
5. Does YHWH have an eye?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
eye. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “eyes” (plural)
hope in = wait for.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Psa 33:18-19
Psa 33:18-19
“Behold the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him,
Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness;
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”
Nebuchadnezzar was condemned to roam like a wild beast upon the earth for a period of seven years in order to teach him, “That the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan 4:25).
Any nation that puts its trust in their numbers or military power and which does not trust in God and look to him for preservation and victory is destined for a terrible awakening. The all-important factor in every life, whether that of a nation or of an individual, is simply, “the will of God.”
“The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Neither bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happeneth to them all.” (Ecc 9:11).
E.M. Zerr:
Psa 33:18. This verse should be considered in the light of the two preceding ones. If a man so conducts himself that the eye of the Lord is upon him for good, he need not be afraid of a million men on as many strong horses.
Psa 33:19. Even when death by famine threatens a servant of God, he is able to provide food for him by miracle if necessary. (See the cases in 1Ki 17:6; 1Ki 17:16.)
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
fear
(See Scofield “Psa 19:9”)
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
the eye: Psa 34:15-20, Psa 147:11, Job 36:7, 1Pe 3:12
hope: Psa 13:5, Psa 52:8, Rom 4:4-8, Heb 6:18
Reciprocal: Gen 7:1 – thee Deu 11:12 – the eyes Jdg 18:6 – before Ezr 5:5 – But the eye Ezr 8:22 – The hand Psa 11:7 – his Psa 32:8 – I will guide Psa 58:11 – verily he Psa 115:11 – General Psa 132:15 – I will satisfy Pro 19:23 – fear Pro 21:31 – horse Isa 33:16 – bread Jer 37:21 – and that Jer 39:18 – because Lam 3:24 – therefore Eze 14:20 – by Dan 3:28 – that trusted Mal 3:16 – that feared Mat 6:11 – General Act 12:11 – and hath Rom 8:24 – saved
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THOU, GOD, SEEST ME!
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.
Psa 33:18
I. There is a hope that cannot exist without fear, and a fear that should not be dissevered from hope.There is a fear that is obnoxious to perfect love; that is, a fear that has torment in it; it must be cast out, and sent to its own placethe bosom of the Evil One. But the fear we speak of, angels would not be without for worlds; and saints cannot be without it. You may call it a loving solicitude to do our heavenly Fathers will, without deviation or diminution. This fear is its own guarantee that the things feared will not come to pass. Like one that possesses some potent spell by which every conceivable danger may be obviated, he has just so much fear of evil as hinders him from forgetting the spell; while the conscious possession of the spell fills him with joy in the sense of all-sufficient strength, and with a confident anticipation of final, everlasting victory.
II. The eye of the Lord is upon such.They hope in His mercy because they are already, and are hourly, the recipients of His mercy. They know that His eye beams with loving-kindness, and it is a foretaste of heaven to know that His eye is upon them. Their works are done for His eye. Their conduct appears strange to men, and men ask, Who is the spectator for whom these strange actions are performed? They go boldly forth, lambs among wolves, because the Good Shepherd has His eye upon them. He guides them with His eye. When they discover that they are quitting the path of His approving glance, they hasten back.
They meet the eye of the Lord in prayer; in praise; in the study of His Word; in the exercise of faith; in their labours for the good of men; when men frown and rage; in the calm and in the storm; at noonday and in the dead of night; in sickness and bereavements; in health and deliverances. The eye of the Lord was upon the disciples when they were toiling in rowing; when they were sad, dispirited, bewildered on the lake of Gennesareth. They should have known that it was, but did not discover it till afterwards. Let us beware lest our little faith hinder us from seeing the eye of the Lord when things seem contrary and wearisome.
Illustration
The believer is not only surveyed as one amongst Gods creatures, but he is looked upon personally. He is not lost in the crowd. Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool, where is the house that ye build unto Me? and where is the place of My rest? For all those things hath Mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word.
I must comfort my soul in some of its sad hours with this reflection: Thou art not overlookedthou art not cast aside in the Divine mind by others more worthy than thyselfin that mind, every thing, every person, has a proper placethou art under the Divine eye. Behold that Eye looking upon thee, and be assured that thou art cared for; be at peace.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Psa 33:18-19. Behold the eye of the Lord, &c. Whosoever therefore would have safety must expect it only from the watchful eye and almighty hand of God. Is upon them that fear him These are the chief objects of his care and favour. Upon them that hope in his mercy That place their hope, and trust, and happiness, not in any creature, but only in God and in his mercy and blessings. To deliver their soul from death That is, their life, when he sees it to be expedient for them: for sometimes it is better for them to die than to live, as both good and bad men have declared; and when it is so, it is known to God, but not to us. And therefore the constant accomplishment of this and the like promises, in a literal sense, is not to be expected nor simply desired, except with submission to Gods wise and gracious will.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
33:18 Behold, {m} the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
(m) God shows his mercy toward his, which man by no means is able to compass.