What does Psalm 33:10 mean?
God deserves joyful praise (Psalm 33:1–9) because He is sovereign: in complete and utter control. The plots of humanity's most powerful civilizations are no match for Him. Isaiah 40:15 declares: "Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales." Psalm 2:1–3 depicts countries rebelling against the Lord and His anointed Messiah. However, all the military and economic might of earthly cultures cannot topple God from His throne. He views their rebellion as laughable (Psalm 2:4). He will defeat their attempts and respond with wrath and judgment (Psalm 2:5). Revelation 19 describes this end-times international revolt and the Lord's decisive judgment. Verse 15 indicates that Jesus Christ will return to earth and "tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:15).God sometimes allows humanity to make choices contrary to His commands (Genesis 3; Deuteronomy 30:19; Matthew 19:8). Yet nothing happens in defiance of His permission. Nothing in creation can overpower Him or defeat His plans (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27; Isaiah 46:9–10).
Psalm 33:4–19 records David's reasons to praise the Lord. They include praise for God's Word, His creative power, His sovereignty over the nations, His all-seeing vision, His faithful works, and His deliverance of His people.
David summons the worshipers of Israel to be joyful as they praise God. The psalm celebrates God's creative power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Rather than relying on earthly strength, the Lord's people can trust in His omnipotent power. This results in a collective praise for God and His unfailing love for those who trust and hope in Him.
