Psalms – Chapter 33

Old Testament • 23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 33 of Psalms begins: "For David, when he changed his countenance before Achimelech, who dismissed him, and he went his way." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and justice and care for the poor. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1For David, when he changed his countenance before Achimelech, who dismissed him, and he went his way.

2I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth.

3In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice.

4O magnify the Lord with me; and let us extol his name together.

5I sought the Lord, and he heard me; and he delivered me from all my troubles.

6Come ye to him and be enlightened: and your faces shall not be confounded.

7This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him: and saved him out of all his troubles.

8The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him: and shall deliver them.

9O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man that hopeth in him.

10Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

11The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.

12Come, children, hearken to me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

13Who is the man that desireth life: who liveth to see good days?

14Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

15Turn away from evil and do good: seek after peace and pursue it.

16The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: and his ears unto their prayers.

17But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

18The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles.

19The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.

20Many are the afflictions of the just; but out of them all will the Lord deliver them.

21The Lord keepeth all their bones, not one of them shall be broken.

22The death of the wicked is very evil: and they that hate the just shall be guilty.

23The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall offend.

Important Verses in Psalms 33

“In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice.”

Psalms 33:3

“O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man that hopeth in him.”

Psalms 33:9

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.”

Psalms 33:19

“The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall offend. ”

Psalms 33:23

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 33 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "For David, when he changed his countenance before Achimelech, who dismissed him, and he went his way." It concludes: "The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall offend. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 3: "In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 33 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Bede the Venerable and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 265).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 33 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The early section of Psalms—Chapter 33 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights Mary and the communion of saints, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 302).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 461) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 33 about?

Psalms 33 contains 23 verses. It opens with "For David, when he changed his countenance before Achimelech, who dismissed him, and he went his way." and closes with "The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall offend. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 33?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 33?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Samuel 24Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Samuel 22Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Chronicles 12Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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