Psalm 33:20
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
Our soul
The phrase "Our soul" in Psalm 33:20 emphasizes the collective nature of the psalmist's declaration. The Hebrew word for soul, "nephesh," refers to the life, self, or inner being of a person. It is a reminder that our deepest essence, our very life force, is involved in this act of waiting. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the unity of believers as a community, collectively placing their trust and hope in God. The soul represents the seat of emotions and desires, indicating that this waiting is not passive but filled with expectation and longing.

waits for
The Hebrew root of "waits for" is "yachal," which conveys a sense of hope and expectation. This is not a passive waiting but an active, hopeful anticipation of God's intervention and deliverance. In the historical context of Israel, waiting on the Lord was a common theme, reflecting the nation's reliance on God's timing and faithfulness. For conservative Christians, this waiting is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises and His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

the LORD
"The LORD" is the English translation of the Hebrew "Yahweh," the covenant name of God. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. In the context of Psalm 33, it underscores the personal relationship between God and His people. For conservative Christians, invoking the name of the LORD is a reminder of His sovereignty, holiness, and the intimate relationship believers have with Him through Jesus Christ.

He is our help
The phrase "He is our help" reflects the Hebrew word "ezer," which means assistance or support. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's role as a helper to His people, providing strength and deliverance in times of need. Historically, Israel experienced God's help in battles and in their journey to the Promised Land. For conservative Christians, this assurance of divine help is a source of comfort and strength, affirming that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing aid and guidance.

and our shield
The word "shield" in Hebrew is "magen," symbolizing protection and defense. In ancient times, a shield was a crucial part of a warrior's armor, offering protection against enemy attacks. This imagery conveys God's role as a protector of His people, safeguarding them from spiritual and physical harm. For conservative Christians, God as a shield represents His protective presence in their lives, defending them against the adversities and spiritual battles they face, and ensuring their ultimate safety in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, though the specific author is not named in this psalm. The psalmist represents the collective voice of the faithful.

3. The Soul
Represents the inner being of a person, encompassing mind, will, and emotions, waiting in anticipation and trust.

4. Help and Shield
Metaphors for God's protection and assistance, indicating His active role in the lives of believers.

5. Israel (implied)
The community of God's people who are encouraged to trust and wait upon the LORD.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Waiting on the LORD
Waiting is an active expression of faith and trust in God's timing and sovereignty.

God as Our Help
Recognize that God is our ultimate source of assistance in times of need, surpassing human capabilities.

God as Our Shield
Trust in God's protection against spiritual and physical adversities, knowing He defends His people.

The Role of the Soul in Faith
Engage your whole being—mind, will, and emotions—in the act of waiting and trusting in God.

Community of Believers
Encourage one another in the faith, reminding each other of God's faithfulness and protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean for your soul to wait for the LORD in your daily life?

2. How can you actively seek God's help in situations where you feel overwhelmed?

3. In what ways have you experienced God as a shield in your life?

4. How does waiting on the LORD strengthen your faith, according to other scriptures like Isaiah 40:31?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to trust in God's timing and protection?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 27:14
Encourages believers to wait for the LORD, reinforcing the theme of patience and trust in God's timing.

Isaiah 40:31
Speaks of those who wait on the LORD renewing their strength, highlighting the benefits of trusting in God.

Ephesians 6:16
Discusses the shield of faith, connecting the metaphor of God as a shield to the believer's spiritual armor.

Hebrews 11:1
Defines faith as confidence in what we hope for, linking the act of waiting with faith.

Proverbs 30:5
Declares that God is a shield to those who take refuge in Him, affirming His protective nature.
A Call to True WorshipHomilistPsalm 33:1-22
Joy in GodC. Clemance Psalm 33:1-22
Praise ComelyR. Roberts.Psalm 33:1-22
Praise is ComelyB. Whichcote, D. D.Psalm 33:1-22
Praise to the God of Creation, Providence, and GraceT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 33:1-22
The Duty of PraiseJ. Adams, M. A.Psalm 33:1-22
The Gratitude of the UprightJ. Saurin.Psalm 33:1-22
The Spirit of RejoicingJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Psalm 33:1-22
The Toy Which the Righteous Haw in GodPsalm 33:1-22
This is a Hymn of Praise to GodW. Forsyth Psalm 33:1-22
What God's People Possess in HimC. Short Psalm 33:12-22
Special Pleading with the Specially FeeblePsalm 33:18-20
The Eye of the LordJ. J. West, M. A.Psalm 33:18-20
A Description of True WorshipHomilistPsalm 33:20-22
Waiting for the LordW. Jay.Psalm 33:20-22
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Hope, Salvation, Shield, Soul, Souls, Waited, Waiteth, Waiting, Waits
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 33:20

     5527   shield
     8107   assurance, and life of faith
     8318   patience
     8613   prayer, persistence
     8678   waiting on God

Psalm 33:16-20

     8224   dependence

Psalm 33:18-22

     8031   trust, importance

Psalm 33:20-22

     9612   hope, in God

Library
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Material Universe.
There are many who think of the work of the Holy Spirit as limited to man. But God reveals to us in His Word that the Holy Spirit's work has a far wider scope than this. We are taught in the Bible that the Holy Spirit has a threefold work in the material universe. I. The creation of the material universe and of man is effected through the agency of the Holy Spirit. We read in Ps. xxxiii. 6, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." We
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Two Standpoints.
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth."-- Psalm xxxiii. 6. The work of the Holy Spirit that most concerns us is the renewing of the elect after the image of God. And this is not all. It even savors of selfishness and irreverence to make this so prominent, as tho it were His only work. The redeemed are not sanctified without Christ, who is made to them sanctification; hence the work of the Spirit must embrace the Incarnation of the Word
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Indwelling and Outgoing Works of God.
"And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth."--Psalm xxxiii. 6. The thorough and clear-headed theologians of the most flourishing periods of the Church used to distinguish between the indwelling and outgoing works of God. The same distinction exists to some extent in nature. The lion watching his prey differs widely from the lion resting among his whelps. See the blazing eye, the lifted head, the strained muscles and panting breath. One can see that the crouching lion is laboring intensely.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Excursus on the Worship of the Early Church.
(Percival, H. R.: Johnson's Universal Cyclopædia, Vol. V., s.v. Liturgics.) St. Paul is by some learned writers supposed to have quoted in several places the already existing liturgy, especially in I. Cor. ij. 9., [183] and there can be no doubt that the Lord's prayer was used and certain other formulas which are referred to by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles [184] as "the Apostles' prayers." How early these forms were committed to writing has been much disputed among the learned, and
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
"By His Spirit He hath garnished the heavens; His hand hath formed the crooked serpent."-- Job xxvi. 13. We have seen that the work of the Holy Spirit consists in leading all creation to its destiny, the final purpose of which is the glory of God. However, God's glory in creation appears in various degrees and ways. An insect and a star, the mildew on the wall and the cedar on Lebanon, a common laborer and a man like Augustine, are all the creatures of God; yet how dissimilar they are, and how varied
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son. ...
The Holy Spirit in relation to the Father and the Son. Under this heading we began by considering Justin's remarkable words, in which he declares that "we worship and adore the Father, and the Son who came from Him and taught us these things, and the host of the other good angels that attend Him and are made like unto Him, and the prophetic Spirit." Hardly less remarkable, though in a very different way, is the following passage from the Demonstration (c. 10); and it has a special interest from the
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Host of Heaven and of Earth.
"The Spirit of God hath made me."--Job xxxiii. 4. Understanding somewhat the characteristic note of the work of the Holy Spirit, let us see what this work was and is and shall be. The Father brings forth, the Son disposes and arranges, the Holy Spirit perfects. There is one God and Father of whom are all things, and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things; but what does the Scripture say of the special work the Holy Spirit did in creation and is still doing? For the sake of order we examine
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both.
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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