Psalm 33 - 3.5.25

Scripture

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. (Psalms 33:17)

Observation

The NASB version of the same verse says, “A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength”. The author of this Psalm is not explicitly stated, but most Bible scholars attribute this Psalm to David. 

King David was a warrior. God appointed him as a king during a time when Israel was constantly at war with multiple enemies. David was tasked with the great responsibility of defending and protecting his nation from invaders. In those days, the strength of an army was measured by the number of horses and chariots that they possessed. But David knew better. He knew that no king is saved by the size of his army, and that no warrior escapes by his great strength (Psalms 33:16,17).

A good horse played a huge part in winning the war,  providing the warrior unmatched speed and mobility. Warhorses had huge strength and could carry the warrior and heavy weaponry. They were fearless and would charge into battle, and had a close bond with the warrier. However, David knew that his victory did not come by possessing a good warhorse.

Putting his trust in his good well trained and powerful horse was a vain and false hope for victory and deliverance (Psalms 33:17). David knew that the eyes of the Lord were on them who put their trust in Him, to deliver them and give them victory (Psalms 33:18, 19). 

Application

I took on a new job a little more than a year ago. I had worked for the same organization for 25 years, and I had no plans to move. However, I knew that the Lord was leading me to this change and had opened this door for me. I had never faced an interview in 25 years, though I had interviewed and recruited many people. During the last phase of the recruitment process, I was supposed to meet with a very senior executive and decision maker. I was nervous and I was reading up about the latest technological and business advances in my professional field, preparing for this interview. As I was doing that, this verse came to my mind “a horse is a vain hope for victory”. I knew that I had heard the voice of the Lord. It was not by my power nor by might that I was going to move into this new phase of my career, but by His Spirit and His power (Zechariah 4:6). I faced the interview with confidence in Him (Prov 3:26). The Lord opened the door, and I went through it to my new job. 

What are we putting our trust in? Is our trust in our modern day “horses” and “chariots” - our abilities, our education, connection, money and other things we possess? Or are we putting our trust in God alone? Let us say like David, “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our Lord” (Psalms 20:7). 

Trust in man is a snare (trap), but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Prov 29:25). If we have put our trust in anything else other than the Lord, let us repent and put our trust in Him alone. Let us fix our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Those who look to Him are radiant, and they are never put to shame. (Psalms 34:5). 

Whatever be the mountain you are facing today, if you put your trust in Him, you will not be put to shame. He is a shield around you, your glory and the lifter of your head (Psalms 3:3).

Prayer

Father, I thank you because you are faithful. I know that I can put my trust in you. I am safe in you. The battle belongs to you (1 Sam 17:47). I will not put my trust in horses and chariots. I will look at your face alone. You are my defense (Psalms 59:9). You will fight for me (Exodus 14:14). I trust you because you will go before you and will level the mountains, you will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron (Isaiah 45:2). No weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Thank you Jesus. Knowing you is the biggest blessing of my life. Help me to live a life that pleases you. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight (Psalms 19:14). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George