Psalm 33:5

Commentary on Psalm 33:5 (NKJV)

Text of Psalm 33:5

He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Literary and Biblical Context

Psalm 33 unfolds as a hymn of praise, opening with an exhortation to rejoice in the Lord (vv. 1–3) and then rehearsing reasons for that praise: the uprightness of God’s Word and works (vv. 4–5), His creative power over heaven and earth (vv. 6–9), and His sovereign rule over nations (vv. 10–11). Verses 1–5 focus on God’s moral character, setting the stage for the believer’s worship grounded in divine righteousness and lovingkindness.

Exegetical Analysis of Verse 5

1. “He loves righteousness and justice”
   • Righteousness (צְדָקָה) denotes God’s moral perfection and covenant-faithfulness.
   • Justice (מִשְׁפָּט) points to His faithful administration of that righteousness.
   • God not only acts justly but delights in just dealings both toward His people and through His people’s obedience.
2. “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord”
   • Hebrew חֶסֶד (hesed) conveys steadfast love or covenant mercy.
   • Everywhere on earth, God’s providential mercy and kindness can be perceived.
   • Creation is “so empty of His praises, when it is so full of His goodness” and calls believers to respond in genuine thanksgiving.

Theological Themes

• Divine Delight in Covenant Holiness
  God’s affection for righteousness underscores His covenant-keeping nature: He honours His law and calls His people to reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:16).
• God-Centred Justice
  True justice flows from God’s character rather than human opinion. God’s law serves as the standard for personal and social ethics.
• Hesed as Overarching Mercy
  The earth “full of His goodness” highlights that God’s mercy precedes and permeates human experience—a cornerstone of assurance (Psalm 23:6; Romans 8:38–39).

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Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Personal Holiness and Integrity
   Cultivate habits of righteousness—honouring God in speech, work and relationships—as an outworking of union with Christ (Galatians 5:22–23).
2. Advocacy for Social Justice
   Engage in community and global issues (poverty, oppression, injustice) with compassion grounded in divine justice (Micah 6:8).
3. Worship and Gratitude
   Let every act of creation you witness—from sunrise to rainfall—prompt thanksgiving, recognising God’s hesed[1] at work (Psalm 104:24–25).
4. Cultural Engagement
   Influence art, education and public policy by promoting principles of righteousness and mercy, modelling God’s character in the public square.

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Teaching Summary from Psalm 33:5

• God not only upholds justice but delights in it.
• His covenant mercy (hesed) is manifest throughout creation.
• Believers are called to mirror divine righteousness and mercy in all spheres of life.

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[1] a multifaceted concept encompassing steadfast love, loving-kindness, mercy, loyalty, and faithfulness. It’s not just a word, but a deep, relational concept tied to God’s covenant with humanity and His character. Hesed is seen as a key attribute of God, emphasising His consistent and loyal love towards His people.