MDB 79: Psalm 33

Like watchtowers of the soul, Psalm 33 begins and ends with a reminder of the "steadfast love" of God (5, 22, also 18). The word in Hebrew - chesed - suggests God's faithfulness to his covenant. His love isn't fickle but utterly dependable and constant. 

Contained within the psalm is reflection on worldliness and the futility of trusting in them for security (16-17): position (king), power (army), prowess (warrior) nor paraphernalia (horse) can save. This man's confidence lies in waiting upon God and trusting in him as "our help and our shield" (20).

How can he be so confident? The answer, specifically, is because he trusts in God's "holy name" (21). God's had revealed himself to us in Scripture by means of his name - LORD (22), which in English is rendered in capital letters signifying that the name in Hebrew is Yahweh. The Jews feared to pronounce it and superstition shrouded its meaning (and its pronunciation). But, basically, as Exodus 3:12 - 4:17 makes clear, the name, which sounds like the verb to be and is therefore rendered "I AM that I AM," signals that God ever exists to save and redeem his people by overthrowing his enemies. That's it. That is what God's name means. Hence, in Psalm 54:1, David can pray, "Save me by your name," meaning, "Act according to who you are." That's a winning prayer, every time!