Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 33:12
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
NIV · New International Version
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.
WEB · World English Bible
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
What does Psalms 33:12 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,.... Who have an interest in such a wonder working God, both in creation and in providence, and especially in grace: which, though it may have a principal regard to the nation of Israel, whose God he was in a very distinguishing manner, yet must not be limited to them; for he is the God of the Gentiles also: this nation is the chosen generation, the holy nation and peculiar people, both among Jews and Gentiles; and the Lord is the God of these; not only as the God of nature and providence, but as the God of all grace; who must be happy, since he is their portion and exceeding great reward; nor shall they want any good thing, nor need they fear any…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 33:12–22
In the midst of his acknowledgements of God's providence he pronounces those blessed that have Jehovah for their God, who governs the world, and has wherewithal to help them in every time of need, while those were miserable who had this and the other Baal for their god, which was so far from being able to hear and help them that is was itself senseless and helpless (Psa 33:12): Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, even Israel, who had the knowledge of the true God and were taken into covenant with him, and all others who own God for theirs and are owned by him; for they also, whatever nation they are of, are of the spiritual seed of Abraham. 1. It is their wisdom that they take the…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 33:10–12
12. Blessed are the people whose God is Jehovah. This verse excellently agrees with the preceding, because it would profit us little to observe what is said of the stability of God's counsel if that counsel referred not to us. The prophet, therefore, in proclaiming that they are blessed whom God receives into his protection, reminds us that the counsel which he had just mentioned is not a secret which remains always hidden in God, but is displayed in the existence and protection of the Church, and may there be beheld.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 33:9–15 (WEB)
9For he spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it stood firm. 10The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect. 11The counsel of the LORD stands fast forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance. 13The LORD looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men. 14From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works.
Cross references
- Psalms 144:15
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
- John 15:16
You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
- Deuteronomy 7:6–8
For you are a holy people to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.
- Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.”
- Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love,
- Psalms 65:4
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.