Until recently, Ps 33 has received relatively little attention from Psalms scholarship because of its alphabetical form and its so-called anthological style. Although most recent scholars have begun to consider Ps 33 as a purposefully constructed hymn...
Until recently, Ps 33 has received relatively little attention from Psalms scholarship because of its alphabetical form and its so-called anthological style. Although most recent scholars have begun to consider Ps 33 as a purposefully constructed hymn rather than a random mixture with a lack of originality, its theological and hermeneutical function in association with other psalms within the Psalter as a whole has not been properly explored. This study thus attempts to investigate the theological and hermeneutical significance of Ps 33 in the Psalter in light of the creation theme. Psalm 33 elaborates the creation theme in conjunction with several thematic components, thereby conveying that God is not only a creator who created the universe, but also a sovereign king who continues to preserve and rule over all creation. It is significant to note that creation in Ps 33 is not restricted to the original creation (creatio prima), but rather is extended to the concept of God’s ongoing activities to rule and preserve creation (creatio continua or gubernatio mundi). This study makes a case that Ps 33 provides a hermeneutical horizon that casts light on Book I by anticipating the new community who will fear and wait for the Lord as creator and sovereign king over all creation. Psalm 33 not only encapsulates the major themes in the key psalms in Book I (Pss 1, 2, 32, 34, 40, and 41). It also foreshadows the major themes in Books IV-V, in particular Pss 104 and 146, primarily emphasizing Yahweh’s kingship over all creation. In these ways Ps 33 plays a significant role in comforting God’s people, who were in an exilic or post-exilic community, and encouraging them to trust in and wait in hope for the Lord as not only creator but also sovereign king over all creation.