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Psalm 33 · a question people ask

"To deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine" (33:19). Does this promise that those who fear the LORD will never go hungry or die?

In the text

The verse says what the LORD's eye is on them for: "Behold, the LORD’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine" (33:18-19). It speaks of being kept alive in famine, and doesn't say how or when. Psalm 37 says something like it: "In the days of famine they shall be satisfied" (Psalm 37:19). Psalm 33 ends with waiting, trust and a prayer: "Our soul has waited for the LORD. He is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:20), and "Let your loving kindness be on us, LORD, since we have hoped in you" (Psalm 33:22) (tap hope, loving kindness). The psalm says no more than this about what its words promise, and these notes don't add to it.

The verses

“Behold, the LORD’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine. Our soul has waited for the LORD. He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us, LORD, since we have hoped in you.”
Psalm 33:18-22 · World English Bible
“They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”
Psalm 37:19 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 33

Psalm 33: By the LORD's word

"For he spoke, and it was done" (33:9) has the two Hebrew verbs of Genesis 1:3's "God said" and "there was light", and 33:6's "all their army" is the Hebrew of Genesis 2:1's "all their vast array". And the verb of the world that "stood firm" (33:9) is the verb of the LORD's counsel that "stands fast forever" (33:11).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions