Psalms 33:17

“A horse [is] a vain thing for safety, etc.] Though it is prepared for the day of battle, and is a very warlike creature, and of great service in war, yet safety only is of the Lord, (<202131>Proverbs 21:31); this is put for all kinds of military preparations which men are apt to trust in, but should not, for they are “a lie” f491, as the horse is here said to be; that is, deceives and disappoints when trusted to; in like manner the olive is said “to lie”, (<350317>Habakkuk 3:17); when hope of fruit from it is disappointed; so “fundus mendax” in Horace f492; neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength; in the time of battle; either by fighting for him, or fleeing with him.”

“On the war horse (compare Job 39:19-25). a vain thing--a lie, which deceives us.”

“An horse - The reference here is undoubtedly to the war-horse. See the notes at Psalms 20:7. Is a vain thing - literally, is a “lie.” That is, he cannot be confided in. For safety - For securing safety in battle. He is liable to be stricken down, or to become wild and furious so as to be beyond the control of his rider; and however strong or fleet he may be, or however well he may be “broken,” yet none of these things make it certain that the rider will be safe. God is the only being in whom perfect confidence can be reposed. Neither shall he deliver any by his great strength - Safety cannot be found in his mere “strength,” however great that may be. These illustrations are all designed to…”

“An horse - Though he be strong and fit for battle, or for flight, if need requires. And so this is put for all warlike provisions. Vain things - Heb. a lie; because it promises that help and safety which it cannot give. Psalms 33:18”

“An horse: Psa 20:7; Jdg 4:15; Kg2 7:6, Kg2 7:7; Pro 21:31; Ecc 9:11; Isa 30:16; Hos 14:3 his great: Psa 147:10; Job 39:19-25 Psalms 33:18”