John Calvin Commentary Psalms 33:11

"The counsel of Jehovah standeth fast for ever, The thoughts of his heart to all generations." — Psalms 33:11 (ASV)

The counsel of Jehovah. The prophet extols the infinite power of God in such a way that he may build up our faith in its greatness; for he does not here commend a counsel of God that is hidden in heaven, and that he would have us honor and revere from a distance. But as the Lord everywhere in Scripture testifies that he loves righteousness and truth, that he cares for the righteous and good, and that he is ever inclined to help his servants when they are wrongfully oppressed — the prophet means that all this will remain sure and steadfast. Thus he declares why God brings to nothing the counsels of the nations, namely, because without discrimination they run headlong into the violation of all order.

First, then, let us learn to look at God’s counsel in the mirror of his word; and when we have satisfied ourselves that he has promised nothing but what he has determined to perform, let us immediately call to mind the steadfastness of which the prophet here speaks.

And as many, or rather whole, nations sometimes try to impede its course with innumerable hindrances, let us also remember the preceding declaration: that when men have devised many schemes, it is in God’s power, and often his pleasure, to bring them to nothing. The Holy Spirit unquestionably intended for our faith to be exercised in this practical knowledge; otherwise, what he here says about the counsel of God would be merely cold and fruitless.

But when we have once persuaded ourselves of this, that God will defend his servants who call upon his name, and rid them of all dangers; whatever mischief the wicked may practice against them, their endeavors and attempts will in no way terrify us, because, as soon as God sets himself in opposition to their machinations, no craft on their part will be able to defeat his counsel.