Psalms 68:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.

Complete Jewish Bible:

to him who rides on the most ancient heavens. Listen, as he utters his voice, a mighty voice!

Berean Standard Bible:

to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.

American Standard Version:

To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

To him that rideth^{H7392}{H8802)} upon the heavens^{H8064} of heavens^{H8064}, which were of old^{H6924}; lo, he doth send out^{H5414}{H8799)} his voice^{H6963}, and that a mighty^{H5797} voice^{H6963}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Psalms 68:33

Psalm 68:33 is part of a larger hymn that celebrates God's power and might, and his role as a divine warrior who leads his people to victory. This particular verse is often interpreted as a reference to God's transcendence and his control over the natural world, including the heavens. The phrase "him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens" suggests a depiction of God as sovereign over all creation, including the highest reaches of the cosmos, which were thought of in ancient times as layers or levels of heavens.

The historical context of this Psalm likely dates back to the time of King David, who is traditionally credited with its authorship. It may have been written to celebrate a significant victory or to commemorate the Ark of the Covenant's journey to Jerusalem, as the Psalm speaks of God leading his people in procession and ascending to his holy dwelling.

In the verse, the mention of God sending out his voice, described as mighty, conveys the idea of divine proclamation or command. This could be understood as God's word going forth with power, whether to establish order in creation, to issue judgment, or to call his people to action. The "mighty voice" also echoes the theme of God's omnipotence, emphasizing that his decrees are effectual and universally applicable.

In summary, Psalm 68:33 reflects themes of God's sovereignty, his rule over the universe, and the power of his word. It uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the divine, and it situates God beyond the confines of the earthly realm, reigning from the highest heavens and exercising his will throughout all of creation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7392
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָכַב
   Transliteration: râkab
   Pronunciation: raw-kab'
   Description: a primitive root; to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch; bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8064
   There are 395 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַיִם
   Transliteration: shâmayim
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'-yim
   Description: dual of an unused singular שָׁמֶה; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s).
   
3. Strong's Number: H6924
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶדֶם
   Transliteration: qedem
   Pronunciation: keh'-dem
   Description: or קֵדְמָה; from קָדַם; the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward); aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare קִדְמָה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6963
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוֹל
   Transliteration: qôwl
   Pronunciation: kole
   Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5797
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֹז
   Transliteration: ʻôz
   Pronunciation: oze
   Description: or (fully) עוֹז; from עָזַז; strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise); boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong.