Psalms 68:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} or Song {H7892} of David {H1732}. Let God {H430} arise {H6965}{H8799)}, let his enemies {H341}{H8802)} be scattered {H6327}{H8799)}: let them also that hate {H8130}{H8764)} him flee {H5127}{H8799)} before {H6440} him.

For the leader. A psalm of David. A song: Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee from his presence.

God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence.

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; Let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalms 68:1 KJV Commentary

Psalm 68:1, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him," serves as a powerful and foundational declaration within one of the most triumphant and majestic psalms in the Bible. Attributed to King David, this verse sets the tone for a psalm that celebrates God's victorious presence, His leadership over His people, and His ultimate triumph over all adversaries.

Context

This verse is widely recognized as an ancient Israelite battle cry or a liturgical exclamation. It directly echoes the words spoken by Moses whenever the Ark of the Covenant began its journey during the wilderness wanderings. As recorded in Numbers 10:35, the command was given: "Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee." David likely invoked this powerful phrase as a prayer for divine intervention in battles or during solemn processions, such as the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The psalm as a whole depicts God as a mighty warrior, leading His people to victory and establishing His reign.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The command "Let God arise" is not a request for God to wake up, but an emphatic plea for Him to manifest His power and active presence. It underscores His absolute authority and ability to intervene decisively in human affairs.
  • Victory Over Enemies: The scattering and fleeing of enemies signify God's complete and overwhelming triumph over all who oppose Him and His people. This theme reassures believers of God's protection and justice.
  • God's Active Presence: The "arising" of God implies His immediate and dynamic involvement, bringing about justice and deliverance. It speaks to a God who is not distant but intimately engaged with the destiny of His creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "Let God arise" is yaqum Elohim (יָקוּם אֱלֹהִים). The verb yaqum (arise, stand up) is a strong, active verb, signifying not merely a passive presence but a dynamic, decisive movement. It evokes an image of God rising to action, preparing for battle, and asserting His dominance. The terms "scattered" (yafutsu - יָפוּצוּ) and "flee" (yanusu - יָנוּסוּ) vividly describe the disarray and rout of the adversaries, highlighting the swift and inevitable consequence of standing against the Almighty.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 68:1 remains a profound source of encouragement and a powerful prayer. In times of personal struggle, spiritual warfare, or societal challenges, this verse reminds us that our hope is in a God who actively intervenes. It teaches us to pray for God's manifest presence to overcome obstacles, whether they are spiritual attacks, injustice, or personal fears. Just as God scattered Israel's physical enemies, we can trust Him to deliver us from our spiritual and emotional adversaries. This declaration reinforces the truth that if God is for us, who can be against us? It calls us to place our faith in His ultimate victory and to walk confidently, knowing that His power is far greater than any opposition.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 10:35

    And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

  • Isaiah 51:9

    ¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

  • Isaiah 51:10

    [Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

  • Psalms 44:26

    Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

  • Isaiah 42:13

    ¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

  • Isaiah 42:14

    I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

  • Psalms 89:10

    Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

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