Psalms 68:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:1 stands as a potent and foundational declaration within one of the most majestic and triumphant psalms, often associated with a processional or military context. Attributed to King David, this verse functions as a powerful invocation for God to manifest His active presence and overwhelming power, leading to the utter defeat and dispersal of all who oppose Him and His righteous reign. It sets a tone of divine sovereignty, assured victory, and the dynamic intervention of the Almighty in the affairs of humanity, establishing His just and triumphant rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 68 is a complex and multifaceted psalm, widely recognized as a triumphal hymn or national anthem celebrating God's glorious acts of salvation and His enthronement as King. The superscription attributes it to David, designating it "A Psalm or Song." Verse 1 acts as an ancient battle cry or liturgical invocation, immediately establishing the psalm's overarching theme of divine warfare and victory. The subsequent verses recount God's historical interventions, from the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan to the establishment of His dwelling in Zion, culminating in a grand vision of universal homage to God. This opening verse is not merely a prayer but a confident declaration of God's inevitable triumph, setting the stage for a sweeping narrative of divine power and the scattering of all adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "Let God arise..." directly echoes an ancient Israelite liturgical formula used whenever the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's active presence, was moved during the wilderness journeys, as recorded in [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - The Ark's Movement and Invocation"). This strong echo suggests the psalm may have been composed for a significant event involving the Ark, such as its triumphant procession into Jerusalem by King David ([2 Samuel 6](/2-samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")) or a major military campaign. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the presence and active intervention of a deity were believed to guarantee victory. This verse taps into the profound imagery of God as a divine warrior, leading His armies, and scattering His enemies before Him, a common and deeply reassuring motif in Israelite theology that underscored God's active involvement in the nation's defense and destiny.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate Psalms 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as an active, decisive ruler whose mere "arising" causes chaos and dissolution among His foes. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Victory Over Enemies**, emphasizing God's complete and overwhelming triumph over all who oppose His will or His people. This theme provides immense reassurance of God's protective nature and His unwavering commitment to justice. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Active Presence**, implying His immediate and dynamic involvement in human affairs, bringing about deliverance and establishing His righteous order. This concept of an engaged God who fights for His people is foundational, echoing through passages like [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You") where Moses declares, "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." It anticipates the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, a theme woven throughout prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "Isaiah 40:3-5 - Preparation for the Lord's Coming"), which speaks of preparing the way for the Lord's glorious revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The Hebrew verb קוּם (_qûwm_), from which the jussive form יָקוּם (_yaqum_) is derived, means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." In this context, it is not a request for God to awaken from slumber, but an emphatic jussive expressing a strong wish or command for God to manifest His active presence and power. It evokes the image of a warrior rising to action, preparing for battle, or a king taking his throne to issue a decree. It signifies a dynamic, decisive, and overwhelming intervention.
* **Scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** The Hebrew verb פּוּץ (_pûwts_), from which the jussive form יָפוּצוּ (_yafutsu_) is derived, means "to dash in pieces," "to be scattered," "to be dispersed," or "to be put to flight." This term vividly describes the disarray, rout, and utter defeat of the enemies. It suggests a complete and irreversible breaking apart, implying that God's mere presence is enough to cause panic and disintegration among His adversaries, leaving them without cohesion or strength.
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** The Hebrew verb נוּס (_nûwç_), from which the jussive form יָנוּסוּ (_yanusu_) is derived, means "to flit," "to vanish away," "to escape," or "to take flight." This word reinforces the imagery of the enemies' panicked retreat. Coupled with "scattered," it paints a picture of total collapse and abandonment of resistance, underscoring the swift and inevitable consequence of standing in opposition to the Almighty. Their flight is not merely a strategic withdrawal but a desperate, unorganized escape from God's overwhelming power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let God arise":** This is a powerful, imperative declaration, not a hesitant plea. It expresses a fervent desire and confident expectation that God will manifest His active, decisive presence. It evokes the image of God rising from His throne or preparing for battle, signifying His readiness to intervene forcefully in the affairs of the world and on behalf of His people. It is a profound statement of faith in God's dynamic sovereignty and His commitment to justice.
* **"let his enemies be scattered":** This clause describes the immediate and inevitable consequence of God's arising. The "enemies" are those who oppose God's will, His people, or His kingdom, whether human adversaries or spiritual forces of darkness. Their "scattering" implies complete disarray, disorganization, and utter defeat. It signifies a breaking of their power and unity, rendering them ineffective and without hope against the divine presence.
* **"let them also that hate him flee before him":** This phrase serves as a synonymous parallel to the previous clause, intensifying the imagery of defeat. "Them that hate him" are explicitly identified as those with malicious intent and active hostility towards God. Their "fleeing before him" emphasizes their panicked retreat in the face of His manifest power, highlighting their absolute inability to withstand His presence. It underscores the swift and inescapable judgment that awaits all who set themselves against the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalms 68 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine power and victory. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Let God arise," "let his enemies be scattered," "let them... flee"), which functions as a jussive. This is not a mere request for God to act, but a declarative expectation and fervent invocation of His immediate and powerful intervention. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism** in the phrases "let his enemies be scattered" and "let them also that hate him flee before him." These two clauses express the same core idea—the comprehensive defeat of adversaries—using different but reinforcing language, thereby intensifying the impact and emphasizing the totality of the victory. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism** in "Let God arise," which attributes human-like action (rising) to God, making His active intervention more vivid, relatable, and dynamically present. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Liturgical Formula** or **Battle Cry**, directly echoing the ancient wilderness cry from Numbers 10:35, imbuing it with profound historical weight and a sense of divine precedent for assured victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 68:1 encapsulates a core theological truth: God is not a passive deity but an active, sovereign King who intervenes decisively in history to establish His righteous rule and deliver His people. This verse affirms God's absolute authority over all forces, visible and invisible, that oppose His will. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and divine order over chaos. The "arising" of God signifies not just a physical movement but a dynamic manifestation of His divine attributes – His justice, power, and faithfulness – against all forms of wickedness and rebellion. This foundational declaration sets the stage for understanding God as the ultimate Victor, whose mere presence is sufficient to dismantle all opposition and bring about His desired ends.

* [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - Moses' Invocation for the Ark")
* [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "Isaiah 40:3-5 - Preparation for the Lord's Coming")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphal Return and Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:1 offers profound encouragement and a powerful model for prayer and faith in the life of a believer. In a world often marked by chaos, injustice, spiritual opposition, and personal struggles, this verse reminds us that our hope is firmly anchored in a God who is not distant or disengaged, but actively involved in the affairs of His creation. It calls us to adopt a posture of confident expectation, knowing that when we invoke God's manifest presence, His power is unleashed to overcome any obstacle. Whether facing personal struggles, spiritual warfare, societal injustices, or the daunting challenges of life, this declaration empowers us to pray boldly for God to "arise" – to intervene decisively, to scatter the forces of darkness, and to cause all that opposes His will to flee. It fosters a faith that trusts in God's ultimate victory, enabling us to walk with courage and assurance, knowing that the One who is for us is infinitely greater than all who could ever be against us, and that His triumph is certain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or in the world around you do you most urgently need to pray for God to "arise" and manifest His power?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of God scattering and causing His enemies to flee deepen your understanding of His absolute sovereignty and unwavering protection?**
* **What "enemies" (whether spiritual strongholds, emotional burdens, systemic injustices, or personal sins) do you believe God is called to confront and conquer in your context today?**
* **How does this powerful verse inspire you to cultivate greater confidence, boldness, and perseverance in your prayers and in your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Is "Let God arise" a literal command for God to wake up?**

Answer: No, "Let God arise" is not a literal command for God to awaken from sleep. The Hebrew verb _qûwm_ (קוּם), from which the jussive form _yaqum_ (יָקוּם) is derived, means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." In this context, it functions as a jussive, expressing a strong wish, an invocation, or a confident declaration. It signifies a fervent desire for God to manifest His active presence, power, and decisive intervention. It's akin to a general rising to lead an army or a king standing to issue a decree, indicating a dynamic and powerful movement into action. This phrase directly echoes the ancient Israelite battle cry found in [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - The Ark's Movement"), used whenever the Ark of the Covenant set out, symbolizing God's active leadership in battle and His readiness to fight for His people.

**Who are "his enemies" and "them that hate him" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Psalms 68, "his enemies" and "them that hate him" primarily refer to the literal adversaries of Israel – the nations and peoples who opposed God's chosen people and His divine purposes. This would include military foes and those who sought to undermine Israel's security and faith. However, biblically and theologically, these terms also extend to all forces that stand in opposition to God's righteous rule, His truth, and His kingdom. This encompasses spiritual enemies (like demonic forces), moral evil, injustice, sin, and any ideology or power structure that defies the Creator. Ultimately, anyone or anything that sets itself against God's will is considered an "enemy" in this broader sense, destined to be scattered and flee before His manifest presence, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:7](/romans/8-7 "Romans 8:7 - The Mind Hostile to God"), which states that "the carnal mind is enmity against God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The declaration "Let God arise" resonates deeply with the resurrection of Jesus, where God literally "arose" from the dead, definitively conquering sin, death, and the grave. This was the ultimate "scattering" of His enemies, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") powerfully proclaims, Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." The spiritual enemies of God—Satan, sin, and death—were decisively defeated through Christ's victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Furthermore, this verse foreshadows Christ's future return as the triumphant King, as vividly depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphal Return"), when He will "arise" in final judgment, and all who hate Him will unequivocally "flee before Him." Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")), fulfilling the psalmist's ancient cry for God's ultimate and undeniable triumph over all opposition, ushering in His eternal kingdom where righteousness reigns supreme ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.