Psalms 68:11

Psalm 68:11 (KJV) declares, "The Lord gave the word: great [was] the company of those that published [it]." This powerful verse celebrates God's divine initiative and the enthusiastic human response to His message.

Context

Psalm 68 is a magnificent psalm of triumph, often associated with a procession of the Ark of the Covenant or a great military victory. It extols God as a mighty warrior and gracious deliverer, leading His people to victory and dwelling among them. The psalm paints vivid pictures of God's power over His enemies and His benevolent care for the fatherless and widows (Psalm 68:5). Verse 11 specifically highlights how God's decrees or revelations are not kept secret but are widely proclaimed by His people.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation: The phrase "The Lord gave the word" emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of truth, revelation, and direction. His word is authoritative and powerful, originating from His divine will. This aligns with other scriptures that speak of God's word as creative and life-giving, such as Genesis 1:3 where God speaks creation into being.
• Widespread Proclamation: "Great [was] the company of those that published [it]" speaks to the vast number of people who enthusiastically spread God's message. This isn't a small, isolated group but a large, perhaps even triumphant, multitude. It suggests that God's message is meant to be widely disseminated and celebrated.
• Enthusiastic Response: The imagery implies a joyful and vigorous declaration. The "publishing" is not a passive act but an active, public announcement, often associated with celebrating victory or good news, demonstrating the zeal of those who receive God's word.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "word" here is 'omer (אֹ֫מֶר), which can refer to a saying, utterance, or divine decree. It signifies a spoken or revealed message from God, highlighting its divine origin.
• "Company" translates the Hebrew word tsaba (צָבָא), which commonly means "army," "host," or "multitude." While often referring to male warriors, in this context, some commentators suggest it could also imply a large company of women returning from battle, singing songs of victory and proclaiming the good news, a common practice in ancient Israel (e.g., 1 Samuel 18:7). This interpretation underscores the joyous and public nature of the proclamation.
• "Published" comes from the Hebrew verb basar (בָּשַׂר), meaning "to bring good news," "to announce glad tidings," or "to proclaim." This root is significant as it is the same root from which the New Testament word for "gospel" (good news) is derived. It implies the spreading of a joyful or victorious message.

Practical Application

Psalm 68:11 holds timeless relevance for believers today. It reminds us that:

1. God's Word is Primary: All true proclamation stems from God's revelation. Our message is not our own, but His.
2. The Call to Proclaim: We are part of that "great company" called to publish God's word. Whether through direct evangelism, living out our faith, or sharing testimonies, believers are commissioned to spread the good news of God's power and salvation. This echoes the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ.
3. The Power of Collective Witness: There is strength and impact in a multitude of voices proclaiming God's truth. When believers unite in sharing the Gospel, its reach and influence are magnified.

This verse encourages us to be active, enthusiastic participants in sharing the divine message, recognizing that the source of the message is God Himself, and the impact of its proclamation is profound.