Psalms 68:11

The Lord gave the word: great [was] the company of those that published [it].

The Lord {H136} gave {H5414}{H8799)} the word {H562}: great {H7227} was the company {H6635} of those that published {H1319}{H8764)} it.

Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.

The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it:

The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host.

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.

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.
  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
  • Exodus 17:9

    And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
  • Exodus 17:16

    For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation.
  • Psalms 68:25

    The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.
  • Exodus 14:15

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
  • Psalms 40:3

    And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
  • Judges 4:6

    And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

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