Psalms 68:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:11 proclaims the divine initiative of God in delivering His authoritative word and celebrates the overwhelming, enthusiastic response of His people who widely disseminate and publish this message. It captures a moment of triumphant revelation and joyous proclamation, underscoring that God's truth is not to be confined but is meant for widespread, public declaration by a multitude of His faithful.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a magnificent and complex psalm of triumph, often interpreted as a processional hymn celebrating God's glorious presence and victorious leadership. It depicts God as a mighty warrior leading His people to victory, marching through the wilderness, conquering enemies, and establishing His dwelling place among them in Zion. The psalm opens with an echo of the wilderness march, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered" ([Psalms 68:1](/psalms/68-1 "Psalm 68:1 - God Arises")). It moves through historical allusions to the Exodus, the giving of the Law, God's provision for the needy ([Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God's Care for the Vulnerable")), and culminates in a vision of God's universal sovereignty and the nations bringing tribute to Jerusalem. Within this grand narrative of divine power and deliverance, verse 11 specifically highlights the *means* by which God's victories and decrees are made known, emphasizing the role of human messengers in proclaiming His truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely draws on various historical events, possibly a military victory, the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), or a general celebration of God's kingship. In ancient Israel, military victories were often celebrated with songs, dances, and public proclamations, particularly by women who would welcome returning warriors with praise and declare the good news of victory (e.g., [Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song of Victory") and [1 Samuel 18:6-7](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-7 - Women Celebrate David's Victory")). The "publishing" of a word or decree was a significant act in the ancient Near East, often associated with royal edicts or declarations of war/peace. The imagery in Psalm 68:11 thus evokes a scene of jubilant, widespread announcement, fitting for a people celebrating a divine triumph and the revelation of God's will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of truth and communication, "The Lord gave the word." This aligns with the understanding that God actively speaks and reveals Himself to humanity, whether through creation, law, prophecy, or direct intervention ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through Son")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Proclamation and Witness**, emphasizing that God's word is not meant to be hidden but widely disseminated. The "great company" signifies the collective, enthusiastic human response to God's revelation, acting as heralds of His truth. Finally, it touches on **God's Sovereignty and Victory**, as the "word" given by the Lord is often associated with His decrees of triumph over enemies and His establishment of justice, which His people are then called to publish.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _'omer'_):** This term (אֹ֫מֶר) refers to a saying, utterance, or divine decree. Unlike _davar_ (דָּבָר), which can be more general, _'omer_ often emphasizes the spoken nature and authoritative weight of a divine pronouncement. In this context, it signifies God's specific, intentional revelation—a message, a command, or a declaration of victory that originates from His divine will and power. It is not merely information but a potent, effective utterance.
* **Company (Hebrew, _tsaba'_):** The Hebrew word (צָבָא) typically means "army," "host," or "multitude." While often used for military forces, it is also applied to heavenly hosts or large gatherings of people. In this verse, the KJV's "company" effectively conveys the sense of a large, organized, and perhaps even disciplined group. Many commentators, drawing on the cultural context of women celebrating victories (e.g., [1 Samuel 18:6-7](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-7 - Women Celebrating Saul and David")), suggest that this "company" could specifically refer to a multitude of women returning from battle, singing and proclaiming the good news of God's triumph. This interpretation adds a layer of vibrant, joyful, and public celebration to the act of "publishing."
* **Published (Hebrew, _basar'_):** The verb (בָּשַׂר) means "to bring good news," "to announce glad tidings," or "to proclaim." This is a crucial term, as it is the very root from which the New Testament concept of "gospel" (good news) is derived. It implies more than mere reporting; it suggests the enthusiastic, joyful, and public declaration of a message that brings joy, relief, or victory. The act of "publishing" is active, intentional, and meant to be heard by all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord gave the word":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. God (Yahweh) is the active subject, the initiator of revelation. The "word" is not a human invention or discovery but a direct impartation from the sovereign Lord. This highlights God's initiative in communicating with humanity and His desire for His truths to be known. It implies that the content of the message is inherently true, powerful, and worthy of proclamation because it emanates from the divine source.
* **"great [was] the company":** The word "[was]" is supplied by the translators, indicating the implied state of being. The emphasis here is on the sheer magnitude and impressive scale of those who responded. "Great" (רַב, _rav_) signifies a vast number or multitude, suggesting an overwhelming and perhaps unexpected outpouring of people. This isn't a small, select group, but a significant, perhaps even triumphant, assembly, underscoring the widespread and impactful nature of the subsequent action.
* **"of those that published [it]":** This final phrase describes the active response to God's word. The "company" is characterized by their role as heralds, those who "bring good news" or "proclaim glad tidings." The "it" refers back to "the word" that the Lord gave. This is not a passive reception but an active, enthusiastic, and public dissemination of the divine message. It implies a joyful declaration, a spreading of the news of God's victory, deliverance, or decree to all who would hear.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 68:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "The Lord gave the word" uses **Metonymy**, where "the word" stands for God's entire revelation, decree, or message of salvation/victory. There is also an element of **Personification** in the "word" being "given," as if it were a tangible gift or instruction. The description of a "great company" immediately evokes **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immense number of those proclaiming, creating a vivid image of a vast, jubilant multitude. The entire verse functions as a form of **Imagery**, painting a picture of a triumphant procession or celebration where divine truth is not whispered but shouted and sung by a throng of enthusiastic heralds. The choice of the verb _basar_ ("published") is a subtle **Allusion** to the concept of "good news" or "gospel," foreshadowing its later theological significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays a foundational principle for understanding divine revelation and human response: God initiates, and humanity proclaims. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty as the source of all truth and His desire to communicate that truth to His creation. It highlights the inherent value and power of God's "word" as something that demands a widespread and joyful announcement. The "great company" signifies the corporate responsibility and privilege of God's people to be His messengers, not merely passive recipients of His revelation but active participants in its dissemination. This prophetic impulse to declare God's truth, whether in victory or in warning, is a recurring theme throughout scripture, emphasizing that God's plan involves human partnership in spreading His message.

* [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News")
* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14-15 - The Necessity of Preaching the Gospel")
* [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission to Preach the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:11 serves as a profound reminder of our calling as believers. It begins with God's initiative: "The Lord gave the word." This means our message is not of our own making, but a divine revelation, imbued with God's authority and power. Our task is not to invent truth but to faithfully transmit the truth He has already given. The verse then shifts to the human response, highlighting the "great company of those that published it." This challenges us to consider ourselves part of that vast, enthusiastic multitude. Are we actively and joyfully proclaiming the good news of God's redemptive work, His character, and His promises? In a world hungry for truth and hope, our individual and collective witness becomes a vital conduit for God's word to reach others. This "publishing" can take many forms: sharing our personal testimony, engaging in evangelism, living a life that reflects God's glory, or simply speaking words of truth and encouragement in our daily interactions. The power is in God's word, and the privilege is ours to be its heralds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "word" has the Lord given you personally through His Scripture, His Spirit, or His providential leading?**
* **In what ways are you currently part of the "company of those that published [it]" in your daily life?**
* **What might hinder you from more enthusiastically proclaiming God's truth, and how can these barriers be overcome?**
* **How can the church, as a collective "company," better unite to publish God's word to the world around us?**

### FAQ
**What does "the word" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 68:11, "the word" (Hebrew: _'omer_) refers to God's divine utterance, decree, or revelation. Given the context of Psalm 68 as a song of triumph, it likely encompasses the good news of God's victory over His enemies, His deliverance of His people, and His establishment of justice. It is the authoritative message that God Himself has spoken or revealed, which then becomes the content for His people to proclaim. It signifies a potent, divinely originated message that brings about a desired outcome or declares a significant truth.

**Who is the "great company" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "great company" (Hebrew: _tsaba'_) refers to a large multitude or host of people. While _tsaba'_ can mean "army," in this context, many scholars suggest it specifically alludes to the women who, in ancient Israelite culture, would celebrate military victories by singing, dancing, and proclaiming the good news (e.g., [Exodus 15:20-21](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam's Song") after the Red Sea crossing, or [1 Samuel 18:6-7](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6-7 - Women Celebrating David") after David's victory over Goliath). This interpretation emphasizes the joyful, public, and widespread nature of the proclamation, highlighting that the message of God's triumph is meant to be celebrated and declared by all who receive it. It represents the collective body of God's people enthusiastically responding to His revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the mission of His Church. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Word" that the Lord gave, as described in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), where He is identified as the eternal _Logos_, God incarnate, through whom all things were made and through whom God perfectly reveals Himself. The "word" given by the Lord is perfectly embodied in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which constitute the "good news" or "gospel" (from the same Hebrew root _basar_ as "published"). After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples, the nascent "company" of believers, to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). This "great company" of those who publish has expanded throughout history, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), to declare the glorious news of salvation through Christ. The message they publish is no longer just of military victory, but of spiritual triumph over sin and death, offering reconciliation with God, a message that is indeed "good news" to all who believe ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, the ancient psalmist's vision of a multitude proclaiming God's word finds its grand realization in the global mission of the Church to herald the saving work of Christ.

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

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?