TRV
Translation
Berean Standard Bible
When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like the snow falling on Zalmon.
American Standard Version
When the Almighty scattered kings therein, It was as whenit snoweth in Zalmon.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When the Almightie scattered Kings in it, it was white as the snowe in Zalmon.
In the KJVVerse 14,915 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 68 verses 7–14
7 ¶ O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.
The psalmist here, having occasion to give God thanks for the great things he had done for him and his people of late, takes occasion thence to praise him for what he had done for their fathers in the days of old. Fresh mercies should put us in mind of former mercies and revive our grateful sense of them. Let it never be forgotten,
I. That God himself was the guide of Israel through the wilderness; when he had brought them out of their chains he did not leave them in the dry land, but he himself went before them in a march through the wilderness, Psa 68:7. It was not a journey, but a march, for they went as soldiers, as an army with banners. The Egyptians promised themselves that the wilderness had shut them in, but they were deceived; God's Israel, having him for their leader, marched through the wilderness and were not lost in it. Note, If God bring his people into a wilderness, he will be sure to go before them in it and bring them out of it. Sol 8:5.
II. That he manifested his glorious presence with them at Mount Sinai, Psa 68:8. Never did any people see the glory of God, nor hear his voice, as Israel did, Deu 4:32, Deu 4:33. Never had any people such an excellent law given them, so expounded, so enforced. Then the earth shook, and the neighbouring countries, it is likely, felt the shock; terrible thunders there were, accompanied no doubt with thunder-showers, in which the heavens seemed to drop; while the divine doctrine dropped as the rain, Deu 32:2. Sinai itself, that vast mountain, that long ridge of mountains, was moved at the presence of God; see Jdg 5:4, Jdg 5:5; Deu 33:2; Hab 3:3. This terrible appearance of the Divine Majesty, as it would possess them with a fear and dread of him, so it would encourage their faith in him and dependence upon him. Whatever mountains of difficulty lay in the way of their happy settlement, he that could move Sinai itself could remove them, could get over them.
III. That he provided very comfortably for them both in the wilderness and in Canaan (Psa 68:9, Psa 68:10): Thou didst send a plentiful rain and hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. This may refer, 1. To the victualling of their camp with manna in the wilderness, which was rained upon them, as were also the quails (Psa 78:24, Psa 78:27), and it might be fitly called a rain of liberality or munificence, for it was a memorable instance of the divine bounty. This confirmed the camp of Israel (here called God's inheritance, because he had chosen them to be a peculiar treasure to himself) when it was weary and ready to perish: this confirmed their faith, and was a standing proof of God's power and goodness. Even in the wilderness God found a comfortable dwelling for Israel, which was his congregation. Or, 2. To the seasonable supplies granted them in Canaan, that land flowing with mild and honey, which is said to drink water of the rain of heaven, Deu 11:11. When sometimes that fruitful land was ready to be turned into barrenness, for the iniquity of those that dwelt therein, God, in judgment, remembered mercy, and sent them a plentiful rain, which refreshed it again, so that the congregation of Israel dwelt therein, and there was provision enough, even to satisfy their poor with bread. This looks further to the spiritual provision made for God's Israel; the Spirit of grace and the gospel of grace are the plentiful rain with which God confirms his inheritance, and from which their fruit is found, Isa 45:8. Christ himself is this rain, Psa 72:6. He shall come as showers that water the earth.
IV. That he often gave them victory over their enemies; armies, and kings of armies, appeared against them, from their first coming into Canaan, and all along in the times of the judges, till David's days, but, first or last, they gained their point against them, Psa 68:11, Psa 68:12, Psa 68:14. Observe here, 1. That God was their commander-in-chief: The Lord gave the word, as general of their armies. He raised up judges for them, gave them their commissions and instructions, and assured them of success. God spoke in his holiness, and then Gilead is mine. 2. That they had prophets, as God's messengers, to make known his mind to them. God gave them his word (the word of the Lord came unto them) and then great was the company of the preachers - prophets and prophetesses, for the word is feminine. When God has messages to send he will not want messengers. Or perhaps it may allude to the women's joining in the triumph when the victory was obtained, as was usual (Exo 15:20, Sa1 18:7), in which they took notice of the word of God, triumphing in that as much as in his works. 3. That their enemies were defeated, and put to confusion: Kings of armies did flee, did flee with the greatest terror and precipitation imaginable, did not fight and flee, but flee and flee, retired without striking a stroke; they fled apace, fled and never rallied again. 4. That they were enriched with the plunder of the field: She that tarried at home divided the spoil. Not only the men, the soldiers that abode by the stuff, who were, by a statute of distributions, to share the prey (Sa1 30:24), but even the women that tarried at home had a share, which intimates the abundance of spoil that should be taken. 5. That these great things which God did for them were sanctified to them and contributed to their reformation (Psa 68:14): When the Almighty scattered kings for her (for the church) she was white as snow in Salmon, purified and refined by the mercies of God; when the host went forth against the enemy they kept themselves from every wicked thing, and so the host returned victorious, and Israel by the victory were confirmed in their purity and piety. This account of Israel's victories is applicable to the victories obtained by the exalted Redeemer for those that are his, over death and hell. By the resurrection of Christ our spiritual enemies were made to flee, their power was broken, and they were for ever disabled to hurt any of God's people. This victory was first notified by the women (the she-publishers) to the disciples (Mat 28:7) and by them it was preached to all the world, while believers that tarry at home, that did not themselves contribute any thing towards it, enjoy the benefit of it, and divide the spoil.
V. That from a low and despised condition they had been advanced to splendour and prosperity. When they were bond-slaves in Egypt, and afterwards when they were oppressed sometimes by one potent neighbour and sometimes by another, they did, as it were, lie among the pots or rubbish, as despised broken vessels, or as vessels in which there was no pleasure - they were black, and dirty, and discoloured. But God, at length, delivered them from the pots (Psa 81:6), and in David's time they were in a fair way to be one of the most prosperous kingdoms in the world, amiable in the eyes of all about them, like the wings of a dove covered with silver, Psa 68:13. "And so," says Dr. Hammond, "under Christ's kingdom, the heathen idolaters that were brought to the basest and most despicable condition of any creatures, worshipping wood and stone, and given up to the vilest lusts, should from that detestable condition be advanced to the service of Christ, and the practice of all Christian virtues, the greatest inward beauties in the world." It may be applied also to the deliverance of the church out of a suffering state and the comforts of particular believers after their despondencies.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–14. Public domain.
Copy as
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 68
"While He that is above the heavens distinguishes kings over Her, with snow they shall be made white in Selmon" [Psalm 68:14]. While He "above the heavens," He that ascended over all heavens that He might fulfil all things, "while He distinguishes kings over Her," that is, over that same "Dove silvered." For the Apostle continues and says, and "He has Himself given some for Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers." [Ephesians 4:11] For what other reason is there to distinguish kings over Her, save for the work of the Ministry, for the edification of the Body of Christ: when she is indeed Herself the Body of Christ? But they are called kings from ruling: and what more than the lusts of the flesh, that sin may not reign in their mortal body to obey the desires thereof, that they yield not their members instruments of iniquity unto sin, but yield themselves to God, as though from the dead living, and their members instruments of righteousness to God? [Romans 6:12-13] For thus shall the kings be distinguished from foreigners, because they draw not the yoke with unbelievers: secondly, in a peaceful manner being distinguished from one another by their proper gifts. For not all are Apostles, or all Prophets, or all Teachers, or all have gifts of healings, or all with tongues do speak, or all interpret. [1 Corinthians 12:29-30] "But all these things works one and the same Spirit, dividing proper gifts to each one as He wills." [1 Corinthians 12:11] In giving which Spirit He that is above the Heavens distinguishes kings over the Dove silvered. Of which Holy Spirit, when, sent to His Mother full of grace, the Angel was speaking, to her enquiring in what manner it could come to pass that she was announced as going to bear, seeing she knew not a man: [Luke 1:34] ...he says, "The Holy Spirit shall come over upon you, and the virtue of the Most Highest shall overshadow you," that is, shall make a shadow for you, "wherefore that Holy Thing which shall be born of you, shall be called the Son of God." [Luke 1:35] That "shadow" again is understood of a defence against the heat of carnal lusts: whence not in carnal concupiscence, but in spiritual belief, the Virgin conceived Christ. But the shadow consists of light and body: and further, The "Word" that "was in the beginning," [John 1:1] that true Light, [John 1:9] in order that a noonday shadow might be made for us; "the Word," I say, "was made Flesh, and dwelled in us." [John 1:14] ...
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Psalms 68:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Vividly portrays God's decisive and transformative victory over opposing kings, illustrating His absolute sovereignty and the profound impact of His divine intervention. The striking imagery of the battleground becoming "white as snow in Salmon" conveys a scene of radical change, purity, and clarity that follows the scattering of enemies, underscoring God's ability to bring order and beauty out of chaos and conflict.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 68:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Simile, explicitly stating "it was [white] as snow," drawing a direct comparison to emphasize the purity, clarity, or starkness of the post-battle scene. This simile is interwoven with vivid Imagery, particularly the striking contrast of pristine snow against the dark, forested mountain of Salmon, which enhances the sense of dramatic transformation and divine intervention. The verse also utilizes rich Symbolism, where snow can represent cleansing, purification, the stark reality of death (bleached bones), or the radiant appearance of victory and divine favor. Furthermore, the description of "scattering kings" and the subsequent "whiteness" could be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the overwhelming and complete nature of God's triumph, beyond ordinary human victory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 68:14 powerfully articulates God's ultimate sovereignty and His active intervention in human history to secure victory for His people. It underscores that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can stand against the Almighty. The imagery of the land being made "white as snow" after the scattering of kings speaks to God's capacity not only to judge and defeat but also to purify and transform. This transformation can be understood physically (a cleansed landscape, bleached bones) or spiritually (the purity of the victorious, the peace that follows divine intervention). It points to a God who brings order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and purity out of defilement through His mighty acts, demonstrating His absolute control over all creation and all earthly powers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:14 serves as a profound reminder that our God is the ultimate Victor, capable of scattering any opposition and bringing about radical transformation. In a world often marked by chaos, conflict, and spiritual darkness, this verse offers immense hope and assurance. It encourages us to trust in the "Almighty" who remains sovereign over all circumstances, whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or global crises. Just as He brought purity and clarity to the battleground of Salmon, He is able to cleanse our lives, our hearts, and our situations, making them "white as snow." This can mean deliverance from oppressive forces, purification from sin, or the establishment of peace and order where there was turmoil. It calls us to recognize God's power to overcome and to allow His transformative work to bring about spiritual cleansing, renewed hope, and a clear vision for His purposes in our own lives and communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "in it" refer to in the first part of the verse?
Answer: The phrase "in it" most likely refers to the battleground or the specific land where the kings were scattered. It indicates the location of the decisive divine victory, setting the stage for the subsequent description of the transformed scene. It points to a tangible place where God's power was manifested, a place that was once chaotic and now experiences a radical change.
Why is the mountain "Salmon" specifically mentioned?
Answer: Mount Salmon (also known as Zalmon) was a real mountain near Shechem, known for its dark, forested slopes, as referenced in Judges 9:48. Its specific mention serves to intensify the vivid imagery and make the transformation more dramatic. The striking contrast between the dark, perhaps foreboding, mountain and the brilliant "white as snow" highlights the dramatic and undeniable nature of God's transformative victory. It makes the scene concrete and visually impactful, emphasizing the profound change brought about by divine intervention.
What are the main interpretations of "it was [white] as snow"?
Answer: Scholars offer several compelling interpretations for this striking imagery, each contributing to the verse's rich meaning:
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm celebrates God's historical victories over earthly kings, it powerfully foreshadows Christ's decisive triumph over the ultimate spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as the "Almighty scattered kings," Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" (Colossians 2:15). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and through His shed blood, He has made us "white as snow," cleansing us from all unrighteousness (Revelation 1:5). The imagery of the transformed landscape, made pure and pristine, speaks to the new creation wrought in Christ, where believers are made new and given a pure standing before God. Ultimately, Christ is the conquering King who will return to fully establish His kingdom, scattering all remaining opposition and bringing about a final, glorious, and eternal state of purity and peace, as depicted in Revelation 19:11-16, where His reign is absolute and His people are made pure.