Psalms 68:15

¶ The hill of God [is as] the hill of Bashan; an high hill [as] the hill of Bashan.

The hill {H2022} of God {H430} is as the hill {H2022} of Bashan {H1316}; an high {H1386} hill {H2022} as the hill {H2022} of Bashan {H1316}.

You mighty mountain, Mount Bashan! You rugged mountain, Mount Bashan!

A mountain of God is Mount Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is Mount Bashan.

A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.

Commentary on Psalms 68:15 (KJV)

Psalm 68 is a powerful psalm of triumph and praise, celebrating God's majestic procession and His victory over enemies as He leads His people. This particular verse, "The hill of God [is as] the hill of Bashan; an high hill [as] the hill of Bashan," sets the stage for a vivid comparison that underscores the unique glory and significance of Mount Zion, God's chosen dwelling place.

Context

This psalm recounts God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus (Psalm 68:7) and the journey through the wilderness to the establishment of His sanctuary in Jerusalem. Verses 15-16 specifically focus on the geographical and spiritual prominence of Mount Zion. Bashan was a fertile, elevated region east of the Jordan River, famous for its impressive mountains (like Mount Hermon) and strong, majestic cattle. The repetition of "the hill of Bashan" emphasizes its notable height and grandeur in the ancient world.

Key Themes

  • Divine Majesty and Supremacy: The verse doesn't suggest that Mount Zion is physically as tall as Bashan's highest peaks, but rather that "the hill of God"—Mount Zion—possesses a spiritual majesty that equals or even surpasses the natural grandeur of Bashan. It's a declaration that God's chosen dwelling is supreme in significance.
  • God's Chosen Dwelling Place: This passage highlights Mount Zion (Jerusalem) as the specific place where God chose to establish His presence among His people. This choice elevates Zion above all other impressive mountains, making it uniquely sacred and glorious.
  • Envy of Other Mountains: The following verse (Psalm 68:16) clarifies the comparison, depicting the "high hills" of Bashan as "leaping" or "envying" the hill God desired to dwell on, emphasizing Zion's unparalleled spiritual status.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hill" used here is har (הַר), which can refer to a mountain or a significant hill. The repetition of "the hill of Bashan" ("har Bashan") serves to strongly emphasize its imposing nature. The phrase "the hill of God" (har Elohim) signifies a hill belonging to God, or one divinely appointed and possessing divine majesty, much like "cedars of God" (Psalm 80:10) refers to majestic cedars.

Significance and Application

This verse teaches that true significance and majesty are not determined by physical attributes alone, but by God's presence and divine choice. While the mountains of Bashan were naturally impressive, Mount Zion's glory derived from being the place where God chose to reside. For believers today, this can be understood spiritually: God's presence transforms and elevates. Just as God established His dwelling in ancient Jerusalem, He now dwells in His people through the Spirit, making the church a truly majestic and significant dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16). It reminds us that our value and ultimate glory come from being chosen by God and having His presence within us.

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.

  • Psalms 78:68

    But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

  • Psalms 78:69

    And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.

  • Psalms 87:1

    ¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation [is] in the holy mountains.

  • Psalms 87:2

    The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

  • Micah 7:14

    ¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

  • Deuteronomy 3:10

    All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

  • Isaiah 2:2

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

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