Psalms 68:19

KJV

Blessed [be] the Lord, [who] daily loadeth us [with benefits, even] the God of our salvation. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288}{H8803)} be the Lord {H136}, who daily {H3117}{H3117} loadeth {H6006}{H8799)} us with benefits, even the God {H410} of our salvation {H3444}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be Adonai! Every day he bears our burden, does God, our salvation. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah

American Standard Version

Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:19 is a vibrant declaration of God's ceaseless and abundant provision for His people, identifying Him as the ultimate source of both daily sustenance and profound salvation. It serves as a profound call to worship, acknowledging the Lord's continuous, gracious care and His unwavering identity as the deliverer from all forms of distress, inviting a posture of perpetual gratitude and trust in His faithful character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a magnificent psalm of triumph, often characterized as a processional hymn celebrating God's glorious victories and His majestic presence among His people. It opens with a powerful image of God rising to scatter His enemies (Psalm 68:1-3) and progresses through historical allusions to the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the conquest of Canaan (Psalm 68:7-18). Within this grand narrative of divine power and conquest, verse 19 marks a significant pivot. While the preceding verses describe God's mighty acts of deliverance and His ascent to His sanctuary, this verse shifts focus from His grand, historical interventions to His intimate, continuous, and daily care for His people. It underscores that the same sovereign God who leads armies to victory and establishes His dwelling also meticulously attends to the everyday needs of His beloved.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm is widely believed to commemorate a significant historical event, possibly the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem by King David (as described in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")), or a celebration of a major military victory. It evokes the imagery of ancient Near Eastern divine warrior motifs, where a god leads his people in battle and then establishes his reign. The "Selah" at the end of the verse is a common musical or liturgical notation found throughout the Psalms, typically indicating a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a moment of emphasis, encouraging the worshiper to meditate deeply on the profound truth just proclaimed. This context highlights God's active involvement in the life of Israel, not just as a distant deity but as a present, powerful, and providing King.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 68:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, portraying God as the all-sufficient ruler whose authority extends over all creation and human affairs. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people by consistently providing for them, echoing His promise to be their God and provide for their needs, as seen in the wilderness wanderings where He provided manna ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")) and water ([Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Daily Provision and Sustenance**, moving beyond grand salvific acts to the mundane, yet miraculous, reality of God's moment-by-moment care. This theme resonates with the New Testament concept of God providing "daily bread" ([Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread")). Lastly, the identification of God as "the God of our salvation" reinforces the theme of **Deliverance and Redemption**, asserting that all blessings, both material and spiritual, flow from His ultimate role as Savior. This aspect of God's character is foundational to the entire biblical narrative, from the deliverance from Egypt to the ultimate salvation offered through Christ ([Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - I Am the Lord, Your Savior")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruk'_):** This word is a passive participle, meaning "praised," "lauded," or "worthy of praise." When applied to God, it is not a wish or a command for God to be blessed, but an acclamation of His inherent blessedness and worthiness of adoration. It is a declaration that God is the source of all blessing and therefore deserves all praise.
* **Loadeth (Hebrew, עָמַס, _‘amas'_):** The verb _‘amas_ literally means "to load," "to bear a burden," or "to carry." In this context, it is used metaphorically and positively. It does not imply God burdening us with difficulties, but rather "loading us up" or "heaping upon us" an abundance of good things. The KJV's addition of "with benefits" accurately captures the positive connotation of overwhelming, continuous provision and favor. It suggests a generous, overflowing bestowal of blessings, far beyond mere sufficiency.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, יְשׁוּעָה, _yeshu'ah'_):** This comprehensive term encompasses deliverance, help, victory, welfare, and well-being. It refers to rescue from danger, oppression, or distress, and implies a state of security and prosperity. In the context of "the God of our salvation," it points to God as the ultimate source of all forms of deliverance—physical, spiritual, and existential—from all that threatens or diminishes His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed be the Lord":** This opening phrase is a doxology, a formal expression of praise and worship. It is an acknowledgment of God's inherent goodness, power, and faithfulness, declaring Him worthy of all honor and adoration. It sets a tone of gratitude and reverence, inviting the worshiper to join in exalting God.
* **"who daily loadeth us with benefits":** This clause highlights the continuous and abundant nature of God's provision. The adverb "daily" emphasizes the regularity and consistency of His care, while "loadeth us with benefits" (where "with benefits" is an interpretive addition, accurately reflecting the sense of the Hebrew _‘amas_) conveys the overwhelming generosity and profusion of His blessings. It speaks to God's active, moment-by-moment involvement in sustaining His people, meeting their needs not just occasionally, but perpetually and lavishly.
* **"even the God of our salvation.":** This identifies the source of all these blessings and provisions. It is not a generic deity, but specifically "the God of our salvation"—the one who delivers, rescues, and brings wholeness. This phrase links God's daily provision directly to His redemptive character, implying that all benefits flow from His saving nature and purpose for His people. His daily care is an extension of His ultimate plan of deliverance.
* **"Selah.":** This is a musical or liturgical notation, likely indicating a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphasis on the preceding words. It encourages the reader or listener to meditate deeply on the profound truth just stated—the Lord's daily, abundant provision and His identity as the God of salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 68:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The opening "Blessed be the Lord" is an act of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing and praising God. The phrase "daily loadeth us with benefits" utilizes **Metaphor**, portraying God as one who generously "loads" or "burdens" His people, not with hardship, but with an overflowing abundance of good things. This can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the sheer magnitude and continuous nature of God's provision. The structure of the verse, moving from a general declaration of praise to a specific description of God's actions ("who daily loadeth us") and then to His ultimate identity ("the God of our salvation"), demonstrates a form of **Climax** or progressive revelation, building from adoration to the profound theological truth of His character. The inclusion of "Selah" functions as a **Rhetorical Pause**, inviting deep contemplation and emphasizing the weight and significance of the preceding statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 68:19 beautifully encapsulates the dual nature of God's care: His grand, overarching plan of salvation and His meticulous, daily provision. This verse affirms God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that the same mighty God who orchestrates cosmic victories is intimately involved in the mundane details of His children's lives. It connects the concept of daily sustenance directly to His salvific character, implying that every blessing is an outflow of His redemptive love and purpose. This truth counters any notion of a distant or disengaged deity, instead presenting a God who is both transcendent in power and immanent in His tender care, constantly pouring out His goodness upon His beloved. It grounds our daily gratitude in the profound reality of His saving grace.

* [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 68:19 calls believers to cultivate a profound and ongoing awareness of God's active presence and provision in their lives. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of blessings to a deep appreciation for God's inherent character as a generous Giver and a faithful Savior. Recognizing that God "daily loadeth us with benefits" should transform our perspective, turning our attention to the countless, often overlooked, mercies we receive each day—from the breath in our lungs to the provision for our families. This verse encourages a posture of continuous gratitude, reminding us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")). It fosters a spirit of dependence, knowing that the God of our salvation is utterly trustworthy to meet our needs, not just in times of crisis, but in the steady rhythm of everyday life. Embracing this truth empowers us to live with greater peace, less anxiety, and a heart overflowing with praise, even amidst challenges, because our God is perpetually faithful to "load" us with His goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's daily provision transform your perspective on challenges and uncertainties in your life?**
* **In what specific, perhaps overlooked, ways have you experienced God "loading" you with benefits this past week?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent posture of praise and gratitude for God's daily care, making "Blessed be the Lord" a regular declaration in your heart?**

### FAQ

**What does "daily loadeth us with benefits" truly mean in the context of the original Hebrew?**

Answer: The KJV phrase "daily loadeth us with benefits" captures the essence of the Hebrew verb _‘amas_ (עָמַס), which means "to load" or "to bear." In this context, it doesn't imply God burdening us with difficulties, but rather "loading us up" or "heaping upon us" an abundance of good things. The word "benefits" is supplied in the English translation to clarify the positive nature of this "loading." It conveys a continuous, overflowing, and generous outpouring of divine favor, provision, and blessings, far beyond what is merely sufficient. It speaks to God's lavish and consistent care for His people, providing for their needs day after day.

**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a common term found throughout the Psalms and Habakkuk, appearing 71 times in the Psalms. While its exact meaning is debated among scholars, it is widely understood to be a musical or liturgical notation. It likely indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a moment of emphasis, encouraging the reader or listener to meditate deeply on the profound truth or statement that precedes it. In the case of [Psalms 68:19](/psalms/68-19 "Psalms 68:19 - God Daily Loads Us with Benefits"), "Selah" prompts the worshiper to ponder the incredible reality of God's daily, abundant provision and His identity as the God of salvation, allowing the truth to sink into the heart and mind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 68:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's daily provision and the ultimate "God of our salvation." While the Old Testament speaks of God "loading us with benefits" through manna in the wilderness and daily sustenance, Jesus declares Himself to be the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing not just physical nourishment but eternal life. He teaches His disciples to pray for "daily bread" ([Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread")), assuring them that the Father knows their needs and will provide, far exceeding the care for birds and lilies ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing our ultimate salvation from sin, death, and the power of darkness. In Christ, we are not merely loaded with temporal benefits, but "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). He is the inexhaustible wellspring of grace, mercy, and provision, ensuring that "my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). Thus, the daily benefits and salvation spoken of in the psalm are perfectly and eternally realized in the person and work of our Savior, Jesus 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

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

Lamentations 3:23

[They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

Psalms 103:22

Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 65:5

[By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea: