Psalms 68:20

Commentary on Psalms 68:20

Psalms 68:20, from the King James Version, declares the supreme nature of God as both the source of deliverance and the ultimate authority over life and death. This verse offers profound comfort and assurance to believers.

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm often attributed to King David, celebrating God's majestic presence, His victorious march, and His powerful acts on behalf of His people. It recalls historical events like the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, portraying God as a warrior who scatters His enemies and brings blessings to His inheritance. Within this grand narrative of divine power and intervention, verse 20 stands as a declaration of God's specific capabilities regarding salvation and mortality. It emphasizes that the same God who leads His people to victory is also their ultimate deliverer from all peril, including the finality of death.

Key Themes

• God as the God of Salvation: This verse emphatically states that our God is the "God of salvation." This isn't merely one of His attributes but a core aspect of His being. He is the active rescuer, the one who delivers His people from oppression, danger, and sin. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, highlighting God's consistent character as a saving God, whether from physical enemies or spiritual bondage.
• Sovereignty Over Death: The phrase "unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death" is a powerful assertion of divine control. It means that the ways out of death, the means of escape from its grip, are entirely in God's hands. This speaks to His power to deliver from mortal danger, to sustain life, and ultimately, to resurrect the dead. It signifies that death is not a final victor, but God holds the keys to its domain, controlling its boundaries and exits.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "salvation" here is yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה), which is a rich term encompassing deliverance, victory, welfare, and prosperity. It's not just about rescue from a specific danger but a comprehensive well-being brought about by God's intervention. This same root is famously connected to the name "Jesus" (Yeshua), signifying His role as the ultimate Savior.

The phrase "issues from death" translates the Hebrew totza'ot mavet (תּוֹצָאוֹת מָוֶת). Totza'ot literally means "outgoings" or "exits." So, "issues from death" refers to the exits *from* death or the escape routes *from* mortal peril. It highlights God's unique power to provide a way out when all seems lost, demonstrating His absolute control over the boundaries of life and death. This implies not only deliverance from immediate danger but also the ultimate hope of victory over death itself.

Practical Application

Psalms 68:20 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers today.

• Trust in God's Deliverance: In times of distress, illness, or overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that our God is fundamentally the God of salvation. We can look to Him for deliverance, knowing that He has the power and willingness to rescue us.
• Hope Beyond the Grave: The declaration that "unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death" provides a profound basis for hope in eternal life and resurrection. It assures us that death is not the end, and its power is subject to God's ultimate authority. This truth is foundational to Christian faith, pointing forward to Jesus Christ as the resurrection and the life.
• Sovereignty and Comfort: Understanding God's complete control over all aspects of life, including the "issues from death," brings comfort in grief and uncertainty. It means that even in the face of our greatest fears, God remains sovereign, and His plan for our salvation extends beyond this earthly existence.

This verse powerfully affirms God's character as the ultimate deliverer, offering salvation in its fullest sense and holding the keys to life and death.