Psalms 68:26

Psalm 68:26 (KJV) is a powerful call to corporate worship and an affirmation of God's worthiness to receive praise from His people. It emphasizes the communal aspect of blessing God, rooted deeply in the identity of Israel.

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm, often associated with the procession of the Ark of the Covenant, celebrating God's victorious leadership over Israel and His mighty acts on their behalf. It recounts historical deliverance, portrays God as a warrior and protector, and anticipates a future where all nations will acknowledge His sovereignty. This specific verse, "Bless ye God in the congregations, [even] the Lord, from the fountain of Israel," serves as an exhortation to collective praise following or preceding these divine demonstrations of power. It highlights the appropriate response of God's people to His greatness.

Key Themes

• Corporate Worship: The explicit mention of "congregations" underscores the vital role of communal assembly in worshipping and blessing God. It's not just an individual act but a collective expression of faith and adoration. This call to praise God in the congregations echoes the importance of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.
• Divine Worthiness: The command to "Bless ye God, even the Lord" reinforces that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the sole object of worship and deserving of all praise and thanksgiving.
• Israel's Identity as the Source of Praise: The phrase "from the fountain of Israel" suggests that praise should emanate from the very core, origin, or lineage of the nation of Israel. It implies a deep, inherent connection between Israel's existence and its purpose to glorify God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bless" (*baraku*) is a command, urging the people to praise, salute, and acknowledge God's goodness and power. "Congregations" (*maqhelot*) refers to organized assemblies or gatherings, specifically for worship or communal life. The phrase "fountain of Israel" (*mimmeqor Yisrael*) is particularly rich. *Meqor* means "source, spring, fountain." This can be understood in several ways:

• Literal Descent: From the very descendants of Jacob (Israel).
• Patriarchal Origin: From the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) who were the "source" of the nation. Isaiah 51:1 also uses similar imagery to refer to Abraham.
• Spiritual Wellspring: From the spiritual essence or covenant relationship that defines Israel.

Regardless of the precise nuance, it emphasizes that praise should come from the very root and being of God's chosen people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 68:26 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of corporate worship. It encourages us to:

• Actively Participate: Not merely attend, but actively "bless God" in our church services and communal gatherings.
• Worship from Our Core: Just as praise was to come "from the fountain of Israel," our worship should emanate from the deepest part of our being, from our identity as those redeemed by Christ. This aligns with the call to worship God in spirit and in truth.
• Recognize God's Sovereignty: Our collective praise acknowledges God's ongoing power, victory, and goodness in our lives and in the world.

This verse beautifully articulates that communal worship is a fundamental expression of faith, deeply connected to who we are as God's people.