Psalms 68:26

KJV

Bless ye God in the congregations, [even] the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bless {H1288}{H8761)} ye God {H430} in the congregations {H4721}, even the Lord {H136}, from the fountain {H4726} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In choruses, bless God, Adonai, you whose source is Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel.

American Standard Version

Bless ye God in the congregations, Even the Lord, ye that are of the fountain of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:26 is a vibrant call to corporate worship, urging the people of God to offer praise and blessing to the Lord within their gathered assemblies. It powerfully conveys that the very essence and origin of Israel are intended to be a perpetual wellspring from which adoration and thanksgiving flow to Yahweh, the sovereign God who has consistently demonstrated His power, faithfulness, and salvific acts throughout their history. This verse serves as a foundational exhortation for communal worship, emphasizing both God's supreme worthiness and the unique identity of His chosen people as His devoted worshippers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a grand and triumphant processional psalm, often associated with the movement of the Ark of the Covenant or a celebration of divine victory. It vividly recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, portraying Him as a divine warrior who scatters His enemies, leads His people in triumph, and establishes His dwelling among them. The psalm opens with a declaration of God's power over His foes, echoing the ancient battle cry of [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - The Ark Sets Out"), before moving through historical allusions to the Exodus and Sinai ([Psalms 68:7-18](/psalms/68-7-18 "Psalm 68:7-18 - God's March Through the Wilderness")). It then transitions to a vision of universal worship and God's ultimate sovereignty, culminating in the establishment of His sanctuary in Zion. Within this sweeping narrative of divine power and provision, verse 26 stands as a direct exhortation, a responsive command for God's people to "Bless ye God in the congregations." This instruction is strategically placed to highlight that the appropriate and necessary response to such a powerful and victorious God is collective and heartfelt praise, serving as a liturgical command embedded within a broader celebration of divine triumph and presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "bless God in the congregations" resonates deeply with the established worship practices of ancient Israel. The term "congregations" (Hebrew: *maqhelot*) refers to formal assemblies, such as those convened for the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths), national celebrations, or regular worship at the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple. These communal gatherings were central to Israel's national and religious identity, serving as vital occasions for communal instruction, sacrificial offerings, prayer, and collective praise. The concept of "blessing God" (from the Hebrew *barak*) was a reciprocal action: God blessed His people with favor and provision, and in turn, His people blessed Him by acknowledging His inherent goodness, power, and sovereignty, offering Him honor and thanksgiving. The phrase "from the fountain of Israel" ties this communal worship directly to the covenant identity of the nation, implying that their very existence and lineage, stemming from the patriarch Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel), were consecrated for the purpose of glorifying God. This highlights the unique, covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, distinguishing them from surrounding pagan nations and emphasizing their divinely ordained purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Corporate Worship** is paramount; the explicit mention of "congregations" underscores that praising God is not merely an individual act but a communal responsibility and privilege. It emphasizes the collective expression of faith and adoration, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the communal praise at the Red Sea ([Exodus 15:1-21](/exodus/15-1-21 "Exodus 15:1-21 - The Song of Moses and Miriam")) to later biblical calls for believers not to forsake the assembly ([Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly")). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Worthiness** is central, as the command to "Bless ye God, even the Lord" reinforces that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the sole object of worship and uniquely deserving of all praise and thanksgiving. His mighty acts, detailed throughout the psalm, demonstrate His unparalleled power, faithfulness, and goodness, making Him uniquely worthy of such adoration. Finally, the phrase "from the fountain of Israel" introduces the significant theme of **Israel's Identity as the Source of Praise**. This imagery suggests that praise should emanate from the very core, origin, or lineage of the nation of Israel, implying a deep, inherent connection between Israel's existence and its purpose to glorify God. This concept of Israel's foundational identity as God's chosen people, from whom His praise should arise, is also found in passages like [Isaiah 51:1-2](/isaiah/51-1-2 "Isaiah 51:1-2 - Look to the Rock from Which You Were Hewn"), which speaks of looking to Abraham and Sarah, the "rock" and "quarry" from which they were hewn.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This is an imperative plural verb, a direct command to "bless ye" or "praise ye." The root *bârak* (H1288) literally signifies "to kneel," and by implication, to praise, salute, or acknowledge the goodness and power of another. When directed towards God, it means to acknowledge His inherent blessedness, to give Him honor, glory, and thanksgiving for who He is and what He has done. It is not an act of conferring blessing upon God, as if He needed it, but an act of declaring His blessedness and worthiness, an act of adoration.
* **Congregations (Hebrew, _maqhêl'_):** This noun (H4721), often appearing in its plural form *maqhēlōṯ*, refers to formal assemblies, gatherings, or convocations, specifically those organized for religious purposes or communal life. It derives from the root *qâhal*, meaning "to assemble" or "to gather." Its use here emphasizes the corporate, public, and organized nature of the worship being commanded, distinguishing it from private devotion. It highlights the importance of the gathered community in expressing unified praise to God.
* **Fountain (Hebrew, _mâqôwr'_):** This noun (H4726) means "source, spring, fountain, wellspring." It refers to a place from which water naturally flows, symbolizing origin, sustenance, and life. When combined with "Israel" (H3478, meaning "he will rule as God," a symbolic name for Jacob and his descendants), the phrase "from the fountain of Israel" is a rich metaphor. It signifies that the praise should emanate from the very core, essence, and lineage of the nation of Israel, implying that their identity, history, and existence as God's chosen people are inherently bound up with their purpose of glorifying Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bless ye God in the congregations":** This opening clause is a direct, plural imperative, commanding the entire gathered assembly of Israel to actively and intentionally offer praise and thanksgiving to God (Elohim, H430). It underscores the communal nature of worship, indicating that the blessing of God is not merely an individual act but a collective responsibility and expression of faith within the context of the assembled community. This highlights the public and unified nature of their adoration.
* **"[even] the Lord":** This phrase clarifies and intensifies the object of praise. "The Lord" (ʼĂdônây, H136), often used as a proper name for God, particularly in contexts of sovereignty and mastership, emphasizes His unique relationship with Israel as their covenant Lord. The inclusion of both "God" (Elohim) and "the Lord" (ʼĂdônây) serves as a powerful affirmation that the one true, covenant-keeping God of Israel is the sole and ultimate recipient of their corporate adoration. It reinforces His singular identity and supreme worthiness.
* **"from the fountain of Israel":** This concluding phrase specifies the origin or source from which this blessing is to flow. Using the metaphor of a "fountain" or "spring," it signifies that the praise should emanate from the very core, essence, and lineage of the nation of Israel. It implies that Israel's identity, history, and existence as God's chosen people are inherently bound up with their purpose of glorifying Him. Their praise is not incidental but fundamental to who they are as a people, rooted in their patriarchal origins and covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 68:26 employs several significant **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** ("Bless ye"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the call to worship. This is not a suggestion but an authoritative instruction for the community, demanding an active response. There is also a subtle **Parallelism** in the naming of God ("God" and "the Lord"), which serves to emphasize the singular and comprehensive identity of the divine recipient of praise. This repetition reinforces the idea that the one true God, known by both His general divine title and His personal covenant name, is the sole object of their adoration. Finally, the phrase "from the fountain of Israel" is a potent **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**. A "fountain" or "spring" symbolizes origin, source, and life-giving sustenance. By equating Israel with a fountain, the psalmist suggests that the nation itself, in its very being and historical lineage, is meant to be the wellspring from which praise and blessing continuously flow to God. This rich imagery connects the nation's identity directly to its purpose of worship, implying that their very existence is a testament to God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 68:26 encapsulates profound theological truths about God, His people, and the nature of worship. It reveals that God's mighty acts of deliverance and sovereignty are not merely historical events but are intended to elicit a specific and communal response from His people: corporate praise. The verse affirms God's absolute worthiness of adoration, not just from individuals, but from the collective body of His covenant people, who are called to gather specifically for this purpose. The imagery of Israel as a "fountain" highlights the deep, intrinsic connection between their identity as God's chosen nation and their fundamental purpose to be a source of praise. This underscores the theological principle that God establishes a people for Himself, not only to receive His blessings but also to return glory to Him, fulfilling His ultimate design for humanity. It teaches that true worship flows from a recognition of who God is and who we are in relation to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God")
* [1 Chronicles 16:28-29](/1_chronicles/16-28-29 "1 Chronicles 16:28-29 - A Call to Worship the Lord")
* [Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Heavenly Worship of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 68:26 offers a timeless and profound challenge to believers today, transcending its ancient Israelite context to speak to the heart of Christian worship. It reminds us that our praise of God is not merely a private, individual endeavor, but a vital communal expression. When we gather in our congregations, whether in grand cathedrals or humble home groups, we are participating in a sacred act rooted in the very fabric of God's covenant with His people. This verse calls us to move beyond passive attendance to active, wholehearted participation, understanding that our collective voice, our shared songs, and our united prayers are a powerful testimony to God's worthiness. Just as praise was to flow "from the fountain of Israel," our worship should emanate from the deepest part of our being, from our identity as those redeemed by Christ, recognizing that our very existence is purposed for His glory. It encourages us to approach corporate worship with intentionality, recognizing that we are joining a chorus that spans generations and anticipates the heavenly assembly, where all God's people will unite in eternal praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "fountain of Israel" imagery deepen your appreciation for your own identity as a part of God's people today?**
* **In what practical ways can you move from merely attending church to actively "blessing God in the congregations"?**
* **What does it mean for your worship to truly flow from the "fountain" of your being, and how might this impact your communal expressions of faith?**
* **How does the corporate nature of worship, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your individual faith and connection with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "fountain of Israel" truly signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "from the fountain of Israel" (מִמְּקוֹר יִשְׂרָאֵל, *mimmeqōr yiśrāʾēl*) is a rich metaphor that points to the very origin and essence of the nation of Israel. A "fountain" or "spring" is a source of life and sustenance. In this context, it suggests that praise should flow from the deepest roots and identity of the Israelite people. This can be understood in several ways: from their ancestral lineage (descendants of Jacob, whose name was Israel), from their patriarchal beginnings (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the "source" of the nation, as referenced in [Isaiah 51:1](/isaiah/51-1 "Isaiah 51:1 - Look to the Rock from Which You Were Hewn")), or from their spiritual wellspring—their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Ultimately, it means that the very existence and identity of Israel are intrinsically linked to their purpose of glorifying God, making them a perpetual source of praise.

**Why is corporate worship emphasized so strongly in this psalm?**

Answer: Corporate worship is emphasized because it is a fundamental expression of God's covenant relationship with His people and a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty. While individual devotion is crucial, the gathering of the "congregations" (*maqhelot*) signifies a collective acknowledgment of God's mighty acts and His worthiness of praise. In ancient Israel, these assemblies were central to their national and religious life, fostering unity, reinforcing communal identity, and providing a public forum for celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness. The communal act of blessing God reflects the truth that God saves and relates to a people, not just isolated individuals. It also serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the collective faith and devotion of His chosen ones, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, from the worship at the Tabernacle to the early church described in [Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:26, with its call to "Bless ye God in the congregations... from the fountain of Israel," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His new covenant people, the Church. Jesus Himself is the true "fountain" from whom living water flows, as He declared in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus Offers Living Water") and [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"). He is the very source of spiritual life and the ultimate expression of God's blessing to humanity. As the true Israel, the perfect Son of God, Christ embodies the faithful "fountain" from which all true praise and worship emanate. Through His atoning work, He has gathered a new "congregation"—the Church—comprised of believers from every tribe and nation, who are now, by faith, considered the "offspring of Abraham" and heirs according to the promise ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). It is through Him that we offer our spiritual sacrifices of praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Praise Through Jesus")), for He is the High Priest who presents our worship to the Father. The corporate worship of the Church, gathered in His name, is the fulfillment of this ancient command, as we, the redeemed community, collectively bless God and the Lamb for their victorious reign and salvation, anticipating the grand assembly of all nations worshipping before the throne ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")).

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 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Deuteronomy 33:28

Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob [shall be] upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

Psalms 26:12

My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

Psalms 111:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.

Psalms 135:19

Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

Psalms 135:21

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Proverbs 5:16

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.