Psalms 68:28

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

Thy God {H430} hath commanded {H6680}{H8765)} thy strength {H5797}: strengthen {H5810}{H8798)}, O God {H430}, that which {H2098} thou hast wrought {H6466}{H8804)} for us.

God, summon your strength! Use your strength, God, as you did for us before,

Summon Your power, O God; show Your strength, O God, which You have exerted on our behalf.

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

Psalms 68:28 is a powerful declaration and an earnest prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His continued divine intervention.

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm, often attributed to King David, celebrating God's glorious procession and victory over His enemies. It recounts God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai to His establishment of a dwelling place in Zion. The psalm describes God as a deliverer for the oppressed, a Father to the fatherless, and a champion who leads captives. Verse 28 comes as a pivotal moment, following descriptions of God's powerful presence and the gathering of His people, culminating in a prayer that God would solidify the work He has already begun.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ordination of Strength: The opening phrase, "Thy God hath commanded thy strength," emphasizes that all true might and capability originate from God. It's not a human-generated power, but a divinely appointed and sustained one.
  • God's Faithfulness and Past Works: The phrase "that which thou hast wrought for us" serves as a foundational acknowledgment of God's historical and ongoing acts of salvation and provision for His people. It recalls His deliverance and establishment of Israel.
  • Prayer for Confirmation and Completion: The petition "strengthen, O God" is a plea for God to solidify, confirm, and bring to fruition the good work He has initiated. It reflects a deep dependence on God to complete what He has begun, similar to the confidence expressed in Philippians 1:6.
  • Dependence and Trust: The verse highlights the humility and trust required to acknowledge that even the strength we possess is from God, and our ultimate hope is in His continued action.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "commanded" is tsavah (צוה), which implies a divine decree, an authoritative appointment or ordination. This underscores that God's gift of strength is not accidental but purposeful and willed by Him. "Strength" is 'oz (עֹז), signifying might, power, and security. The word "wrought" comes from pa'al (פָּעַל), meaning to do, make, or accomplish, referring to God's active, impactful work on behalf of His people. The repetition of "strengthen, O God" serves as an intensified plea, emphasizing the earnest desire for God's sustaining power.

Practical Application

Psalms 68:28 encourages believers to:

  • Acknowledge God as the Source: Recognize that all true strength—physical, emotional, spiritual—comes from God. This fosters humility and reliance on Him.
  • Pray for God's Continued Work: Just as the psalmist prayed for God to strengthen what He had already done, we are called to pray for God to sustain and complete His work in our lives, our churches, and the world. This applies to personal growth, ministry efforts, and even societal transformation.
  • Trust in His Faithfulness: Reflect on God's past faithfulness and mighty acts, both in biblical history and in our personal experiences. This remembrance builds confidence that He will continue to be faithful, as seen in Psalms 28:7, where God is described as strength and shield.
  • Seek Divine Empowerment: Instead of relying on self-effort, we should consistently seek God's empowerment to fulfill His purposes and overcome challenges, understanding that He has already "commanded" our strength.

Reflection

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is not only the initiator but also the sustainer of His work. It invites us to rest in His sovereign power and to actively pray for His ongoing involvement, trusting that He will indeed strengthen that which He has graciously begun for 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 138:8

    The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

  • Psalms 71:3

    Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.

  • Psalms 42:8

    [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

  • Philippians 1:6

    Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

  • Isaiah 40:31

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

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