Psalms 68:3

Commentary on Psalms 68:3 KJV

Psalm 68 is a magnificent psalm of triumph and praise, often attributed to King David, celebrating God's glorious presence and victorious acts on behalf of His people. It depicts God as a mighty warrior who scatters His enemies and leads His people in triumph. Verse 3 stands as a striking contrast to the fate of the wicked described in the preceding verses, highlighting the blessed state of those who are in right standing with God.

Context

This verse follows a powerful declaration of God's judgment against the ungodly: "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God" (Psalms 68:1-2). Against this backdrop of divine wrath and justice, verse 3 presents the antithesis: the joyful experience of the righteous. It's a call to worship and an affirmation of the different destinies awaiting the wicked and the righteous in God's presence.

Key Themes

• Joy of the Righteous: The central theme is the profound and overflowing joy that characterizes those who live in accordance with God's will. Their gladness is not fleeting but deeply rooted in their relationship with the Almighty.
• Rejoicing Before God: This isn't a casual happiness but a deliberate, expressive joy displayed in God's presence. It signifies worship, adoration, and a celebration of His sovereignty and goodness. This active rejoicing acknowledges God as the source of their gladness.
• Contrast and Distinction: The verse vividly contrasts the perishing of the wicked with the exuberant gladness of the righteous, emphasizing the distinct blessings and experiences tied to one's relationship with God. It affirms that God blesses the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses three powerful expressions for joy: "be glad," "rejoice," and "exceedingly rejoice." The Hebrew words behind these terms are:

• "be glad" (samach): Implies a deep, inward sense of happiness and cheerfulness.
• "rejoice" (gil): Often means to spin around with joy, to exult, or to shout with joy. It denotes an outward, exuberant expression of delight.
• "exceedingly rejoice" (gil doubled, or with an intensifier): The repetition and intensification ("yea, let them exceedingly rejoice") underscore the overwhelming, abundant nature of this joy. It's not just gladness, but an overflowing, jubilant delight.

This linguistic progression paints a picture of joy that moves from an inner state to an outward, overflowing, and intensified celebration of God's presence.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 68:3 serves as a powerful reminder and encouragement:

• Source of True Joy: Our ultimate joy should be found "before God," in His presence and in His character, not in worldly circumstances. This is the joy of the Lord that is our strength.
• A Call to Worship: The verse invites us to express our joy in God actively and unreservedly. True worship is often characterized by a profound, even exuberant, gladness in His majesty and grace.
• Motivation for Righteous Living: The promise of such joy is intrinsically linked to being "the righteous." While salvation is by grace through faith, a life lived in obedience and pursuit of God's ways naturally leads to a deeper experience of His presence and the joy that accompanies it. We are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always.

In a world filled with sorrow and turmoil, this verse points to an enduring, overflowing source of joy available to all who walk righteously with God.