Psalms 68:33

KJV

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.

KJV (with Strong's)

To him that rideth {H7392}{H8802)} upon the heavens {H8064} of heavens {H8064}, which were of old {H6924}; lo, he doth send out {H5414}{H8799)} his voice {H6963}, and that a mighty {H5797} voice {H6963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who rides on the most ancient heavens. Listen, as he utters his voice, a mighty voice!

Berean Standard Bible

to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.

American Standard Version

To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:33 paints a magnificent portrait of God's unparalleled sovereignty and eternal dominion. It exalts the Lord as the transcendent King who rides upon the highest heavens, signifying His ultimate authority and pre-existence from eternity past. This majestic imagery is coupled with the declaration that He sends forth His voice, a "mighty voice," underscoring the irresistible power and inherent effectiveness of His divine word, which commands all creation and accomplishes His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a complex and majestic psalm, often understood as a triumphal procession celebrating Yahweh's divine kingship and His victorious leadership of Israel throughout their history. It begins with an invocation for God to arise and scatter His enemies (vv. 1-3), reminiscent of the Ark's movement. It then recounts God's care for the needy (vv. 4-6), His leading Israel through the wilderness from Sinai (vv. 7-10), His granting of victory in battle (vv. 11-14), and His choice of Zion as His dwelling place (vv. 15-18). The psalm continues to praise God for His daily provision and power over His foes (vv. 19-23), culminating in a grand procession to the sanctuary (vv. 24-27). Verses 28-31 call upon the earthly kings and kingdoms to acknowledge God's power. Within this grand narrative, verse 33 serves as a climactic, universal proclamation, shifting from Israel's specific history to a cosmic declaration of God's supreme authority over all creation, inviting all nations to worship the God who "rideth upon the heavens of heavens" and whose voice is "mighty."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a deity "riding upon the heavens" or "on the clouds" was present in ancient Near Eastern (ANE) mythologies, often associated with storm gods like Baal, signifying power over weather and creation. However, in the biblical context, this imagery is uniquely applied to Yahweh, distinguishing His absolute sovereignty from the limited powers of pagan deities. The "heavens of heavens" (Hebrew: _shemey shamayim_) is a superlative expression common in Hebrew, denoting the highest, most exalted realm, far beyond human comprehension or access, emphasizing God's transcendence. The concept of God's "voice" (Hebrew: _kol_) is also deeply rooted in Israelite understanding, recalling the thunderous, awe-inspiring declarations at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai") and the powerful, creative word of God in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), where God's spoken word brings creation into being. The phrase "of old" (Hebrew: _miqqedem_) underscores God's eternal nature and pre-existence, asserting that His dominion is not recent but established from everlasting.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Supreme Sovereignty and Transcendence**. The imagery of God "riding upon the heavens of heavens" portrays Him as the ultimate ruler, dwelling in a realm far above all earthly and even celestial powers. This emphasizes His incomparable authority and His position as the supreme sovereign over all creation, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1 - God's Throne in Heaven"). Secondly, the verse underscores **The Irresistible Power of God's Voice**. "Lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice" signifies that God's utterance is not merely sound but a divine declaration imbued with inherent authority and force, capable of creating, sustaining, and judging. This concept resonates with the creative power of God's spoken word in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being") and the majestic, thunderous voice of the Lord described in [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"). Lastly, the phrase "of old" emphasizes **God's Eternal Dominion**. This affirms God's pre-existence and unchanging nature; His reign is not a new development but has been established from eternity past, signifying His enduring power and faithfulness throughout all generations, as seen in [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "Psalm 90:2 - God's Eternity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heavens of heavens (Hebrew, _shemey shamayim'_):** This is a superlative construction in Hebrew, indicating the highest, most exalted, or outermost heavens. It conveys the idea of ultimate transcendence, signifying God's dwelling place as being beyond all created realms and emphasizing His unparalleled majesty and remoteness from human limitations. It is not merely "heaven" but the "heaven of heavens," the pinnacle of cosmic space, underscoring His supreme dominion.
* **Rideth upon (Hebrew, _rokēv'_):** This verb depicts God as a rider, often on a cherub or the clouds (e.g., [Psalm 18:10](/psalms/18-10 "Psalm 18:10 - God Rides on a Cherub")). It is a powerful anthropomorphic image that conveys active, dynamic sovereignty. It evokes the imagery of a divine warrior or king moving with speed, power, and authority, asserting His control over the cosmos. In the ANE context, it could also imply a storm god, but here it is uniquely applied to Yahweh, demonstrating His ultimate command over creation's forces.
* **Mighty voice (Hebrew, _kol oz'_):** The word _kol_ means "voice" or "sound," while _oz_ signifies "strength," "power," or "might." Together, _kol oz_ describes a voice of immense, overwhelming, and irresistible force. This is not a whisper or a gentle sound, but an authoritative utterance that carries inherent potency, capable of bringing about profound effects, whether in creation, judgment, or revelation. It implies an effective and decisive declaration that cannot be resisted or ignored.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God's supreme transcendence and active sovereignty. The imagery of "riding" suggests dynamic movement and control, while "the heavens of heavens" denotes the highest, most exalted celestial realms, signifying God's ultimate dominion over all cosmic order and His dwelling in a place of unparalleled majesty, far above all creation.
* **"[which were] of old;"**: This parenthetical phrase emphasizes God's eternal nature and the ancient, pre-existent establishment of His reign. His sovereignty is not a recent acquisition but has been His from everlasting. This highlights His unchanging character, His enduring power, and the timeless foundation of His authority, assuring His people that His rule is immutable and has always been.
* **"lo, he doth send out his voice,"**: The interjection "lo" (behold!) draws attention to the powerful action that follows. "He doth send out his voice" portrays God as actively communicating and manifesting His power through utterance. This is not a passive existence but an active engagement with His creation, where His word is the instrument of His will. It implies a deliberate and purposeful emanation of divine power.
* **"[and that] a mighty voice."**: This final clause qualifies the nature of God's voice, emphasizing its immense power and irresistible authority. It is not merely a sound, but a voice imbued with divine strength, capable of accomplishing whatever God purposes. This "mighty voice" is effective, authoritative, and overwhelming, whether in creation, judgment, or the calling of His people, underscoring the absolute efficacy of God's spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 68:33 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of God's transcendent power. The visual image of God "riding upon the heavens of heavens" evokes a sense of cosmic majesty and unparalleled dominion, while the auditory image of Him sending forth a "mighty voice" conveys irresistible authority and effective power. This use of **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human actions like "riding" and "sending out a voice" to God) helps the human mind grasp divine attributes, though it is understood that God is spirit and not literally confined to such actions. The phrase "heavens of heavens" employs **Hyperbole** or a **Superlative Construction** common in Hebrew, intensifying the concept of the highest possible heavens to emphasize God's ultimate transcendence and dwelling place. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Metaphor** of God as a divine warrior or king, whose voice is a weapon or a decree that commands creation. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** in its structure, where the "voice" is immediately qualified as "mighty," reinforcing the attribute of power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. It portrays a God who is utterly transcendent, dwelling in the highest realms, yet actively engaged with His creation through the irresistible power of His word. This "mighty voice" is the same voice that spoke the cosmos into existence, established covenants, delivered laws, pronounced judgments, and offers salvation. It reminds us that no power, earthly or cosmic, can stand against the decree of the Almighty. The eternal nature of His reign ("of old") provides a foundational truth for understanding His faithfulness and immutability; what He declares, He will accomplish, because His authority is timeless and His power is limitless. This truth calls believers to a posture of awe, worship, and unwavering trust in the God whose word is always effective and whose dominion is absolute.

* [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord Over the Waters")
* [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Sits Above the Circle of the Earth")
* [Revelation 1:15](/revelation/1-15 "Revelation 1:15 - The Voice of the Son of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:33 offers a majestic and comforting truth for the believer, while simultaneously demanding profound reverence. To contemplate God as the one who "rideth upon the heavens of heavens" from "of old" invites us to expand our understanding of His transcendence and eternal nature. Our God is not confined by time or space; He is the ultimate sovereign, whose dominion predates and encompasses all existence. This perspective should humble us, reminding us of our finite nature in comparison to His infinite majesty. Furthermore, the declaration that He "doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice" assures us of the active, effective, and irresistible power of His word. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the clamor of competing voices, knowing that God's voice is mighty and sovereign provides an anchor for our souls. It encourages us to listen intently to His word, trust in His promises, and find peace in His ultimate control over all circumstances. This verse calls us to worship Him with unreserved adoration, acknowledging His unmatched power and His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "riding upon the heavens of heavens" deepen your understanding of His transcendence and sovereignty in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced the "mighty voice" of God at work, whether through His written word, the Holy Spirit's guidance, or His providential ordering of events?**
* **How does the affirmation of God's eternal dominion ("of old") provide comfort or challenge to your present anxieties or long-term hopes?**

### FAQ
**What does "heavens of heavens" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "heavens of heavens" (Hebrew: _shemey shamayim_) is a superlative construction, meaning the highest heavens or the heaven of heavens. It does not refer to multiple distinct heavens but rather emphasizes the ultimate height, vastness, and transcendence of God's dwelling place. It signifies that God is not merely in "heaven" but in the most exalted, supreme realm, far beyond all created existence. This underscores His unparalleled majesty, His absolute sovereignty over all creation, and His infinite nature, as also implied in passages like [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") and [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God as Creator and Sustainer").

**How does God "send out his voice" and what is the significance of it being a "mighty voice"?**

Answer: When the Bible speaks of God "sending out His voice," it is not referring to a literal, audible sound in the way humans speak, but rather to the active and effective manifestation of His divine will and power through His word. This "voice" is His authoritative utterance that brings things into being, establishes laws, pronounces judgment, or delivers salvation. The significance of it being a "mighty voice" (Hebrew: _kol oz_) is that God's word is inherently powerful, irresistible, and effective. Unlike human words, God's word always accomplishes what He intends. This "mighty voice" is seen in creation (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being")), in the giving of the Law at Sinai with thunder and lightning (e.g., [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai")), and in prophecy. It signifies that God's decrees are absolute and His power is unmatched, as highlighted in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:33, with its majestic portrayal of God riding upon the heavens and sending forth a mighty voice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the visible image of the invisible God, the one through whom all things were created by the very word of God, as affirmed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator"). The "mighty voice" of God, which commands creation and establishes dominion, is perfectly embodied in Jesus. His voice calmed raging storms with a single word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), cast out demons with absolute authority ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and even summoned the dead back to life ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). Moreover, the imagery of God "riding upon the heavens" foreshadows Christ's ascension to the right hand of the Father, where He now reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven"), [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). Ultimately, it will be the "mighty voice" of the Son of Man that will summon all the dead from their graves at the resurrection ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28 "John 5:28-29 - The Voice of the Son of Man")), demonstrating His complete and final sovereignty over all creation, from "of old" to eternity.

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

Psalms 18:10

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

Psalms 104:3

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

Psalms 68:4

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Psalms 93:2

Thy throne [is] established of old: thou [art] from everlasting.

Revelation 11:12

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.