Psalms 68:34

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphant psalm, often attributed to David, celebrating God's majestic presence and victorious leadership. It paints a vivid picture of God as a divine warrior leading His people to triumph, reminiscent of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, possibly also celebrating the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse, Psalm 68:34, is part of a concluding call to worship and acknowledge God's supreme power and authority, urging all to recognize His unparalleled might.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence: The core command, "Ascribe ye strength unto God," is an imperative to attribute all power, might, and dominion solely to the Almighty. It emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all strength and that humanity's proper response is to acknowledge and honor this truth. His strength is not confined but extends universally, symbolized by "his strength is in the clouds," suggesting His control over creation, natural phenomena, and His transcendent presence. This echoes God's unmatched power in creation and governance.
• God's Special Relationship with Israel: "His excellency is over Israel" highlights God's unique and glorious presence among His chosen people. His majesty and supreme authority are particularly demonstrated through His covenant relationship, protection, and miraculous interventions on behalf of Israel. This signifies that God's glory and power are intimately connected with His people, reflecting His faithfulness to His chosen people, Israel.
• Call to Worship and Praise: The verse is a direct exhortation to worship. To "ascribe strength" is an act of humble adoration, recognizing God's greatness and giving Him the honor due His name. It's a reminder that true worship involves acknowledging God's inherent power and glory, not just His benefits. Psalm 29:1 also calls for ascribing strength and glory to the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "Ascribe" (תנו, *tenu*) is an imperative verb meaning "give," "yield," or "attribute." It implies an active and deliberate act of giving God the credit and honor for His power.
• "Excellency" (גאותו, *ga'avato*) refers to God's majesty, dignity, pride (in a divine, righteous sense), or supreme glory. It speaks to His elevated status and inherent greatness.
• "Clouds" (שחקים, *shachaqim*) often symbolize God's dwelling place, His transcendence, and His control over the elements. In biblical imagery, clouds are frequently associated with divine presence, glory, and power, sometimes manifesting in judgment or revelation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 68:34 serves as a timeless reminder to:

• Acknowledge God's Power: In a world that often trusts in human strength, technology, or wealth, this verse calls us to consistently attribute all ultimate power and control to God alone.
• Worship and Praise: It encourages a lifestyle of worship where we actively give God the glory for His might, not just for what He does, but for who He is. This is especially vital when we witness His hand at work in our lives or in the world.
• Find Security in Him: Knowing that God's "excellency is over Israel" (and by extension, over His spiritual Israel, the Church) provides immense comfort and security. We can rest in the assurance that His supreme power is actively watching over and working for His people.