Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

The earth {H776} shook {H7493}{H8804)}, the heavens {H8064} also dropped {H5197}{H8804)} at the presence {H6440} of God {H430}: even Sinai {H5514} itself {H2088} was moved at the presence {H6440} of God {H430}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

the earth quaked, and rain poured from the sky, at the presence of God. Even Sinai [shook] at the presence of God, the God of Isra'el.

the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

The earth trembled, The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God: Yon Sinai trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Commentary

Context

Psalms 68 is a psalm of triumph and procession, celebrating God's victorious leadership over His people, often associated with the ark's procession and Israel's victories. Verse 8 specifically harks back to the dramatic and awe-inspiring event of God's appearance at Mount Sinai during the Exodus. This event marked the covenant between God and Israel, where the Law was given. The description of the earth shaking and heavens dropping emphasizes the immense power and majesty accompanying the divine presence, recalling a foundational moment in Israel's history.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Majesty: The verse vividly portrays God's overwhelming power, capable of making the very earth tremble and the heavens respond. This is a clear demonstration of His sovereignty over all creation and His ability to manifest Himself with incredible force.
  • Theophany at Sinai: It directly references the dramatic manifestation of God's presence (theophany) when He descended upon Mount Sinai to deliver the Ten Commandments and the Law to His people. This event established God's covenant relationship with Israel.
  • God of Israel's Covenant Faithfulness: The phrase "the God of Israel" underscores His unique and personal relationship with His chosen people, a relationship established and affirmed through powerful acts like those at Sinai. It highlights His unwavering commitment to them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "dropped" (נָטַף - nataph) can mean "to drop, drip, distill," or "to prophesy." In this context, especially alongside "the heavens also dropped," it likely refers to the heavy rain or perhaps the "dropping" of water that accompanied the thunder and lightning at Sinai, as described in other poetic passages (e.g., Judges 5:4). The shaking of the earth and the heavens dropping signify a profound, physical response of creation to the overwhelming presence of God.

Practical Application

Psalms 68:8 reminds us that God is not a distant or passive deity but an active, powerful, and majestic Creator who intervenes in human history. This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Awe and Reverence: This verse calls us to profound awe and reverence for God's holiness and power. If creation itself trembles before Him, how much more should we approach Him with respect and humility in worship and prayer?
  • Trust in God's Power: The same powerful God who shook Sinai is our God today. We can trust in His ability to overcome any obstacle, to uphold His promises, and to work mightily in our lives and in the world.
  • Understanding God's Manifestations: It helps us appreciate the various ways God reveals Himself – through His Word, His creation, and historically through mighty acts. The dramatic events at Sinai were not just historical facts but enduring declarations of who God is and His character.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 19:18

    And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

  • Deuteronomy 5:23

    ΒΆ And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, [even] all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

  • Deuteronomy 5:25

    Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.

  • Exodus 19:16

    ΒΆ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.

  • Judges 5:4

    LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.

  • Judges 5:5

    The mountains melted from before the LORD, [even] that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.

  • Psalms 77:18

    The voice of thy thunder [was] in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
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