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.

Sing {H7891}{H8798)} unto God {H430}, sing praises {H2167}{H8761)} to his name {H8034}: extol {H5549}{H8798)} him that rideth {H7392}{H8802)} upon the heavens {H6160} by his name {H8034} JAH {H3050}, and rejoice {H5937}{H8798)} before {H6440} him.

Sing to God, sing praises to his name; extol him who rides on the clouds by his name, Yah; and be glad in his presence.

Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds— His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him.

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.

Commentary

Psalms 68:4 is a powerful call to worship, setting a tone of majestic praise for God's supreme authority and eternal nature. It invites all to acknowledge the unique and transcendent power of the Almighty.

Context

Psalm 68 is a triumphal hymn, often attributed to David, celebrating God's glorious acts of deliverance for Israel. It likely commemorates a significant historical event, such as the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem or a great military victory. This psalm portrays God as a divine warrior and king, leading His people to triumph. Verse 4 serves as an introductory summons to praise the God who reveals Himself in both power and covenant faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Call to Worship and Praise: The repeated command to "sing unto God, sing praises to his name" emphasizes the fundamental duty and joyous privilege of acknowledging God's worth. It's a direct invitation to engage in heartfelt adoration.
  • God's Sovereignty and Majesty: The phrase "extol him that rideth upon the heavens" paints a vivid picture of God's transcendent power and control over all creation. This imagery, also seen in Deuteronomy 33:26, highlights His unparalleled authority and dominion over all circumstances.
  • The Significance of God's Name 'JAH': The specific mention of "his name JAH" is crucial. It is a shortened, poetic, and intimate form of Yahweh (YHWH), God's covenant name, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. This name underscores His faithfulness and unchanging character.
  • Joyful Worship: The concluding exhortation to "rejoice before him" emphasizes that worship is not merely a solemn duty but also a joyful celebration of God's presence and goodness, a theme echoed in Psalm 100:2.

Linguistic Insights

The name "JAH" (Hebrew: יָהּ, Yah) is a significant linguistic detail. It is a contracted form of the divine name Yahweh (YHWH), often translated as "LORD" in the KJV. This shorter form conveys a sense of intimacy and immediacy, while still asserting God's eternal existence and self-sufficiency, as revealed in Exodus 3:14 ("I AM THAT I AM"). Its use here emphasizes the profound nature of the One being praised.

The imagery of God "rideth upon the heavens" (Hebrew: רֹכֵב בָּעֲרָבוֹת, rokhev ba'aravot) literally means "He who rides through the desert plains" or "through the clouds," conveying His swift, majestic, and powerful movement, often associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern thought, but here applied uniquely to the sovereign God of Israel.

Practical Application

Psalms 68:4 encourages believers today to cultivate a spirit of intentional and joyful praise. It reminds us that our worship should be directed towards a God who is not only transcendent and powerful, but also intimately known by His eternal name, JAH. Understanding God's sovereignty helps us to trust Him in all circumstances, knowing that the One who "rideth upon the heavens" is in ultimate control. This verse calls us to move beyond mere ritual and to truly rejoice in His presence, recognizing His majesty and faithfulness in our daily lives.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 (8 votes)

    ¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

  • Isaiah 12:4 (7 votes)

    ¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

  • Isaiah 12:6 (7 votes)

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

  • Psalms 66:4 (5 votes)

    All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing [to] thy name. Selah.

  • Psalms 104:3 (4 votes)

    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 66:2 (4 votes)

    Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

  • Psalms 68:33 (4 votes)

    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.