God’s command releases an unstoppable wave of joyful announcement.
“The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.” (v.11) appears in a psalm attributed to David, who reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC. In its broader context, Psalm 68 proclaims God’s might and celebrates His victorious deeds on behalf of His people. As part of this victory song, David highlights that when God issues His command, a multitude of women step forward to spread the glad news, echoing traditions of Israelite celebrations when women would greet returning heroes with songs of triumph (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Their joyous proclamation symbolizes how God’s faithful acts inspire His people to share His deliverance—rejoicing in His power and goodness.
By stating that “The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host,” the psalmist underscores that God’s blessings cannot be contained; once the Lord decrees salvation and victory, it spreads rapidly through the community. Elsewhere in this psalm, we see God described as “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5), a caring and protective figure who defends the vulnerable. Further on, verse 18 proclaims His triumph in “ascending on high,” a verse later echoed in the New Testament to highlight Christ’s ascension and ultimate victory over death. In this way, Psalm 68 combines images of God’s earthly deliverance and His exalted authority, nourishing a spirit of worship and gratitude.
In light of the full sweep of Scripture, the women proclaiming good tidings here foreshadow the spreading of the gospel message, God’s “good news” of redemption in the New Testament. Just as these women publicly announced the Lord’s great deeds, believers in Christ are commissioned to bear witness to His saving power (Matthew 28:19-20). This timeless principle stands as an invitation to all who experience the Lord’s help to share it eagerly, bringing life-giving truth into every corner of the world.
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Psalms 68:11 meaning
“The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.” (v.11) appears in a psalm attributed to David, who reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC. In its broader context, Psalm 68 proclaims God’s might and celebrates His victorious deeds on behalf of His people. As part of this victory song, David highlights that when God issues His command, a multitude of women step forward to spread the glad news, echoing traditions of Israelite celebrations when women would greet returning heroes with songs of triumph (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Their joyous proclamation symbolizes how God’s faithful acts inspire His people to share His deliverance—rejoicing in His power and goodness.
By stating that “The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host,” the psalmist underscores that God’s blessings cannot be contained; once the Lord decrees salvation and victory, it spreads rapidly through the community. Elsewhere in this psalm, we see God described as “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5), a caring and protective figure who defends the vulnerable. Further on, verse 18 proclaims His triumph in “ascending on high,” a verse later echoed in the New Testament to highlight Christ’s ascension and ultimate victory over death. In this way, Psalm 68 combines images of God’s earthly deliverance and His exalted authority, nourishing a spirit of worship and gratitude.
In light of the full sweep of Scripture, the women proclaiming good tidings here foreshadow the spreading of the gospel message, God’s “good news” of redemption in the New Testament. Just as these women publicly announced the Lord’s great deeds, believers in Christ are commissioned to bear witness to His saving power (Matthew 28:19-20). This timeless principle stands as an invitation to all who experience the Lord’s help to share it eagerly, bringing life-giving truth into every corner of the world.