Psalm 68:30 proclaims God’s power to rebuke and scatter violent forces, reminding us of His sovereign rule over every proud nation and enemy.
“Rebuke the beasts in the reeds,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples,
Trampling under foot the pieces of silver;
He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” (v.30)
In this verse, the psalmist appeals to the LORD to confront and subdue fierce adversaries: Rebuke the beasts in the reeds (v.30). The reference to reeds likely points to places where rivers thrived and tall grasses grew, often understood as symbolic of Egypt’s marshy regions along the Nile, or as a broader image of opposing nations. The “beasts” and “herd of bulls with the calves” emphasize powerful, prideful forces. By describing them as trampling under foot the pieces of silver (v.30), the psalmist shows how these nations or armies disregard wealth or tribute in their violent pursuits, seeking domination rather than cooperation.
Immediately after highlighting these threatening powers, the psalmist proclaims that He has scattered the peoples who delight in war (v.30). This underscores God’s supremacy over military might. Even those who find pleasure in conflict and violence cannot stand before Him. The broader message resonates with themes found elsewhere in Scripture—that the LORD confronts wrongdoing and prioritizes the wellbeing of the powerless. As seen throughout the Old Testament, God is the divine King who holds absolute authority; in the New Testament, Jesus is the ultimate proof of this divine kingship and the One who brings lasting peace to the earth (John 14:27).
Psalm 68:30 shows us that the LORD is fully capable of dismantling strongholds, judging arrogance, and providing deliverance for His people through His mighty power.
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Psalms 68:30 meaning
“Rebuke the beasts in the reeds,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples,
Trampling under foot the pieces of silver;
He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” (v.30)
In this verse, the psalmist appeals to the LORD to confront and subdue fierce adversaries: Rebuke the beasts in the reeds (v.30). The reference to reeds likely points to places where rivers thrived and tall grasses grew, often understood as symbolic of Egypt’s marshy regions along the Nile, or as a broader image of opposing nations. The “beasts” and “herd of bulls with the calves” emphasize powerful, prideful forces. By describing them as trampling under foot the pieces of silver (v.30), the psalmist shows how these nations or armies disregard wealth or tribute in their violent pursuits, seeking domination rather than cooperation.
Immediately after highlighting these threatening powers, the psalmist proclaims that He has scattered the peoples who delight in war (v.30). This underscores God’s supremacy over military might. Even those who find pleasure in conflict and violence cannot stand before Him. The broader message resonates with themes found elsewhere in Scripture—that the LORD confronts wrongdoing and prioritizes the wellbeing of the powerless. As seen throughout the Old Testament, God is the divine King who holds absolute authority; in the New Testament, Jesus is the ultimate proof of this divine kingship and the One who brings lasting peace to the earth (John 14:27).
Psalm 68:30 shows us that the LORD is fully capable of dismantling strongholds, judging arrogance, and providing deliverance for His people through His mighty power.