This verse underscores the incomparable might of God and His gracious bestowal of strength to His people.
“O God, [You are] awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (v.35). In this concluding verse of Psalm 68, the psalmist exclaims the greatness of God’s might. The phrase “awesome from Your sanctuary” calls to mind the sacred location where the Israelites gathered for worship, a place that signified the very presence of the LORD. In ancient Israel, the central place of worship began in the tabernacle, and eventually was in Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, which stood from 957 BC until its destruction in 586 BC by the Babylonians. The term “awesome” underscores that God’s power and majesty are overwhelming and worthy of reverence (Matthew 10:28).
The psalmist next declares that “The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people” (v.35). This statement reassures believers that God does not merely display grandeur from afar; He graciously imparts His might to those who trust in Him. Historically, the people of Israel relied on the LORD’s power to overcome enemies and to establish security in the Promised Land. Centuries later, when Jesus empowered His followers with the Holy Spirit, He similarly granted them the strength to fulfill His purposes and proclaim the good news (Acts 1:8). This continuity of divine enablement illustrates that the God of Israel remains faithful across time, supporting those who call upon Him.
Finally, the verse concludes with “Blessed be God!” (v.35), exalting the Lord for His provision and power. This doxology serves to remind readers that recognition and praise belong exclusively to the Almighty, who is not only the Creator but also the giver of all good things (James 1:17). By blessing the Lord, the psalmist and the faithful align their hearts with the truth that God’s awesomeness and care warrant both profound awe and unending gratitude.
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Psalms 68:35 meaning
“O God, [You are] awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (v.35). In this concluding verse of Psalm 68, the psalmist exclaims the greatness of God’s might. The phrase “awesome from Your sanctuary” calls to mind the sacred location where the Israelites gathered for worship, a place that signified the very presence of the LORD. In ancient Israel, the central place of worship began in the tabernacle, and eventually was in Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, which stood from 957 BC until its destruction in 586 BC by the Babylonians. The term “awesome” underscores that God’s power and majesty are overwhelming and worthy of reverence (Matthew 10:28).
The psalmist next declares that “The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people” (v.35). This statement reassures believers that God does not merely display grandeur from afar; He graciously imparts His might to those who trust in Him. Historically, the people of Israel relied on the LORD’s power to overcome enemies and to establish security in the Promised Land. Centuries later, when Jesus empowered His followers with the Holy Spirit, He similarly granted them the strength to fulfill His purposes and proclaim the good news (Acts 1:8). This continuity of divine enablement illustrates that the God of Israel remains faithful across time, supporting those who call upon Him.
Finally, the verse concludes with “Blessed be God!” (v.35), exalting the Lord for His provision and power. This doxology serves to remind readers that recognition and praise belong exclusively to the Almighty, who is not only the Creator but also the giver of all good things (James 1:17). By blessing the Lord, the psalmist and the faithful align their hearts with the truth that God’s awesomeness and care warrant both profound awe and unending gratitude.