Psalms 68–35
Psalm 68:1-35
Psa.68.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מזמור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 3:1 (verbal): Same superscription formula 'למנצח לדוד' — to the chief musician; a Psalm of David (identical opening words identifying performer and author).
- Psalm 5:1 (verbal): Uses the same combination 'למנצח לדוד מזמור' — directed to the chief musician and labeled a 'mizmor' (psalm) of David, matching the form of Ps 68:1.
- Psalm 40:1 (verbal): Heading 'למנצח לדוד מזמור' (To the chief musician, a Psalm of David) — another instance of the identical superscription formula and genre designation.
- 2 Samuel 22:1 (cf. Psalm 18) (quotation): 2 Samuel 22 (and its parallel Psalm 18) is explicitly a 'song'/'psalm' of David ('שיר'/'מזמור')—paralleling Ps 68:1's double designation as both a 'mizmor' and a 'shir' and its attribution to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the choirmaster. A psalm of David. A song.
- To the choirmaster. A psalm of David. A song.
Psa.68.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יפוצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אויביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3ms
- וינוסו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- משנאיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3ms
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
Parallels
- Psalm 9:19 (verbal): Also uses the imperative 'Arise, O LORD' (let God arise) and calls for the nations/enemies to be judged or routed — a near verbal parallel in petition and imagery.
- Luke 1:51 (thematic): Mary's Magnificat: 'He has put down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the humble' and 'He has scattered the proud' — a New Testament reflection of God's action in scattering enemies and reversing fortunes.
- Judges 7:22 (structural): Narrative parallel in which the LORD causes the enemy to flee and be routed (Gideon's victory), illustrating the same motif of God arising and enemies scattering before him.
- Psalm 18:40 (2 Samuel 22:40) (verbal): Speaks of God giving the necks of enemies and putting them to flight — language of enemies fleeing and being defeated that closely echoes the Psalm 68 petition.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let God arise; let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
- Let God arise; let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
Psa.68.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כהנדף: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- עשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תנדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כהמס: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- דונג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יאבדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,mp
- רשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מפני: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 97:5 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel — the imagery of mountains or wax 'melting' at the presence of the LORD (’as wax melts before fire’) echoes Ps 68:3’s simile of wax melting before fire.
- Psalm 18:8–9 (verbal): Shared motif of smoke and fire issuing from God’s presence — Psalm 18 describes smoke and devouring fire from the LORD, resonating with Ps 68:3’s 'as smoke is driven away' and fire-consuming imagery.
- Nahum 1:6 (thematic): The theme of divine wrath consuming the wicked like fire and asking who can stand before God’s anger parallels Ps 68:3’s depiction of the wicked perishing before God like wax/fire.
- Deuteronomy 32:22 (thematic): God’s anger pictured as a consuming fire that is kindled against enemies — an Old Testament legal/poetic precedent for the image of the wicked perishing in God’s presence used in Ps 68:3.
- Malachi 4:1 (thematic): Eschatological fire imagery in which the day of the LORD burns like an oven and consumes the wicked echoes Ps 68:3’s motif of destruction of the wicked by divine fire.
Alternative generated candidates
- As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so let the wicked perish before God.
- As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so let the wicked perish before God.
Psa.68.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וצדיקים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישמחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יעלצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וישישו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בשמחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 33:1 (verbal): Directly echoes the call for the righteous to rejoice before the LORD — 'Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous.'
- Psalm 97:12 (verbal): Repeats the injunction for the righteous to rejoice in the LORD, linking righteous joy with praise and remembrance of God's holiness.
- Psalm 5:11 (verbal): Similar summons for those who trust in God (the righteous) to rejoice and shout for joy in his protection.
- Zephaniah 3:14 (thematic): A communal call to sing and be glad—the congregation of God's people is urged to rejoice before the LORD, paralleling the Psalm's theme of joyful praise.
Alternative generated candidates
- But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; let them rejoice with joy.
- But let the righteous rejoice; let them exult before God—let them be glad with joy.
Psa.68.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שירו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זמרו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- סלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לרכב: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בערבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ביה: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועלזו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ps.18:10 (verbal): Uses similar riding/flight imagery (God 'rode upon a cherub' and was seen on the wings of the wind), echoing the motif of God enthroned or moving through the heavens.
- Ps.104:3 (verbal): Describes God making the clouds his chariot—closely related cosmic/chariot imagery to 'he who rides upon the heavens' in Ps 68:5.
- Ps.47:5 (thematic): Celebrates God's victorious ascent and kingship—like Ps 68:5's call to sing, extol the rider of the heavens and rejoice before him.
- Exod.15:1-2 (thematic): A triumphal song naming and praising Yahweh after victory ('I will sing to the LORD... The LORD is my strength and song'), paralleling Ps 68:5's summons to sing and rejoice in God's name.
- Ps.98:4-6 (thematic): Calls the people and earth to sing and make joyful noise before the LORD, paralleling Ps 68:5's imperative to sing, praise God's name, and rejoice before him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Sing to God; sing praises to his name. Lift up a song—Selah— to him who rides upon the heavens; the LORD is his name. Rejoice before him.
- Sing to God; sing praise to his name. Exalt him who rides upon the clouds—Jah is his name; rejoice before him.
Psa.68.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יתומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ודין: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- במעון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 146:9 (verbal): Direct echo: God ‘upholds the widow and the fatherless’ — same pairing of widow and orphan and God’s protective role.
- Deuteronomy 10:18 (verbal): God ‘executes justice for the fatherless and the widow’ — legal/ethical formulation of the same divine care for orphans and widows.
- James 1:27 (thematic): Defines true religion as caring for ‘orphans and widows’ — New Testament ethical application of God’s concern for vulnerable persons.
- Isaiah 1:17 (thematic): Calls Israel to ‘defend the fatherless’ and seek justice — prophetic summons that rests on the same principle of protecting orphans and widows.
- Exodus 22:22 (thematic): Prohibits mistreatment of widows and orphans and warns divine judgment — an early covenantal injunction reflecting God’s special care for them.
Alternative generated candidates
- God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows—God in his holy habitation.
- Father of the fatherless and defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling.
Psa.68.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מושיב: VERB,hiph,ptc,3,m,sg
- יחידים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ביתה: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3,f,sg
- מוציא: VERB,hiph,ptc,3,m,sg
- אסירים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בכושרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אך: PART
- סוררים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שכנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- צחיחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 107:14 (verbal): Speaks of God bringing the imprisoned out of darkness and breaking their chains—language and deliverance motif closely parallel to ‘bringing out prisoners’ in Ps 68:7.
- Psalm 146:7 (verbal): Explicitly says the LORD 'sets the prisoners free,' a concise restatement of Ps 68:7’s theme of God releasing and restoring the captive.
- Isaiah 61:1 (thematic): Proclaims liberty for the captives and comfort for the oppressed—the prophetic theme of God releasing prisoners echoes the promise expressed in Ps 68:7.
- Luke 4:18 (quotation): Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1 ('to proclaim freedom for the prisoners'), applying the same liberative mission that resonates with Ps 68:7’s imagery of freeing captives.
- Isaiah 42:7 (verbal): Speaks of bringing out prisoners from the dungeon and opening the eyes of the blind—verbal and conceptual parallel to Ps 68:7’s deliverance of prisoners.
Alternative generated candidates
- God places the solitary in families; he brings out prisoners into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
- God places the lonely in a home; he brings forth prisoners into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Psa.68.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- להים: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בצאתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- בצעדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישימון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סלה: MISC
Parallels
- Exodus 13:21-22 (verbal): God goes before Israel as a guiding pillar of cloud and fire through the wilderness — a direct image of the LORD marching out before his people.
- Numbers 10:33-34 (verbal): The ark (and thus the LORD) went before the people as they set out, echoing the motif of God going out in front of Israel on their journey.
- Exodus 14:19-20 (thematic): The angel/pillar that moves between Israel and Egypt as they march highlights God's protective leading of the people in the desert, paralleling the psalm's picture.
- Psalm 78:52-55 (allusion): A retelling of the Exodus tradition describing God leading and guiding his redeemed people through the wilderness, reflecting the same theme of divine marching and guidance.
- Psalm 77:20 (verbal): Speaks of God leading his people like a flock by Moses and Aaron — similar language and imagery of God guiding Israel through the desert.
Alternative generated candidates
- O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness—Selah—
- When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wilderness—Selah—
Psa.68.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רעשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אף: ADV
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נטפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- סיני: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 19:18 (allusion): Describes Mount Sinai quaking and a theophany when God descended—Psalm 68 explicitly invokes Sinai 'before God, the God of Israel.'
- Psalm 18:7-15 (verbal): Shared language of earth trembling and heavenly phenomena (smoke, fire, shaking foundations) at the presence of God; a close poetic parallel in covenant-theophany imagery.
- Nahum 1:5-6 (verbal): Speaks of mountains quaking, hills melting and the earth burning at God's presence—echoes the cosmic disturbance language found in Ps 68:9.
- Habakkuk 3:6-11 (thematic): A theophany hymn depicting mountains trembling and nature reacting to God's coming—thematically parallels the depiction of Sinai and the heavens in Ps 68:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- the earth shook; indeed the heavens dropped at the presence of God. Sinai itself trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
- the earth quaked; even the heavens dropped at the presence of God. Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
Psa.68.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- גשם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נדבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תניף: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נחלתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- ונלאה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- כוננתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg,3fsobj
Parallels
- Psalm 65:9-10 (verbal): Speaks of God visiting the earth and providing abundant water so that God’s pastures and fields are made fruitful—directly parallels the image of God sending plentiful rain to establish his land/inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 11:14 (thematic): God’s promise to give rain in its season so the land yields crops—connects the idea of divine rain as provision for Israel’s inheritance.
- Joel 2:23 (thematic): Promises the former and latter rains as a sign of restoration for Zion—echoes the theme of abundant, timely rain as God’s blessing on his people and their land.
- Psalm 147:8 (verbal): Attributes to God the ordering of clouds and the preparation of rain for the earth—parallels Psalm 68’s depiction of God as the dispenser of fruitful rain.
- Hosea 10:12 (allusion): Calls for seeking the LORD until he showers righteousness—uses the rain/shower motif to describe divine blessing that renews the land and people, resonant with Psalm 68:10’s rain-as-blessing image.
Alternative generated candidates
- You gave abundant rain, O God; you refreshed your inheritance and made it firm by your goodness.
- You gave abundant rain, O God; you restored your inheritance when it languished.
Psa.68.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- חיתך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- תכין: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בטובתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs+2,m
- לעני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isa.52:7 (verbal): Speaks of one who brings good tidings/publishes salvation—language and imagery closely parallel the praise of those who 'publish the word' in Ps 68:11.
- Rom.10:15 (quotation): Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7 ('How beautiful...') in a discussion of proclaiming the gospel—links the theme of God giving a message and many publishing it to the mission of proclaimers.
- Ps.40:9 (verbal): The psalmist declares he proclaims God's righteousness in the great assembly—parallels Ps 68:11's emphasis on receiving/giving a word and its public proclamation.
- Exod.15:20-21 (thematic): Miriam and the women sing and publicize God's deliverance after the Exodus; echoes the motif of communal proclamation and female participation found (in some readings) of Ps 68:11.
- Luke 2:17-18 (thematic): The shepherds 'made known' what they had been told about the newborn Savior—an instance of hearing a divine word and many publishing it, reflecting Ps 68:11's theme of widespread proclamation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Your people settled there; you provided, in your goodness, for the needy, O God.
- Your people settled in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
Psa.68.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המבשרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,const
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 52:7 (verbal): Same imagery of a messenger who 'brings good tidings' and 'publishes' salvation/peace — verbal and thematic overlap with the proclamation motif in Ps 68:12.
- Nahum 1:15 (verbal): Uses the formula 'Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings' — a parallel image of news-bringers (מבשרים/מבשרות) and proclamation.
- Romans 10:15 (quotation): Paul quotes Isaiah's 'How beautiful are the feet...' (Isa 52:7) to speak of those who preach the gospel — a New Testament echo of the psalm's theme of many proclaimers.
- Psalm 68:11 (structural): Immediate context within the same psalm: the surrounding line(s) develop the same thought ('The Lord gave the word; great was the company that published it'), so v.12 is part of a contiguous proclamation motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Lord gave the word; a great company published the tidings.
- The LORD gave the word; the company of those who announce it is great.
Psa.68.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ידדון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ידדון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ונות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחלק: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- שלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 30:17,24 (verbal): After David recovers the spoil from the Amalekites he orders equal distribution: 'as his part is who goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be who tarrieth by the stuff' — directly parallels 'she that tarrieth at home shall divide the spoil.'
- Judges 5:19-21 (thematic): Deborah's song celebrates the rout of Canaanite kings and their flight/pursuit — similar victory motif of kings of armies fleeing before God (cf. 'kings... shall flee').
- Exodus 15:3-5 (allusion): The Song at the Sea portrays Yahweh as a warrior who casts chariots and riders into the sea and defeats kings — parallels the psalm's imagery of God scattering and routing opposing hosts.
- Psalm 18:40-43 (thematic): David praises God for giving him the necks of his enemies and delivering spoils to him; the passage echoes the theme of defeated foes, captured spoil, and divine victory reflected in Psalm 68:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- The kings of the armies fled—they fled—and those left at home divided the spoil.
- The rulers of the host fled—fled; and those who remained at home divided the spoil.
Psa.68.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- תשכבון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בין: PREP
- שפתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כנפי: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- יונה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נחפה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- בכסף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואברותיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- בירקרק: PREP+ADJ,m,sg
- חרוץ: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 91:4 (verbal): Both verses use bird-wing imagery and the verb 'cover' (shelter) — 'he will cover you with his feathers; under his wings you will find refuge' echoes the dove's wings being 'covered' in Ps. 68:14.
- Exodus 19:4 (thematic): God carrying Israel 'on eagles' wings' employs the wider biblical theme of wings as divine protection, transport, and blessing that underlies the dove imagery in Psalm 68.
- Psalm 45:13-14 (thematic): The royal/bride motif of being arrayed in silver and gold (garments 'wrought with gold') parallels the Psalm's image of a dove whose wings/feathers are covered with silver and gold — a theme of honor and beautification.
- Job 39:13-18 (verbal): Anthropomorphic description of birds' wings and feathers (e.g., 'gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks?') parallels the Psalm's focus on plumage and the adornment of a bird.
- Isaiah 60:8 (allusion): Isaiah's image of people 'flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows' resonates with the dove motif in Psalm 68, connecting the bird-image to return, arrival, and favorable transformation.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Almighty scattered kings there, the wings of a dove were covered with silver, its pinions with gleaming gold.
- When the Almighty scattered the kings there, it snowed on Zalmon.
Psa.68.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בפרש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- תשלג: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בצלמון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 3:1 (verbal): Uses the phrase “the mountain of God” (Horeb/Sinai); same designation of a sacred/divine mountain as in Ps. 68:15.
- Exodus 19:11 (thematic): God’s revelation on Sinai and the holiness of the mountain echo the motif of a mountain as God’s chosen dwelling-place found in Ps. 68:15.
- Deuteronomy 3:4 (thematic): Relates to Og king of Bashan and the fortified towns in the Bashan highlands, connecting Bashan’s mountainous character to the reference in Ps. 68:15.
- Psalm 68:16 (structural): The immediately following verse in the same psalm continues the theme of a hill/mountain that God desires to dwell in, directly paralleling v.15’s imagery.
- Psalm 132:13 (thematic): Declares that the LORD has chosen Zion as his habitation—a parallel theological theme of God choosing a specific mountain/hill as his dwelling, akin to Ps. 68:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Almighty there shattered the kings, it was like the snow on Zalmon.
- A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; a many‑peaked mountain, the mountain of Bashan.
Psa.68.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בשן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- גבננים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בשן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 132:13 (verbal): Explicitly states the same idea: the LORD has chosen Zion and desired it for his dwelling — parallel wording and theme to God’s chosen mountain for his abode.
- Exodus 15:17 (verbal): Speaks of God bringing his people to and planting them on “the mountain of your inheritance, the place, O LORD, which you have made for your dwelling” — closely parallels the image of a divinely chosen mountain as God’s dwelling.
- Isaiah 2:2 (thematic): Foretells the mountain of the LORD being exalted above all hills, echoing the contrast between God’s chosen mountain and other mountains (e.g., Bashan) in Psalm 68:16.
- Psalm 87:1 (thematic): “His foundation is in the holy mountains” — affirms the theme of God’s special habitation on a holy/ chosen mountain, resonating with the Psalm 68 depiction of God’s mountain.
Alternative generated candidates
- A mountain of God—mountain of Bashan; a mountain of many peaks—mountain of Bashan.
- Why do you look with envy, O many‑peaked mountains? The mountain that God desired for his dwelling—yes, the LORD will dwell there forever.
Psa.68.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- למה: ADV
- תרצדון: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,pl
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גבננים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חמד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לשבתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- אף: ADV
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ישכן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Habakkuk 3:8 (verbal): Uses the same martial/theophanic imagery of God riding with horses and chariots—divine procession and victory language parallels Psalm 68's 'chariots of God.'
- 2 Kings 6:17 (thematic): Elisha's servant sees 'horses and chariots of fire' surrounding them—heavenly chariots as divine accompaniment/host, echoing Psalm 68's image of God's myriads of chariots.
- Exodus 19:16-19 (structural): The Sinai theophany (thunder, smoke, divine presence) is the backdrop alluded to in Ps 68's 'as at Sinai'—both depict God's holy, awe‑inspiring presence among his people.
- Ephesians 4:8 (quotation): The NT quotes Ps 68:18 in the context of the Lord's triumphant ascent; Ps 68:17–18 form a unit describing God's triumph and presence, which Ephesians echoes.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why do you leap, O many-peaked mountains? This is the mountain that God desired to dwell in; yes, the LORD will dwell there forever.
- Why do the mountains leap like rams and the hills like young sheep?
Psa.68.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבתים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אלפי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- שנאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- סיני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:8-10 (quotation): The NT explicitly cites Psalm 68:18 ('He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, he gave gifts to men') and applies the ascent and gift-giving language to Christ's ascension.
- Psalm 68:17 (Hebrew 68:16) (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same psalm—both verses use the image of God's many chariots/host ('the chariots of God are tens of thousands') and the scene of divine triumph.
- Exodus 19:16-20 (allusion): Psalm 68's reference to Sinai and 'holiness' echoes the Sinai theophany (thunders, trumpet, smoke) where God revealed himself on Mount Sinai.
- Psalm 47:5 (thematic): Both psalms depict God's triumphal ascent (e.g., 'God has gone up with a shout' in Ps 47:5) and his kingship/victory over enemies, paralleling the ascension imagery of Ps 68:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands upon thousands; the LORD is among them at Sinai, in holiness.
- The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the LORD is among them at Sinai, in his holy place.
Psa.68.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- עלית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- למרום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שבי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- לקחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מתנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- באדם: PREP
- ואף: CONJ+ADV
- סוררים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- לשכן: VERB,qal,inf
- יה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:8 (quotation): Direct quotation of Psalm 68:18 (Hebrew numbering) — 'He ascended on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men' applied to Christ's ascension and gift-giving to the church.
- Ephesians 4:11 (verbal): Follows and interprets the Psalm's 'received gifts' language by listing the gifted ministries (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers) given to the church.
- Colossians 2:15 (thematic): Speaks of Christ's triumph over rulers and authorities—'making a show of them, triumphing over them'—parallel to the image of leading captivity captive.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 (thematic): Describes Christ's victory over the power of death and his deliverance of those held in bondage, resonating with the Psalm's captive/victory motif.
- Psalm 47:5 (structural): Shared triumphal/ascension imagery ('God is gone up with a shout') that complements Psalm 68's depiction of God ascending and establishing his presence among people.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have ascended on high; you have led captive a host of captives; you have received gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that God the LORD might dwell there.
- You have gone up on high; you have led captivity captive; you have received gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.
Psa.68.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעמס: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- האל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישועתנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,1,pl
- סלה: MISC
Parallels
- Isaiah 12:2 (verbal): Uses the same declaration 'God is my/our salvation' (Heb. ישועה) — a close verbal parallel affirming God as savior.
- Lamentations 3:22-23 (thematic): Theme of daily renewal/benefit: 'his mercies are new every morning' parallels the idea that God provides/blesses us day by day.
- Psalm 103:2-5 (thematic): A call to bless the LORD for his ongoing goodness and provision — 'who satisfies your years with good things' parallels being 'loaded with benefits'.
- Psalm 72:18-19 (structural): A doxological formula ('Blessed be the LORD…') similar in form to Ps. 68:20’s opening blessing, linking praise of God for his deeds and salvation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed be the LORD, day by day he bears us up; God is our salvation—Selah.
- Blessed be the LORD, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation—Selah.
Psa.68.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- האל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- אל: NEG
- למושעות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וליהוה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- תוצאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 68:20 (structural): Immediate context: continues the same thought—God as helper and source of deliverance (blessing and salvation).
- Psalm 18:2 (verbal): Uses the language of God as deliverer/rescuer — 'my deliverer' parallels the motif of God as one who brings salvation and rescue.
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (thematic): Affirms God's sovereign power over life and death ('I kill, and I make alive'), echoing the claim that the Lord controls the issues from death.
- Hosea 13:14 (allusion): Speaks of ransoming from Sheol and defeating death — a closely related idea to God providing escapes from death.
- Isaiah 25:8 (thematic): Proclaims God's victory over death ('He will swallow up death forever'), paralleling the psalm's emphasis on God's deliverance from death.
Alternative generated candidates
- God is to us a God of deliverances; and to the LORD belong the escapes from death.
- Our God is a God of deliverances; the God of salvation is the LORD.
Psa.68.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ימחץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- קדקד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתהלך: VERB,hitpael,ptc,3,m,sg
- באשמיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m
Parallels
- Genesis 3:15 (verbal): Proto‑evangelium motif: God/the seed will crush the head of the serpent—same head‑crushing image of victory over enemies.
- Romans 16:20 (quotation): New Testament echo: 'God will soon crush Satan under your feet'—directly recalls the head‑crushing motif as defeat of the foe.
- Psalm 2:9 (thematic): Parallel theme of divine vindication and violent overthrow of enemies ('break them with a rod of iron; dash them to pieces').
- Psalm 110:6 (verbal): Very close imagery of crushing heads in the lands—another royal/messianic Psalm employing the same head‑crushing language.
- Revelation 19:15 (thematic): Apocalyptic depiction of the Lord striking down the nations and trampling them in wrath—echoes the theme of God decisively overthrowing enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet God will crush the heads of his foes, the hairy crown of him who walks on in his guilt.
- Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their guilt.
Psa.68.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- מבשן: PREP
- אשיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- אשיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- ממצלות: PREP
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
Parallels
- Isaiah 11:11-12 (thematic): Both speak of Yahweh gathering and bringing back Israel from distant regions and coastlands—echoing the motif of return from far places (Bashan/sea).
- Ezekiel 36:24 (thematic): God's promise to take Israel from the nations and bring them back to their land parallels the psalm's theme of divine restoration from exile.
- Psalm 107:23-30 (verbal): Describes sailors in peril who cry to the LORD and are delivered from the depths and storms of the sea—paralleling the imagery of rescue 'from the depths of the sea.'
- Jonah 2:3-7 (allusion): Jonah's prayer from the 'depths' while in the sea employs similar language and imagery of being rescued from the sea's abyss by God's intervention.
- Isaiah 43:2 (thematic): God's promise to be with and bring through waters and floods without being overwhelmed resonates with the psalm's assurance of deliverance from the sea.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD said, “I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea.”
- The LORD said, “I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea.”
Psa.68.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- תמחץ: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- רגלך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,2,m,sg
- בדם: PREP
- לשון: NOUN,f,sg,constr
- כלביך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2,m
- מאיבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מנהו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 58:10 (verbal): Uses nearly identical motif of trampling or washing one’s feet in the blood of the wicked—close verbal and thematic parallel to ‘may your foot be dipped in the blood’.
- Isaiah 63:3 (thematic): God ‘treads the winepress’ and is described as garments stained with lifeblood—similar imagery of trampling enemies and blood on the victorious.
- Deuteronomy 32:42 (verbal): God’s vengeance pictured in terms of blood-soaked weapons—’I will make my arrows drunk with blood’ echoes the violent, blood-filled victory language.
- Revelation 19:13 (thematic): The rider is described as wearing a robe dipped in blood—New Testament echo of the victorious, blood-stained victor motif found in the psalm.
- 1 Kings 21:19 (allusion): Prophecy that dogs will eat Jezebel (and earlier formulations of enemies’ bodies/devourers) parallels the psalm’s image of dogs’ tongues being involved with the blood of foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- So that your foot may crush in blood, and the tongues of your dogs have their portion from the foe.
- That your foot may be dipped in blood, and the tongues of your dogs in the blood of the foe.
Psa.68.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- הליכותיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:2ms
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הליכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- בקדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 15:20-21 (verbal): Miriam and the women celebrate with timbrels and song after deliverance — direct verbal and thematic parallel to 'damsels playing timbrels' and a procession of praise.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 (verbal): David organizes singers and instrumentalists to lead the procession when bringing the ark into the city — closely parallels the temple/procession imagery and the order of musicians in Ps 68:25.
- 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (thematic): David dances before the LORD amid a joyful procession with music and singing — echoes the theme of exuberant, public worship accompanying God's presence.
- Psalm 24:7-10 (thematic): The call to open the gates for the 'King of glory' entering the sanctuary resonates with Ps 68's motif of God's procession entering the holy place.
- Psalm 68:18 (structural): Earlier verse in the same psalm depicting God 'ascending on high' and leading a procession — provides immediate structural and theological context for the procession imagery of v.25.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold your processions, O God—the processions of my God, of the King into the sanctuary.
- See your procession, God—the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.
Psa.68.26 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- קדמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחר: PREP
- נגנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- עלמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תופפות: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,f,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 15:20 (verbal): Miriam takes a timbrel and the women go out with timbrels and dances—directly parallels the image of maidens with timbrels in a celebratory musical procession.
- Psalm 149:3 (verbal): Calls for praise with dancing and the timbrel; shares the same vocabulary of singing, dancing, and timbrel use in worship.
- Psalm 150:4 (verbal): Urgent liturgical command to praise God with timbrel and dance, echoing the instrument-and-dance motif of the verse.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-19 (structural): Describes appointment of singers and musicians to lead a procession bringing the ark—parallels the ordered procession of singers and musicians in the psalm.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ahead went the singers; then the players on instruments; amid them the maidens playing tambourines.
- The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them the maidens playing tambourines.
Psa.68.27 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- במקהלות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ברכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ממקור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 22:22 (verbal): Shares the language and idea of praising God 'in the midst of the congregation'—a direct verbal/thematic parallel calling for public praise.
- Hebrews 2:12 (quotation): Quoted Psalm 22:22 in the New Testament ('I will declare thy name... in the midst of the congregation'), linking the OT call to public praise with Christ's witness.
- Psalm 35:18 (verbal): 'I will give thee thanks in the great congregation'—same vow to praise and thank God publicly within the assembly.
- Psalm 107:32 (thematic): Exhorts people to 'exalt him also in the congregation of the people,' echoing the call to communal praise and blessing of God.
- Psalm 149:1 (thematic): Commands praise 'in the congregation of the people' (or 'congregation of the saints'), reinforcing the motif of corporate worship and singing God's praise.
Alternative generated candidates
- Bless God in the great assembly; even the LORD, you that are of the fountain of Israel.
- In the congregations bless God— the LORD, from the fountain of Israel.
Psa.68.28 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שם: ADV
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- צעיר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- רדם: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- רגמתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- זבלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 5:18 (thematic): Mentions Zebulun and Naphtali as active, valiant tribes whose warriors/princes took part in Israel’s cause, paralleling Psalm 68’s listing of tribal leaders.
- 1 Chronicles 12:27-40 (thematic): Catalogues leaders and warriors from the tribes (including Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, Naphtali) who rallied to David—similar motif of tribal princes and leaders gathered.
- Genesis 49:27 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing portrays Benjamin as a powerful leader/warrior; Psalm 68:28’s statement ‘there Benjamin was a ruler’ echoes Benjamin’s leadership status from the tribal blessing tradition.
- 1 Chronicles 27:16-22 (structural): Provides an organized list of tribal princes/heads (including Naphtali and others), reflecting the formal designation of 'princes' for Israel’s tribes as in Psalm 68:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is Benjamin, the little prince, leading them; the princes of Judah, the company; the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
- There is Benjamin, the youngest, leading them; the princes of Judah, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
Psa.68.29 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- עזך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2fs
- עוזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זו: PRON,dem,f,sg
- פעלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 29:11 (thematic): Both texts ascribe to God the giving or strengthening of his people—‘the LORD will give strength to his people’ parallels God commanding/confirming strength for his people in Ps. 68:29.
- Isaiah 40:29 (thematic): Isaiah‘s promise that God ‘gives power to the faint’ echoes the theme of God supplying strength to the weary or his people found in Ps. 68:29.
- Psalm 18:32 (verbal): Wording about God girding or granting strength (‘It is God who girds me with strength’) parallels Ps. 68:29’s language of God commanding and providing strength.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (thematic): Habakkuk’s description of the LORD as the prophet’s strength and enabler in difficult times parallels Ps. 68:29’s depiction of God as the source of strength for his people.
- Exodus 15:2 (allusion): The triumphal confession ‘The LORD is my strength and song’ resonates with Ps. 68:29’s emphasis on God as the decisive source of power and help for his people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Your God has commanded your strength; O God, establish what you have wrought for us; your temple, O Jerusalem—to you kings will bring gifts.
- Your God has commanded your strength; strengthen, O God, what you have accomplished for us.
Psa.68.30 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- מהיכלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,2,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- יובילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- מלכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 72:10-11 (verbal): Explicitly speaks of kings bringing tribute/gifts to the king — close verbal and thematic parallel to kings being led to bring offerings to God in Zion.
- Isaiah 60:3,6 (thematic): Foresees nations and kings coming to Zion and bringing gold, frankincense and praise — parallels the imagery of kings coming to Jerusalem with gifts.
- Revelation 21:24 (structural): Describes the nations and the kings of the earth bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem, echoing the motif of kings bringing homage to God's city/temple.
- Matthew 2:1-11 (allusion): The visit of the Magi (often viewed as royal/foreign dignitaries) bringing gifts to the Messiah echoes the theme of kings bringing presents to God's appointed place/person.
- 1 Kings 10:1-10 (thematic): The visit of the Queen of Sheba bringing gifts to Solomon provides an ancient Israelite example of foreign rulers bringing tribute to Israel's king/house, paralleling the Psalm's scene.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rebuke the wild beasts; the company of bulls, the calves of the peoples; let them bow down, each with their silver—may peoples bring willing offerings; let the nobles be willing.
- From your temple in Jerusalem shall nobles bring you gifts.
Psa.68.31 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- גער: VERB,qal,inf
- חית: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עדת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- אבירים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בעגלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- מתרפס: VERB,hithp,ptc,ms,sg
- ברצי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בזר: VERB,qal,inf
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- קרבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יחפצו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 72:10-11 (thematic): Gentile rulers bring gifts and bow before the king—parallel theme of foreign princes/kings coming and paying homage to God’s anointed.
- Psalm 22:27-28 (thematic): All the nations will worship the LORD and all kingdoms serve him—same motif of the nations turning to and honoring God.
- Isaiah 49:23 (thematic): Kings and queens will serve as attendants and bow down—another oracle depicting foreign royalty honoring and serving God’s people/His servant.
- Psalm 87:4 (thematic): Ethiopia (Cush) is singled out among the peoples associated with Zion—related imagery of Ethiopia’s connection to Israel and its recognition of Yahweh.
- Acts 8:27-39 (allusion): The Ethiopian eunuch’s seeking and conversion in the New Testament illustrates the historical/theological fulfillment of Ethiopia turning to God as anticipated in the psalm.
Alternative generated candidates
- Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
- Rebuke the wild beast— the herd of bulls, the calves of the peoples; trample underfoot those who lust for tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.
Psa.68.32 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יאתיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- חשמנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כוש: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- תריץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 68:29-31 (structural): Immediate context of Psalm 68: describes kings and kingdoms bringing gifts to God's temple and nations praising God—directly parallels Egypt and Cush bringing themselves/hands to God.
- Psalm 72:10-11 (thematic): Speaks of kings (Tarshish, Sheba, Seba) bringing presents and all kings falling down before the king—parallel theme of nations and rulers bringing gifts and submitting to God.
- Isaiah 19:24-25 (allusion): Foretells Egypt and Assyria (Gentile nations) being blessed together with Israel and turning to the Lord—closely parallels the image of Egypt and Cush reaching out to God.
- Psalm 22:27-28 (thematic): Declares that all the ends of the earth and all tribes shall worship and belong to the Lord—echoes universal acknowledgment of God by nations as in Ps 68:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the LORD—Selah.
- Envoys shall come out of Egypt; Cush will hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
Psa.68.33 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שירו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זמרו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- סלה: MISC
Parallels
- Psalm 66:1 (verbal): Shares the imperative for the lands/all the earth to make a joyful noise or sing to God—calls the nations/lands to praise God.
- Psalm 96:1 (verbal): Commands all the earth to sing to the Lord, echoing the call for the nations/kingdoms to praise God.
- Psalm 98:4 (thematic): Universal summons—'all the earth' to make a joyful noise—parallels the theme of kingdoms/lands singing to God.
- Psalm 117:1 (thematic): Brief universal call for all nations/peoples to praise the Lord, matching the inclusive summons of Psalm 68:33.
- Psalm 47:7 (thematic): Declares God as King of the earth and couples that claim with an injunction to sing praises—relates God's sovereignty and the nations' response.
Alternative generated candidates
- To him who rides above the ancient heavens—behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice.
- Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord—Selah.
Psa.68.34 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לרכב: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss1s
- שמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הן: PART
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- בקולו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 104:3 (verbal): God 'makes the clouds his chariot' and 'rides on the wings of the wind'—directly parallels the image of God riding in the heavens.
- Psalm 18:10 (structural): Describes God riding/flying on heavenly beings and the wind ('He rode upon a cherub... upon the wings of the wind'), a close structural parallel to the motif of God riding the heavens.
- 2 Samuel 22:11 (quotation): Part of the Psalm 18/2 Samuel 22 theophany tradition; repeats the motif of God riding through the heavens and appearing with overwhelming power.
- Psalm 29:3-4 (verbal): 'The voice of the LORD is over the waters... the voice of the LORD is powerful' echoes the emphatic declaration that God 'gives out his voice, a mighty voice.'
- Habakkuk 3:3-6 (thematic): A theophany depicting God coming from the heights/heavens with earth-shaking power and luminous glory, thematically akin to the image of God riding the heavens and issuing a mighty voice.
Alternative generated candidates
- Give to God his strength. O God, your excellence is over Israel; your power is in the skies.
- To him who rides upon the heavens of heavens—behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice.
Psa.68.35 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גאותו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועזו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בשחקים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 28:8 (verbal): Both proclaim that the LORD is the strength/power of his people (Heb. language of God as the people's strength and source of salvation).
- Psalm 29:11 (verbal): Explicitly states ‘The LORD will give strength unto his people,’ closely matching Ps 68:35’s claim that God gives strength and power to Israel.
- Exodus 15:2 (thematic): The Exodus song celebrates Yahweh as personal strength and salvation (‘The LORD is my strength and my song’), echoing the theme of God empowering his people from his holy presence.
- Psalm 18:32 (verbal): Davidic language about God girding/giving strength and making the way perfect parallels Ps 68:35’s attribution of power and might to God for his people.
- Psalm 72:18-19 (structural): A concluding doxology blessing God the God of Israel mirrors Ps 68:35’s closing acclamation ‘Blessed be God,’ both functioning as liturgical/poetic conclusions praising God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Awesome is God from his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God!
- Give strength to God. His majesty is over Israel; his power is in the skies.
To the choirmaster. A psalm of David; a song.
Let God arise; let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so let the wicked perish before God. But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; let them rejoice with gladness.
Sing to God; sing praise to his name. Lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—Yah is his name; rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in his holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in a household; he brings out prisoners into prosperity, while the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness—Selah.
The earth quaked; even the heavens poured down at the presence of God—this was Sinai—at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
You sent abundant rain, O God; you refreshed your inheritance and made it firm.
Your flock found a dwelling there; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
The Lord gave the word; the company of those who bring the tidings is a great host.
The kings of the host fled—fled—and those left at home divided the spoil.
Though you lie among the sheepfolds, the wings of a dove are adorned with silver, its pinions with glistening gold.
The Almighty scattered the kings there; it was like the snow of Zalmon.
A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.
Why do you look with envy, O you peaks of many summits? This is the mountain that God desired to dwell in; the LORD will surely dwell there forever.
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them at Sinai, in holiness.
You have gone up on high; you have led captivity captive; you have received gifts among mortals, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden; God is our salvation—Selah.
Our God is a God of deliverances; to God, the LORD, belong escapes from death.
Yet God will crush the heads of his enemies, the crown of the one who walks in his guilt.
The Lord said, “I will bring them back from Bashan; I will bring them back from the depths of the sea.”
That your foot may tread in blood, and the tongues of your dogs have their portion from the foe.
They have seen your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.
The singers went before, the musicians followed after, in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines.
Bless God in the congregations—even the Lord—from the fountain of Israel.
There is Benjamin, the little one, leading them; the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.
Awake your power, O God; show the power, O God, which you have worked for us.
Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings will bring you tribute.
Rebuke the wild beasts, the herd of bulls; with the peoples, with the calves of the nations—may they submit with pieces of silver; scatter the peoples who delight in war.
They will come from Egypt; Cush will hasten to stretch out its hands to God.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praise to the Lord—Selah.
To him who rides upon the heavens—indeed he utters his voice, a mighty voice.
Give strength to God; his majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies.