What is the meaning of Psalm 68:11? The Lord He is the covenant God who fights for His people. Earlier in the psalm, David sings, “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered” (Psalm 68:1), revealing that the One behind every victory is none other than the Lord Himself. Because “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47), He alone deserves credit for what follows. Exodus 15:3 calls Him “the LORD, the warrior,” reminding us that every subsequent action in this verse flows from His sovereign initiative. gives the command The psalmist pictures God issuing a battlefield order that turns the tide. His spoken word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11), and “He spoke, and it came to be” (Psalm 33:9). This same commanding voice will later commission the disciples with “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go” (Matthew 28:18-19). Whether defeating earthly enemies or spreading the gospel, the pattern is identical: God speaks, His people respond, and His purposes stand. a great company The Hebrew army would normally celebrate victory, yet here the text draws attention to a surprisingly large chorus: “great” in size and enthusiasm. Psalm 68:12 describes kings and armies fleeing, while Israel gathers the spoil—evidence that God’s command brings sweeping success. Scripture often uses vast numbers to highlight divine triumph, such as the “multitude” saved at Pentecost (Acts 2:41) and the “great multitude that no one could count” worshiping before the throne (Revelation 7:9). of women Instead of seasoned soldiers, it is women who take center stage. This honors their God-given role in bearing witness. Miriam led Israel in song after the Red Sea victory (Exodus 15:20-21); Deborah and Barak sang of triumph in Judges 5:1. In the New Testament, the first heralds of Christ’s resurrection were women who “reported all these things to the eleven” (Luke 24:9-10). Acts 1:14 records women praying alongside the apostles. Psalm 68 anticipates this rich pattern, affirming that faithful women have always been integral messengers of God’s works. proclaim it The verb pictures joyful broadcasting—good news can’t stay quiet. Isaiah 40:9 urges, “Lift up your voice with strength… say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’ ” Those women at the empty tomb “returned from the tomb and reported” (Luke 24:9). Lydia, once converted, opened her home so that others might hear (Acts 16:14-15). Psalm 68:11 teaches that when God wins the victory, His people—women included—publicly declare it, spreading fresh courage to every listener. summary Psalm 68:11 paints a vivid scene: the Lord commands, victory is secured, and an enthusiastic multitude of women spreads the news. The verse underscores God’s absolute authority, the certainty of His word, and the indispensable role of women in proclaiming His triumphs. From Moses’ sister to the empty tomb witnesses, Scripture consistently highlights female voices echoing God’s victories. Our takeaway is simple: when the Lord speaks and acts, His people—men and women alike—must joyfully broadcast the good news so that His glory is known to all. |