What is the meaning of Psalm 68:35? O God David begins with direct, personal address: “O God.” It’s the cry of someone who knows the Lord is living, attentive, and covenant-keeping. Like Psalm 86:8–10, this single phrase places every other power in submission to the One true King. We’re reminded of Jeremiah 10:6—“There is none like You, O LORD.” By starting this way, the psalmist calls us to lift our eyes immediately to the Almighty rather than to circumstances. You are awesome in Your sanctuary “Awesome” speaks of holy fear that comes from beholding God’s unveiled majesty. His “sanctuary” points to the earthly temple and, beyond that, to His heavenly dwelling. • Exodus 15:11 asks, “Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory?” The answer, of course, is no one. • Psalm 96:9 urges, “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him.” Where God’s presence is manifest, awe is the only fitting response. The literal sanctuary in Jerusalem displayed this glory, yet Hebrews 9:24 reminds us that the earthly copy points to the greater heavenly reality. The verse celebrates both. the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people Here the direction shifts from worship in His dwelling to blessing flowing out to His people. The promise is explicit: God “Himself” is the Giver. • Psalm 29:11 declares, “The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” • Isaiah 40:29-31 assures us He “gives power to the faint” and renews the weary. • In the New Testament, Ephesians 3:16 prays that believers be “strengthened with power through His Spirit.” These passages show the same pattern: worship leads to empowerment. Because God is faithful to Israel, He will likewise sustain every believer who belongs to the new covenant community (Romans 11:17-24). Blessed be God! The psalm ends with a doxology, just as Psalm 41:13 and Psalm 72:18-19 do. Praise is the natural conclusion when we’ve considered His glory and His generosity. 2 Corinthians 1:3 echoes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” linking Old Testament praise to New Testament fulfillment. summary Psalm 68:35 calls us to look up, stand in holy awe, receive divine strength, and burst into praise. God’s sanctuary reveals His matchless glory; His hand supplies unending power to His people. The only fitting response is continual blessing of His name. |
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