Psalms 68:35

O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

Psalms 68:35 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 68 is a song of triumph attributed to King David. It celebrates God’s power, deliverance, and care for His people. This verse closes the psalm with a doxology, a short expression of praise to God.

Meaning

The word terrible does not mean frightening in a negative sense. In the King James Version, it conveys awe-inspiring, majestic, and powerful. God is awesome and fearsome in His holiness and righteousness. The phrase out of thy holy places points to God’s dwelling place, the heavenly sanctuary, from which His power goes forth.

The psalmist declares that the God of Israel is the one who gives strength and power to His people. This highlights the special relationship between God and His chosen people. He is not distant; He personally empowers them. The closing words, Blessed be God, are a call to worship. They acknowledge that God deserves all honour, glory, and praise for His goodness and provision.

Biblical connections

This verse shows both God’s transcendence and His immanence. He is exalted above all in awesome holiness, yet He is near to His people by giving them strength. This truth appears throughout Scripture, where God’s power is made available to those who trust Him. The God who is exalted above all is also personally involved in empowering His people.

Application

Psalm 68:35 encourages us to recognise and honour God for His power, strength, and provision in our lives. It reminds us that God is not only majestic and awesome but also actively involved in empowering His people. As believers, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God is with us and equips us for every situation.

We should respond with praise and gratitude, offering our worship to God for His faithfulness and blessings. When we face challenges, obstacles, or enemies, we can rely on the strength He supplies. This assurance of divine assistance is a cause for praise. All strength and power come from Him, so we bless Him for His mighty acts and His faithfulness.

Reflection

This dual truth invites us to approach Him with reverence and to depend on Him for daily strength. The God who is exalted above all is also personally involved in empowering His people. We bless Him for His mighty acts and His faithfulness.