Psalms 68:16

Why leape ye, ye high hilles? this is the Hil which God desireth to dwell in, yea the Lord will dwel in it for euer. Psalms 68:16 (KJV)

Why leap ye, ye high hills?

this is the hill

which

God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell

in it

for ever. Psalms 68:16 (KJV)

Psalm 68 is a song of triumph and praise that celebrates God’s power, His deliverance of His people, and His victory over hostile forces. The psalm also highlights God’s special concern for the oppressed, presenting a picture of divine care that undergirds the entire composition.

The opening question, “Why leap ye, ye high hills?” employs vivid poetic language. The high hills represent strength, power, and majesty, and the rhetorical challenge invites the mountains—often symbols of earthly might—to acknowledge that they are not the chosen dwelling place of the Almighty. This imagery underscores the superiority of God’s chosen location over any natural elevation.

The verse goes on to declare, “this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in.” In the Old Testament, mountains frequently serve as settings for divine encounters. While the text does not name the hill explicitly, many readers associate it with Mount Zion, the city of David where the temple was later erected and which became the focal point of God’s presence among Israel. Whether understood as a specific hill or as a symbolic representation of God’s chosen abode, the passage affirms that the LORD will dwell there forever, emphasizing the enduring and unchanging nature of His presence.

Application for believers follows naturally.

First, just as God selected a particular hill for His dwelling, He now dwells in the hearts of those who belong to Him. 1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Our lives are therefore called to become a dwelling place for His presence. Second, the challenge to the high hills calls us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and power. Third, the promise of God’s perpetual dwelling assures us of His steadfastness; in a changing world we can find security in the unchanging nature of the One who promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Finally, just as Mount Zion served as the spiritual center for Israel, believers are urged to pursue spiritual growth—through prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship—to experience God’s presence more intimately.

Overall, Psalm 68:16 invites us to recognize God’s chosen dwelling place, to honor His eternal presence, and to cultivate a life that continually welcomes His abiding spirit.