Psalms 68:30

Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

Psalms 68:30 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 68 is a song of praise and victory by David. It celebrates God’s power, deliverance, and care for His people. This verse is a prayer asking God to subdue the enemies who oppose Israel.

Meaning

The “company of spearmen” pictures hostile warriors armed with spears. Some translations call them “the beast in the reeds,” likely pointing to Egypt, a nation known for its military strength and the reeds along the Nile. The “multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people” describes strong, aggressive leaders and their young soldiers, like a powerful herd.

The prayer is that God will rebuke these forces until every one submits with pieces of silver. Silver here means tribute or payment brought by a defeated enemy, showing they recognize God’s authority. The final plea, “scatter thou the people that delight in war,” asks God to disperse those who love conflict and take pleasure in battle.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes God’s promise to humble proud nations and protect His people. In Psalm 68, God is shown as a warrior who fights for Israel, and this prayer trusts Him to bring down the arrogant and warlike. The imagery of bulls and spearmen also recalls other Old Testament passages where God judges the proud and delivers the humble.

Application

Believers can pray with the same confidence, asking God to subdue the forces that oppose His kingdom. This includes both physical enemies and spiritual powers that stir up strife. The verse also reminds us that true peace comes when people bow to God’s rule, not through human strength. We can trust God to handle what we cannot.

Reflection

God alone can scatter those who delight in war and bring lasting peace. We can trust Him to humble the proud and to receive the honor that belongs to Him alone. His power is greater than any earthly force, and His victory is certain.