What does Psalm 68:3 mean?
ESV: But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!
NIV: But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
NASB: But the righteous will be joyful; they will rejoice before God; Yes, they will rejoice with gladness.
CSB: But the righteous are glad; they rejoice before God and celebrate with joy.
NLT: But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.
KJV: But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
NKJV: But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 68:1–6 sets the tone for the entire psalm. Using ornate language, the God of Israel is described as an unstoppable force. He conquers and overcomes anyone who opposes Him. In contrast, those who seek God's righteousness will celebrate. This transitions into a call for worship and a reminder that God is for the disadvantaged and opposed to those who defy Him.
Chapter Summary:
Prior psalms (Psalm 66—67) explored the idea of the Lord God of Israel being worshipped by the entire world, including the Gentile nations. Psalm 68 includes that idea, as well as a celebration of God's prior victories on Israel's behalf. The song uses dramatic imagery to praise God's power and grandeur. Mount Zion—the location of Jerusalem—is where the Lord chooses for His seat of power. The entire world should honor this; one day, the whole earth will do just that.
Chapter Context:
This psalm commemorates God's ascension to Mount Zion, another reference to the city of Jerusalem. This celebrates past and future victories won by the power of the Lord. It may be a general reference to Israel's success, or to the conquests of king David. Alternatively, the song might celebrate when David moved the ark of the covenant into the city (2 Samuel 6). Or, when he captured the site from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5). The psalm is "of David," which may mean it is written in his style, or about his experiences, rather than being one he personally wrote.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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