Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

PSALMS 68:28KJV
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Psalms 68:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:28 mean?

Psalms 68:28 presents Israel’s strength as something God has ordered, not merely something the people have achieved. The speaker then asks God to make firm what he has already done for them, joining a statement about God’s power to a request for his continued action.

The verse shifts from speaking about God to speaking directly to him. “Thy strength” addresses a single “you,” while “for us” brings the speaker and the people together in the request. Coming after the gathering described in verse 27, the prayer gives the assembled people words to address God together.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:28

  • “commanded” — צָוָה (tsavah): The word can mean to give an order or direct that something happen. Here the KJV presents God as the one who directs the strength being spoken of.
  • “strengthen” — עָזַז (ʿazaz): The word carries the sense of being strong or making firm. The request is for God to give lasting firmness to what he has already brought about.

Why Psalms 68:28 matters

  • The verse looks both backward and forward. “That which thou hast wrought” points to God’s past work, while “strengthen” asks for further action.
  • The request concerns the people together. The words “for us” make the prayer broader than the speaker’s own needs.
  • God’s strength is set alongside his place among the nations. Verse 29 moves from this request to kings bringing gifts to God at Jerusalem, widening the scene beyond the gathered people.

Where else these words appear

“strengthen” Hebrew H5810 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 3:10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
  • Psalms 52:7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
  • Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

“which” Hebrew H2098 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Psalms 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
  • Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

“wrought” Hebrew H6466 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
  • Psalms 125:5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.