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 is a prayer asking God to give strength to His people, recognizing that God has already commanded or provided this strength and asking Him to continue and increase what He has begun for them. The verse acknowledges God as the source of the people's ability and success, and seeks His ongoing support.

King David is speaking, addressing God directly as he leads a song of praise and petition. The setting is a celebration of God's past acts for Israel, with David asking God to reinforce and build upon the strength He has already shown in helping His people. The verse fits into a larger psalm that remembers God's mighty deeds and asks for His continued presence and help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:28

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word emphasizes God's power and majesty, reminding the reader that the strength being asked for comes from the highest authority.
  • "Commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah): This verb means to order or appoint, showing that the strength Israel has is not accidental but given by God's deliberate decision.
  • "Strength" (עֹז, oz): This word refers to might, power, or ability. Here, it highlights the kind of help being requested—practical, sustaining power.
  • "Strengthen" (עָזַז, azaz): This verb means to make strong or to reinforce, so the prayer is for God to continue making His people strong, not just once but ongoing.
  • "Wrought" (פָּעַל, paal): This word means to work or accomplish, pointing to the things God has already done for His people, and asking Him to keep building on that foundation.

Why Psalms 68:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies that any strength or success the people have comes from God’s command, not from their own efforts alone.
  • It shows that it is appropriate to ask God to continue and increase what He has already started, recognizing that spiritual progress is an ongoing process.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 68, which celebrates God’s mighty acts in Israel’s history and encourages trust in His continued help.