Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.

PSALMS 68:34KJV
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Psalms 68:34 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:34 mean?

Psalms 68:34 calls on people to recognize and declare the power of God, saying that God’s greatness is shown over Israel and that His strength is seen even in the skies. The verse highlights God’s unmatched might and His special relationship with Israel, using the image of the clouds to suggest His power reaches everywhere.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally David) is addressing the people, urging them to give credit to God for His strength and majesty. The setting is one of praise, celebrating God’s victories and His rule over His people. The mention of God’s strength in the clouds points to His authority over all creation, not just over Israel.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:34

  • "Ascribe" (נָתַן, nathan, H5414) means to give or assign. Here, it is a call to actively acknowledge God’s strength, not just notice it passively.
  • "Strength" (עֹז, oz, H5797) refers to might or power. The repetition in the verse emphasizes that God’s power is both for His people and visible in creation.
  • "Excellency" (גָּאוֹן, gaon, H1346) means majesty or pride. This word stresses the idea of God’s glorious presence over Israel.
  • "Clouds" (שָׁחַק, shachaq, H7834) refers to the sky or clouds. This image shows that God’s strength is not limited to earth but is seen in the heavens, suggesting His universal reign.

Why Psalms 68:34 matters

  • Psalms 68:34 clears up the idea that God’s power is only for Israel by showing that His strength is visible in the skies, pointing to His rule over all creation.
  • The verse emphasizes that recognizing God’s strength is something people are called to do, not just something to observe.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 68, which celebrates God’s victories, His care for His people, and His authority over the whole world.

Where else these words appear

“excellency” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

“clouds” Hebrew H7834 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Job 38:37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
  • Psalms 89:37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

“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.