Psalm 68 24

Psalm 68:24 kjv

They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

Psalm 68:24 nkjv

They have seen Your procession, O God, The procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

Psalm 68:24 niv

Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

Psalm 68:24 esv

Your procession is seen, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary ?

Psalm 68:24 nlt

Your procession has come into view, O God ?
the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary.

Psalm 68 verses

Psalm 68 24 Meaning

This verse powerfully depicts a majestic divine procession where God, as the sovereign King, is seen triumphantly leading His people into His sacred dwelling. It emphasizes the visible manifestation of God's active presence and authority, establishing His rule from within His holy sanctuary.

Psalm 68 24 Context

Psalm 68 is a grand, triumphant hymn, possibly commemorating a major national victory and the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. It vividly recounts God's powerful interventions in Israel's history, from the Exodus to the establishment of Zion as His dwelling place. Verse 24 is part of a section (verses 24-27) describing a solemn, sacred procession toward the sanctuary. This passage evokes the historical accounts of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to its resting place (e.g., 2 Sam 6, 1 Chr 15-16), which symbolized God's leadership over His people and His presence dwelling among them. It would have served as a powerful declaration against the impotence of pagan gods, portraying Yahweh as a dynamic, sovereign King who actively leads and resides among His chosen people, utterly distinct from static idols.

Psalm 68 24 Word analysis

• They have seen (רָאוּ - ra’u): The verb signifies a direct, observed experience. It suggests a visual manifestation, not just an abstract understanding. This vision is presumably seen by the people of Israel participating in the procession, and perhaps even observed or heard about by surrounding nations, reinforcing God's universal power.
• Your processions (הֲלִיכֹותֶ֖יךָ - halikhôteykha): From the root halak, meaning "to walk" or "to go." This word refers to deliberate, majestic movements or solemn marches. In this context, it describes the awe-inspiring way God leads and manifests Himself, particularly in the Ark's progress or His historical interventions. It signifies a display of divine glory, power, and sovereign guidance.
• O God (אֱלֹהִ֣ים - ʾelohim): The general, plural majestic term for God in Hebrew, often used for the covenant God of Israel. Here, it refers to the singular, supreme God who is performing this grand procession.
• The processions of my God (אֵלִ֣י - ʾēlí): The personal possessive emphasizes a deep, intimate relationship between the psalmist (and Israel) and the Almighty. ʾĒl signifies strength and might, so this highlights "my Mighty God" who is leading. The repetition of "processions" intensifies the emphasis on this observed, awe-inspiring display of God's moving presence.
• my King (מַלְכִּ֥י - malkî): A deeply personal declaration of Yahweh's sovereignty and reign over the psalmist and the nation of Israel. It portrays God not merely as a ruler but as the reigning monarch whose authority is intimately acknowledged and obeyed. It underscores His active leadership in the procession and within His holy dwelling.
• into the sanctuary (בַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ - bakkōdeš): Literally "in/into the holiness" or "holy place." This refers to the Tabernacle or Temple, the consecrated space where God's presence resided among His people. It signifies the culmination of the procession, with God establishing His dwelling place among humanity, making Himself accessible and manifesting His glory. It is the place of divine encounter and worship.

Words-group analysis:

• "They have seen your processions, O God, the processions of my God, my King": This repetition emphasizes the observed nature and grandeur of God's magnificent entry. The transition from "O God" to "my God, my King" deepens the relationship from a general acknowledgment to a personal and worshipful declaration of His sovereignty. It conveys both the universal awe and intimate devotion directed towards the actively leading divine Monarch.
• "my King, into the sanctuary": This phrase connects God's personal kingship directly with His established dwelling among His people. It means that the King isn't distant but is entering His throne room on earth, making His authority and presence known in His sacred dwelling place. This presence in the sanctuary ensures His reign is exercised among them.

Psalm 68 24 Bonus section

• The Psalm itself is often regarded as a cultic hymn, suggesting it was part of a liturgical performance involving a physical procession. This underscores the verse's dramatic and experiential nature for the ancient worshippers.
• Polemically, this verse directly contrasts Yahweh with the prevalent Canaanite deities who were often confined to local shrines and possessed no true agency. Yahweh, "my God, my King," actively marches, conquers, and chooses His dwelling place, demonstrating His unmatched sovereignty and dynamic nature.
• The imagery of God's procession carries significant eschatological weight, hinting at the future, ultimate establishment of God's universal kingdom and His glorious presence fully realized (e.g., Zech 14:9, Rev 21:3).

Psalm 68 24 Commentary

Psalm 68:24 vividly describes a magnificent procession, depicting God not as a distant deity but as "my God, my King," actively leading and entering His holy dwelling place, the sanctuary. This passage evokes powerful images from Israel's history, likely commemorating the solemn transfer of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's manifest presence, power, and covenantal faithfulness. The emphasis on "they have seen" highlights the undeniable visibility of God's triumphant advance. This visible procession underscores God's sovereign rule, demonstrating His dynamic power over enemies and His gracious willingness to dwell intimately with His people. It refutes any notion of static or limited deities, portraying Yahweh as a living, moving, and reigning King whose destination is to be enthroned in the midst of His people. The "sanctuary" is the locus of His rule, the place where His glory settles, making Him accessible and affirming His commitment to His covenant. Ultimately, it anticipates God's perfect dwelling among His redeemed in eternity, fulfilled supremely in Christ and His church. This verse encourages believers to acknowledge God's active presence and sovereignty, understanding that He leads His people towards intimate communion in His holy presence.