Psalm 68 33

Psalm 68:33 kjv

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.

Psalm 68:33 nkjv

To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.

Psalm 68:33 niv

to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.

Psalm 68:33 esv

to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.

Psalm 68:33 nlt

Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens,
his mighty voice thundering from the sky.

Psalm 68 verses

Psalm 68 33 Meaning

Psalm 68:33 describes the awe-inspiring majesty and dominion of the God of Israel. It portrays Him as the supreme ruler of the cosmos, eternally pre-existing all creation, who exerts His absolute power through His potent voice. This verse evokes a sense of divine transcendence, unstoppable authority, and an inherent call to worship. It declares that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the ultimate sovereign over all realms, manifesting His power in thunderous, unmistakable ways.

Psalm 68 33 Context

Psalm 68 is a grand song of triumph, celebrating God's victorious leadership of His people from the Exodus through the conquest of Canaan and establishment of His dwelling in Zion. It recalls historical interventions where God, as a divine warrior and king, scatters His enemies and provides for the afflicted. The psalm moves from a prayer for God to rise to a vivid description of His majestic march. Verse 33 falls within a section (Psa 68:32-35) that extends a universal invitation to "kingdoms of the earth" to sing praise to God, depicting His cosmic sovereignty. It places Yahweh far above any earthly or pagan deity, showcasing His unparalleled power and transcendence. Historically, it emphasizes God's consistent deliverance and His unwavering rule over all creation, preparing for the idea of His dwelling place on earth among His people. The portrayal of God riding the heavens is a powerful visual of His absolute control and might, implicitly refuting contemporary pagan beliefs in multiple, lesser deities confined to specific domains.

Psalm 68 33 Word analysis

• To him that rideth (רֹכֵב - rokhev): Denotes a rider or one who journeys, implying dynamic movement and control. In divine contexts, this imagery frequently portrays God as a warrior, conqueror, or majestic sovereign on the move, exercising His dominion and judgment. It speaks of His active presence and power.

• upon the heavens of heavens (בִּשְׁמֵי שְׁמֵי - bishme shəme): This superlative phrase signifies the highest or ultimate heaven, beyond the physical skies or atmosphere. It represents the uncreated, transcendent abode of God, emphasizing His supreme holiness, omnipresence, and ultimate authority over all creation, even over the heavens themselves. It communicates immense scale and His exalted position above all.

• which were of old (קֶדֶם - qedem): Implies timelessness, primordial origin, and eternal pre-existence. This signifies God's being before time and creation, highlighting His everlasting nature. It grounds His present power in His immutable and eternal character, reinforcing His ancient and unchanging authority over all things.

• lo, he doth send out (הִנֵּה יִתֵּן - hinneh yitten): "Lo" or "behold" serves as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to what follows. "Send out" or "gives forth" (from natan) describes a forceful and intentional issuance. It indicates a powerful, direct, and unhindered emanation of God's divine action.

• his voice (בְּקוֹלוֹ - bəqolo): Refers to God's utterance, which in biblical contexts is often associated with mighty, manifest power. God's voice is not mere sound; it is effective, creative, and authoritative. It speaks of His personal command and declaration, often producing profound effects.

• and that a mighty voice (קוֹל עֹז - qol 'oz): Reinforces the intensity and effectiveness of God's voice. 'Oz means strength, power, might, or even fierceness. This voice is irresistible, capable of shaking creation, issuing decrees, or bringing about judgment or salvation. It highlights the potent, authoritative, and awe-inspiring nature of His utterance.

• "him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old": This phrase paints a picture of God's eternal and universal sovereignty. He is not confined to any earthly domain but commands the highest heavens, those that have existed since before time. This is a declaration of absolute, pre-existent, and transcending rule over the cosmos, contrasting Him with finite, local deities.

• "lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice": This speaks of God's active and potent power. His mere voice is an irresistible force, signifying not only verbal communication but creative action, judgment, and the shaking of the very foundations of the earth. It is an audible manifestation of His infinite power.

Psalm 68 33 Bonus section

The divine "voice" in Scripture often functions as God's personal manifestation and agency. It's His direct communication and executive power. This connects deeply with the concept of the "Word of God" that brings forth creation, upholds the universe, and through whom salvation is announced. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the living Word of God (Jn 1:1), through whom all things were made. Thus, the mighty voice heard from "the heavens of heavens" echoes into the Incarnation, where God's ultimate powerful Word became flesh, fulfilling His ancient purposes and continuing to rule from on high, ensuring His sovereignty endures from "of old" through eternity.

Psalm 68 33 Commentary

Psalm 68:33 is a climactic declaration of God's unparalleled sovereignty and might, presented within a universal summons to worship. It portrays the Lord, the God of Israel, as a majestic monarch riding across the highest heavens—an eternal, transcendent King. This imagery underscores His supreme dominion, not just over humanity, but over the entirety of creation, far beyond the confines of time or space. The phrase "heavens of heavens" emphasizes His boundless reign, while "of old" proclaims His eternal existence as the source and sustainer of all things.

Crucially, this majestic Rider exerts His power through His "mighty voice." Unlike human words, God's voice is intrinsically powerful; it creates (Gen 1:3), it commands, it judges, and it sends forth His will. This "voice of might" can be heard as thunder (Psa 29), a symbol of overwhelming divine power, or as the potent decree that brings about His purposes. It speaks to a God who is not distant or silent, but actively engaged in history, declaring His presence and enforcing His will. The verse ultimately serves as a call for all kingdoms to recognize and give glory to this one true God, acknowledging His invincible strength and glorious reign, and to understand that all creation stands in awe of His potent pronouncements.