Psalms 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Psalms 68:2
This verse intensifies the previous one’s imagery: “As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.” The similes evoke irresistible divine power. In ancient Near Eastern thought, wind and fire signify cleansing, judgment, and purification. The psalmist uses vivid imagery to communicate the idea that God’s presence brings order by removing opposition. The context of Psalm 68 includes both praise and warfare—recognizing that God’s people are protected not by their own strength but by God’s decisive intervention. The line functions liturgically to rally trust in God’s supremacy over evil.
This verse underscores God’s holy justice. It asserts that wickedness cannot stand in the presence of the holy God; divine power purifies, purges, and upholds righteousness. It’s a reminder that God’s blessing and protection are inseparably linked to God’s holiness and judgment. Theologically, this contributes to a robust sense of divine sovereignty: nothing escapes God’s reach, and human attempts to resist Him are futile in the long run. It also points forward to eschatological judgment when all wickedness will be confronted and removed.
For believers, the verse invites prayer for discernment and justice: ask God to expose and remove harm in your life, in your community, or in institutions that oppose mercy and truth. It can guide us to advocate for the oppressed, knowing that God’s presence brings decisive change. In personal sanctification, invite God to melt away stubborn sins as wax before fire—confess, repent, and rely on the Spirit’s transforming power. When you encounter opposition to faith, remember that God’s presence can disintegrate cruelty and falsehood more effectively than human effort.
Cross-References: Psalm 97:3; Isaiah 66:15–16; Joel 2:1–2; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 19:20