Psalms 68:34
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
Psalms 68:34
“Ascribe ye strength unto God” calls the speaker and audience to attribute all power and glory to the Creator. The verse acknowledges that God’s splendor and might reign over Israel, with power dwelling “in the clouds.” The imagery of clouds often symbolizes divine presence and mystery in biblical poetry, where God’s strength is both visible in acts of deliverance and invisibly sustaining the cosmos. This verse confirms that Israel’s strength is not in their own military prowess but in God’s empowering presence. It also hints at God’s readiness to intervene on behalf of his people, reminding the audience of past deliverances as a basis for future trust. Theologically, it grounds worship in recognition of God’s inherent power, not in human achievement or status.
The verse articulates a central biblical truth: true power belongs to God. It counters human pride by pointing to dependence on divine strength. In the broader biblical narrative, God’s strength is a gift that enables obedience, courage, and endurance. The phrase “over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds” signals that God’s presence and power are not limited to a temple or battlefield but envelops the entire created order. This shapes Jewish and Christian understandings of weakness and dependence, where human inadequacy becomes the arena for divine sufficiency.
Practically, this verse invites believers to rely on God’s strength rather than their own resources. In moments of stress, anxiety, or decision-making, pause to acknowledge God’s power and invite his enabling grace. This could mean prayer before making a difficult choice, asking God to strengthen resolve to do what is right, or relying on the Holy Spirit for courage in ethical challenges at work or school. It also calls for humility: celebrate God’s strength by promoting teamwork where strengths complement each other, giving God the glory in outcomes. Financial or organizational leadership can benefit from recognizing that real stability comes from God’s sustaining power, not clever strategies alone.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 40:28-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Psalm 27:14; Job 37:11