Psalms 68:35
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Psalms 68:35
“O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places” declares awe before God’s holiness and power. The psalm continues: “the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people.” The opening line emphasizes reverent fear (the Hebrew term for terrible can carry both awe and fear) as a proper response to God’s holiness. The second clause shifts to affirmation: God empowers his people. The phrase “holy places” points to worship that centers God’s presence—whether in the tabernacle/temple or in the lived worship of the community. The blessing at the end—“Blessed be God”—stitches together fear, gratitude, and trust. Taken together, the verse invites readers to stand in awe of God’s majesty while embracing the practical reality that God equips his people for mission, service, and endurance.
Theologically, the verse anchors divine holiness as the source of human strength. It ties attribute to action: God’s holiness motivates and enables his people to act justly, endure trials, and pursue righteousness. The balance of awe and empowerment is a foundational pattern in biblical spirituality: fear of the Lord paired with trust in his gracious empowerment.
Today this invites honest worship that neither minimizes God’s holiness nor withholds the conviction that God equips us for life. In practical terms, lean into God for strength when facing ethical dilemmas at work, when caring for a sick family member, or when facing personal fear. Testify to God’s empowerment by sharing stories of how divine strength enabled you to persevere or act with integrity. Build communities that celebrate both reverence for God and practical acts of service—strength applied to help the vulnerable, defend the powerless, and pursue justice.
Cross-References: Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 40:29-31; 1 Peter 4:11; Psalm 27:1; Deuteronomy 20:1