What does Psalms 68:3 mean?
"But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." - Psalms 68:3
Psalm 68:3 in the King James Version reads, "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." This verse is a part of a larger psalm that is attributed to King David and is a song glorifying God's victory and deliverance. In this particular verse, David is calling for the righteous to be joyful and rejoice in the presence of God.
The theme of this verse is the celebration of God's righteousness and the joy that comes with being in His presence. The term "the righteous" refers to those who are in right standing with God, those who live according to His commandments and seek to do His will. In this context, David is exhorting those who are faithful to God to express their joy and gladness in His presence.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its deeper meaning. Psalm 68 as a whole is a song of praise that celebrates God's sovereignty and power. It speaks of God's victory over his enemies, his mercy towards his people, and his divine protection. The verse immediately preceding Psalm 68:3 states, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him." This sets the stage for the call to rejoicing in the presence of the victorious and righteous God.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the idea of rejoicing before God. The act of rejoicing signifies a deep and sincere joy that comes from being in God's presence and experiencing His goodness and faithfulness. The concept of rejoicing before God also implies a sense of intimacy and closeness with Him. It suggests a personal and joyful relationship with the Creator, as the psalmist urges the righteous to express their gladness and to exceedingly rejoice in the presence of God.
Furthermore, the emphasis on righteousness in this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. The righteous are called to rejoice not only because of their own salvation and deliverance, but also because of their alignment with God's will and their commitment to living in accordance with His principles. The joy of the righteous is not based on temporal circumstances or worldly pleasures, but on their deep relationship with God and their obedience to His commands.
In a broader theological sense, Psalm 68:3 can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate joy and rejoicing that awaits the righteous in the presence of God in the afterlife. The New Testament speaks of the joy of the saints in heaven and the eternal celebration that will take place in the presence of God. The call to rejoice before God in this verse can therefore be understood as a foretaste of the everlasting joy and gladness that the righteous will experience in the fullness of God's presence.
In conclusion, Psalm 68:3 is a powerful declaration of the joy and gladness that comes from being in the presence of God. It calls the righteous to express their joy and to rejoice exceedingly before the Lord. The verse is a testament to the deep relationship between God and His people, and it serves as a reminder of the eternal joy that awaits those who walk in righteousness and live according to God's will.
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Psalms 68:3 - "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."
"But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice." - Psalms 68:3
Psalms 68:29 - "Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee."
"When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon." - Psalms 68:14
Psalms 68:14 - "When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon."
Psalms 68:11 - "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
Psalms 68:5 - "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."
Psalms 68:15 - "The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan."
Psalms 78:68 - "But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved."
Psalms 68:26 - "Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel."
Psalms 119:68 - "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes."
"Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee." - Psalms 68:29
Psalms 68:27 - "There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali."
Psalms 68:12 - "Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil."
"Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil." - Psalms 68:12
Psalms 68:23 - "That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same."
Psalms 68:32 - "Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:"
Psalms 68:19 - "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah."
Psalms 68:20 - "He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death."
Psalms 68:34 - "Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds."
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." - Psalms 68:19
Psalms 68:21 - "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses."
Psalms 68:24 - "They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary."
Psalms 68:25 - "The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."
Psalms 68:10 - "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor."
Psalms 68:17 - "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place."
"The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels." - Psalms 68:25
"The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." - Psalms 68:17
Psalms 68:31 - "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God."
Psalms 68:28 - "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us."