Psalm 68 (67):35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The apostle refers to “the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16). Not all who descend from Israel are true Israelites (Rom. 9:6), for there exists an Israel based on physical lineage. This is evident in the call to “See Israel according to the flesh” (1 Cor. 10:18). The true children of God are not defined by physical descent; rather, the children of the promise are recognized as the true descendants (Rom. 9:8). Hence, at a time when His people are purified, like chaff separated from the wheat (Matt. 3:12), and when Israel embodies sincerity and truth (Jn. 1:47), the foremost among them will reflect His majesty and strength within the heavenly realms. He will not return alone to execute judgment but will come alongside the elders of His people (Isa. 3:14), whom He assured would occupy thrones in judgment (Matt. 19:28), and who will also judge the angels (1 Cor. 6:3). These elders symbolize the clouds.

Honor God. Paul instructs us, "Glorify God in your bodies, and in your souls, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20), for righteousness requires that the Giver of all good gifts be exalted in every aspect of life. Justice necessitates that the Benefactor be praised in all matters.

The glory of God is manifested in Israel, allowing them to behold Him. His might is present in the heavens, represented by the prophets and apostles. As stated, "I commanded My clouds not to rain upon Israel" (Isaiah 5:6).

"Bring honor to God." This echoes the Apostle’s call, as he states, "Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). In light of the numerous blessings received, it is fitting to extol the giver of these gifts. "Upon Israel His might is upon His might, and His power upon the clouds." The holy Apostles, being descendants of Israel, demonstrated God's greatness through the miracles they performed; and after them, those who were endowed with the gift of teaching, like clouds drawing moisture from the sea of the Holy Spirit, provide nourishment to humanity.

Render praise to God. These words, spoken by David, encourage Christians to honor God, who has dignified them with such a humane existence. Athanasius emphasizes: Honor Him not merely through speech, but also through actions, aligning with the truth that we should "Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit." Theodoret echoes this sentiment, asserting that those who have been granted such grace are compelled to glorify the Giver in every aspect of their lives. His mightiness rests upon Israel. He refers to a person, declaring that the majesty of God is unveiled to those who perceive, for Israel signifies a mind that perceives God. A person blinded by earthly desires fails to recognize the wonders and signs God has performed for our redemption.

After illustrating the magnificent wonders of God's presence within the Church and its glorious future, as well as the exaltation of the Messiah, David concludes his song with a prayer. He then returns to his initial thoughts and, having revealed the true reasons for praising God, he passionately calls not just the Church of Israel but also the universal Church throughout all times and places to join in this glorification. His focus is on its universal significance. “It is not solely your destiny, O Israel, that I seek to please, nor are you the only ones I invite to share in my praise. All the kingdoms of the earth! Even the kingdoms of the Gentiles! The Lord will also grant you the Messiah, for you too are invited to sing to God and shout to the Lord.

He modifies these statements to align with the previous assertion, "He shall give to His voice the voice of power." Essentially, we have nothing to offer to God. However, since we often rob Him of His rightful glory, the Prophet, depicting God as thundering powerfully from heaven, urges us to respond to Him with praises. To prevent the nations from being lost to their fabricated and false deities, he invites them to the teaching of the law, through which God has made Himself known. This implies that from the very beginning, there are various paths through which humanity can approach God without straying too far. This includes the name of the God of Israel. Additionally, He desires that people not only honor God with their words but also encourage them towards faith.

This Psalm, attributed to David and inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks of God’s covenant with Jerusalem and His deliberate triumph over numerous foes. It expresses the countless blessings from God, as revealed in the Old Testament, which include leading the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land and delivering the law from Mount Sinai. Additionally, it prophetically honors the sacraments of the New Testament: the incarnation of Christ the Redeemer, His baptism, transfiguration, suffering, resurrection, ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit, along with other indescribable divine acts.