Psalm 68:28 – “Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before.”
Psalm 68:28 is a prayer asking God to demonstrate His power and strength in a visible, unmistakable way. The psalmist acknowledges that God has shown His might in the past and calls on Him to act with the same power again. This verse reflects a desire for God’s presence and intervention in times of need, showing faith in His ability to rescue and protect His people. It’s a reminder that God’s power is not just historical but available to His people now.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
The psalmist begins by asking God to “summon” His power. This phrase implies a recognition that God’s power is immense and only He can command it. The request for God to “show us your strength” demonstrates a longing for God’s intervention in a specific situation. The phrase “as you have done before” suggests that God’s people have experienced His strength before and trust that He can act powerfully again. This verse is both a prayer and a reminder of God’s past faithfulness. It expresses confidence that the God who acted in the past is still capable of showing His strength in the present.
Historical Context
Psalm 68, attributed to David, is a psalm of celebration and victory, reflecting on God’s role as a protector and leader of Israel. Throughout Israel’s history, God demonstrated His power repeatedly, from freeing them from slavery in Egypt to providing for them in the wilderness and granting victories over enemies in the Promised Land. This verse would have reminded the people of times when God’s power was evident in these significant events. They would remember specific acts of God’s intervention and see this verse as a call to continue trusting Him for protection and provision. It emphasizes the importance of looking to God for strength, not just as a historical figure but as a present help.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reminds us that God’s power is constant and enduring. It emphasizes that God is not only the Creator but also an active participant in the lives of His people. This verse encourages believers to call upon God’s power, knowing that He can act with the same strength He has displayed in the past. It reinforces the truth that God is sovereign and fully capable of intervening in our lives. For believers, this prayer serves as an example of trust, teaching us to rely on God’s strength instead of our own and to ask for His help in times of need.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse is direct and urgent, using words like “summon” and “show” to convey a strong request for God’s action. The phrase “as you have done before” brings a sense of continuity, linking the present request to past acts of deliverance and power. This structure builds confidence, reminding readers of God’s history of faithfulness and suggesting that He will continue to act for His people. The use of both “your power” and “your strength” emphasizes God’s might, highlighting the psalmist’s complete dependence on God’s ability to protect and provide.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
The Bible includes many passages that call upon God’s strength and reflect His history of powerful acts:
- Deuteronomy 3:24 – “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand.” This verse acknowledges God’s power and the desire to see more of His works.
- Psalm 20:6-7 – “The Lord gives victory to his anointed. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” This passage encourages reliance on God’s strength over human power.
- 2 Chronicles 20:6 – “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” This prayer reflects confidence in God’s power over all things.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 68:28 serves as a reminder that we can ask God to demonstrate His strength in our lives. This verse encourages us to trust that God is capable of acting powerfully and that His strength is available to us. It also reminds us that God’s power isn’t limited to the past—He is the same God today as He was for the people of Israel. When we face challenges, we can look back on God’s past faithfulness and find confidence that He will continue to help us. This verse encourages us to turn to God in prayer, asking Him to reveal His strength and presence in our circumstances.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in that He is willing to act on behalf of His people. God’s willingness to show His power is an expression of His care and commitment to those who trust in Him. When the psalmist asks God to “summon your power,” it shows a close relationship in which the people of God can confidently call on Him for help. God’s power is not distant or detached; it’s available to protect, guide, and strengthen His people. His love is seen in His readiness to act when His people are in need, and His strength is a comfort to those who depend on Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 68:28 connects to Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s power and love. In Hebrews 1:3, Jesus is described as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstrations of God’s strength and love for humanity. Through Christ, we see God’s power to save, heal, and conquer death itself. In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul speaks of God’s “incomparably great power for us who believe,” a power seen in raising Christ from the dead. For Christians, Jesus is the answer to the psalmist’s prayer for God to “show us your strength,” as He embodies God’s strength and power in action.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to seek God’s strength in your own life?
- In what ways have you seen God’s power at work in your past, and how does that impact your faith today?
- How can you make this verse a part of your prayer life, asking God to show His strength in your current circumstances?
- How does Jesus’ demonstration of God’s power give you confidence in God’s presence and ability to help you?
- How does understanding God’s power impact the way you approach challenges or difficulties in your life?
Psalm 68:28 reminds us that God’s strength is real, present, and available to those who seek Him. Through Jesus, we have seen the fullness of God’s power, and we can live with confidence, knowing that He is with us. This verse encourages us to call upon God’s strength, to remember His faithfulness, and to trust that He will continue to act powerfully in our lives.