Psalms 68:28
Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עֻ֫זֶּ֥ךָ
thy strength
H5797
עֻ֫זֶּ֥ךָ
thy strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
3 of 8
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.Psalms 71:3Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:2 Thessalonians 1:11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:Psalms 44:4Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.
Historical Context
Israel's existence and victories depended entirely on God's power, not their military might. Recognizing this dependence prevented prideful self-reliance and maintained humble trust in God's provision.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual work has God begun in you that requires His ongoing strength to complete?
- How do you distinguish between self-effort and Spirit-empowered service?
- In what areas are you tempted to rely on human strength rather than God's commanded power?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer 'Thy God hath commanded thy strength' acknowledges that all power comes from divine command, not human ability. 'Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us' recognizes God as both initiator and sustainer of His work. Believers cannot maintain what God begins—ongoing divine power is necessary. This anticipates Paul's teaching that God both begins and completes His work in believers (Philippians 1:6).