Psalms 68:33
To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭רֹכֵב
To him that rideth
H7392
לָ֭רֹכֵב
To him that rideth
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
1 of 9
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
שְׁמֵי
of heavens
H8064
שְׁמֵי
of heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 9
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
שְׁמֵי
of heavens
H8064
שְׁמֵי
of heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 9
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
קֶ֑דֶם
which were of old
H6924
קֶ֑דֶם
which were of old
Strong's:
H6924
Word #:
4 of 9
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
Cross References
Psalms 18:10And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.Psalms 104:3Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:Psalms 68:4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.1 Kings 8:27But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions often depicted gods riding on clouds or chariots. The psalmist affirms Yahweh alone truly rules the heavens, far exceeding pagan deities' imagined powers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating God's transcendence (riding ancient heavens) deepen your worship?
- What does God's 'mighty voice' accomplish in creation, redemption, and your personal life?
- How do you balance acknowledging God's transcendence with experiencing His personal presence?
Analysis & Commentary
God 'rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old'—sovereign over all creation from eternity. His voice is a 'mighty voice,' echoing Sinai's thunder and creation's 'Let there be.' This majestic language emphasizes transcendence: God infinitely surpasses creation. Yet He's not distant—He 'sends out his voice,' actively communicating with His creatures. Christ is God's ultimate Word sent forth (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-2).