Psalms 68:34
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
Original Language Analysis
תְּנ֥וּ
Ascribe
H5414
תְּנ֥וּ
Ascribe
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְ֝עֻזּ֗וֹ
and his strength
H5797
וְ֝עֻזּ֗וֹ
and his strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
2 of 8
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
לֵֽאלֹ֫הִ֥ים
unto God
H430
לֵֽאלֹ֫הִ֥ים
unto God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 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
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
is over Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
is over Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
גַּאֲוָת֑וֹ
his excellency
H1346
גַּאֲוָת֑וֹ
his excellency
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
6 of 8
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
Cross References
Revelation 19:6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.2 Peter 1:17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Historical Context
Israel's temptation was attributing victories to their own strength (Deuteronomy 8:17). Prophets repeatedly called them to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing and power.
Questions for Reflection
- What accomplishments or strengths are you tempted to claim as your own rather than gifts from God?
- How does actively 'ascribing' strength to God in worship combat self-reliance?
- In what ways does God's 'excellency' manifest uniquely in His church today?
Analysis & Commentary
The imperative 'Ascribe ye strength unto God' calls worshipers to attribute all power to God alone. His 'excellency is over Israel'—covenant people experience His glory uniquely. 'His strength is in the clouds'—God's power pervades even the heavens. True worship recognizes that every good thing originates with God (James 1:17), not human achievement. This guards against pride and cultivates humble gratitude.