Psalms 68:35
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Original Language Analysis
נ֤וֹרָ֥א
thou art terrible
H3372
נ֤וֹרָ֥א
thou art terrible
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 12
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 12
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
מִֽמִּקְדָּ֫שֶׁ֥יךָ
out of thy holy places
H4720
מִֽמִּקְדָּ֫שֶׁ֥יךָ
out of thy holy places
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
3 of 12
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
אֵ֤ל
the God
H410
אֵ֤ל
the God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 12
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
ה֤וּא
H1931
ה֤וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נֹתֵ֨ן׀
is he that giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֨ן׀
is he that giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עֹ֖ז
strength
H5797
עֹ֖ז
strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
8 of 12
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
לָעָ֗ם
unto his people
H5971
לָעָ֗ם
unto his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Psalms 29:11The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.Isaiah 40:29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.Colossians 1:11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;Psalms 65:5By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:Psalms 66:5Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.Nehemiah 1:5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:Zechariah 10:12And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Isaiah 45:21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.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.
Historical Context
The temple's Holy of Holies contained God's manifest presence—beautiful yet so holy that unauthorized entry meant death. This 'terrible' holiness protected God's glory while providing a way for His people to approach Him through prescribed means.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's holiness ('terrible') enhance rather than diminish your desire to worship?
- What specific strength and power has God given you for fulfilling your calling?
- How can you cultivate a lifestyle of continually 'blessing God' throughout daily activities?
Analysis & Commentary
God is 'terrible out of thy holy places'—His sanctuary reveals both beauty and fearsome holiness. The 'God of Israel' gives strength and power 'unto his people'—divine empowerment for living. 'Blessed be God' concludes with doxology, the only appropriate response to contemplating God's character. Holiness inspires awe, covenant relationship provides strength, and both lead to blessing God. Worship culminates in ascribing glory to God Himself.