Psalms 68:34 Meaning: What It Means to Ascribe Strength to God
Ascribe strength to God! His excellency is over Israel, his strength is in the skies.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, And his strength is in the skies.
Ascribe ye strength to God, Over Israel is His excellency, and His strength in the clouds.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
Meaning in one sentence
Psalm 68:34 calls us to acknowledge God's power over Israel and the skies. Learn what it means to give God the strength He already has.
Context
This verse comes near the end of a psalm that many commentators connect with a great victory in Israel's history, perhaps when the ark was brought to Jerusalem. The psalm looks back at God leading His people through the wilderness and conquering their enemies. Now it calls the kingdoms of the earth to join in praise. Verse 34 grows out of that invitation: if God rides on the ancient heavens and speaks with a mighty voice, then the proper response is to give Him the glory He deserves. The verse pairs two things, God’s majestic care for Israel and His power displayed in the skies, so that no one misses the whole picture.
Key Words
The word ascribe appears in several psalms, always in the same urgent tone. Commentators note it means to “give” or “acknowledge”, you are not adding something God lacks, but turning your heart and voice toward what is already true. Strength here is the word for power, ability, force. The verse does not just say God has power; it says ascribe it, as if the act of recognition matters to our souls. Then comes the pairing: excellency (majesty, glory) is over Israel, His special, protecting love for His people. And His strength is in the skies or clouds. Many older commentaries hear thunder and lightning in that phrase, the raw power of a storm. So the same God who thunders from heaven also bends down to guard a small nation. Both realities call for one response: praise.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians from many traditions have read this verse as an invitation to see God’s power in both realms. Matthew Henry focused on God’s sovereign dominion over heaven and earth, calling even the kingdoms of the world to sing. The Geneva Bible notes connect the verse back to Deuteronomy 33:26, where God rides the heavens to help His people. Gill and others see a Messianic layer, pointing to Christ’s ultimate reign. Whether a reader leans toward seeing God’s power in creation, in providence, or in the cross, all agree: the psalm trains our hearts to give glory where it belongs.
A common misunderstanding
Some people read “Ascribe strength to God” as if God needs us to supply Him with power, as though He depends on human praise. In fact, the command means to acknowledge the strength that is already His. We are not adding to God; we are turning our attention to what has always been true. Praise does not make God stronger, it makes us more aware of how strong He is.
Living This Out
This week, try a simple practice. When you step outside and see a wide sky, whether it is blue or gray with clouds, take a breath and say quietly, “God, Yours is the strength.“ Then, when you feel the quiet comfort of knowing you are not alone, say the same thing: “Your excellency is over me.” That is what the verse is asking. It is not a complicated duty. It is turning your eyes upward and letting the truth sink in.
Main takeaway: God’s power fills the heavens and surrounds His people, and our calling is to give Him the glory He already deserves.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God is very strong. The Bible says His strength is in the sky, like thunder and lightning. We can say, “God, You are so strong!” and that makes Him happy.
For ages 9, 12
Psalm 68:34 tells us to give God credit for His power. He protects His people like a father watching over his kids, and His power shows in the clouds during a storm. When you see a big sky or hear thunder, remember that same God is taking care of you. Our job is to notice and say, “God, that strength is Yours.”
Questions People Ask
What does 'ascribe strength' mean in Psalm 68:34?
It means to acknowledge or give God the credit for His power. The word 'ascribe' is like saying 'this belongs to You.' You are not making God stronger; you are recognizing that He already is.
What is the context of Psalm 68:34?
The psalm was likely written after a great victory in Israel's history, possibly when the ark was brought to Jerusalem. Verse 34 is part of a call for all kingdoms to praise God for His power over the heavens and His care for His people.
What does 'his excellency is over Israel' mean?
It refers to God's majesty and glory that rest upon Israel for protection and blessing. Commentators see it as a special, caring presence, God's character as the protector of His people.
What does 'his strength is in the skies' refer to?
It points to God's power displayed in the clouds, thunder, and lightning. Ancient readers would have heard the roar of a storm as a direct sign of God's overwhelming strength.
How does this verse relate to Psalm 29?
Psalm 29 also begins with 'Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength' and describes a thunderstorm as the voice of God. Both psalms connect the act of praising God with seeing His power in nature.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study