Old Testament
Psalms 68:30
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Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submits himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the people who delight in war.
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Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.
What Psalms 68:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist calls for God to confront and challenge those who are aggressive and warlike, symbolized by the 'company of spearmen' and 'multitude of bulls.' The imagery suggests a powerful force that needs to be subdued. The mention of 'calves of the people' indicates that even the innocent or weaker members of society are caught up in this conflict. The psalmist desires that all people, even those who are proud and wealthy ('pieces of silver'), will recognize their need to submit to God's authority. The verse concludes with a plea for God to scatter those who take pleasure in violence and warfare, emphasizing a desire for peace and divine intervention against those who thrive on conflict.
How to apply Psalms 68:30 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's help in dealing with conflict and aggression in our lives. It reminds us to submit to God's authority and to strive for peace rather than engaging in disputes. We should also be wary of those who delight in violence and seek to distance ourselves from such influences.
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Keep studying Psalms 68:30
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 68:30 mean by 'company of spearmen'?
The 'company of spearmen' in Psalms 68:30 symbolizes aggressive and warlike individuals or groups. This imagery represents those who are ready to engage in conflict and violence. The psalmist is calling for God to confront and challenge these forces, highlighting the need for divine intervention against those who promote war.
How does Psalms 68:30 relate to the theme of peace?
Psalms 68:30 emphasizes the desire for peace by calling for God to scatter those who delight in war. The verse illustrates a longing for divine action to subdue conflict and aggression, encouraging believers to seek peace and submit to God's authority rather than engaging in violence.
What does 'submit himself with pieces of silver' signify?
The phrase 'submit himself with pieces of silver' suggests that even those who are proud, wealthy, or powerful must recognize their need to submit to God's authority. It indicates that material wealth and status do not exempt anyone from the call to humility and obedience before God, reinforcing the idea that all people should turn to Him.
How can we apply Psalms 68:30 in our daily lives?
We can apply Psalms 68:30 by seeking God's guidance in resolving conflicts and avoiding aggression in our interactions. It encourages us to submit to God's will and strive for peace in our relationships. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to be cautious of influences that promote violence and to distance ourselves from those who thrive on conflict.
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