Psalm 68:19

Psalm 68:19 (ESV)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah 

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• Matthew Henry A nonconformist minister and prolific biblical commentator known for his devotional approach, Henry emphasized the daily sustenance and salvation provided by God. In his Complete Commentary (1706-1721), he stated, "Here is a daily load of care taken off our hands, and given to God, who will bear it, and every day bear us up under it."
• Charles H. Spurgeon Known as the "Prince of Preachers," Spurgeon's sermons often focused on the comfort and strength believers derive from scripture. In his Treasury of David (1869), he remarked on this verse, "We are never for one moment left to our own strength; the Lord daily bears us up, as a nurse does a feeble child."
• John Gill An 18th-century Baptist pastor and theologian, Gill's exposition often highlighted the theological depth of scripture. In his Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746-1763), he commented, "The daily bearing up of the saints is a great blessing, and is to be acknowledged with thankfulness, seeing it is a constant daily act of divine grace."

Historical Setting and Author Background
Psalm 68 is attributed to David, a king of Israel known for his musical talents and spiritual depth. This psalm is often linked to the event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a significant moment symbolizing God's presence among His people. David's purpose in this psalm could be to celebrate the divine victories and the establishment of God's rule in Zion, reflecting both a historical event and a prophetic anticipation of God's ultimate triumph.

The verse underscores David's understanding of God as not only a warrior and king but also as a daily sustainer and savior, aligning with his life's challenges where he often turned to God for strength and deliverance.

Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms

• בָּרוּךְ (Baruch) - Pronounced "bah-RUCK"; meaning "blessed" or "praise."
• אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) - Pronounced "a-do-NAI"; used for "Lord," signifying sovereignty and ownership.
• יְהוָה (YHWH) - Pronounced "Yahweh"; the personal name of God, linked to His covenant with Israel.
• נָשָׂא (Nasa) - Pronounced "nah-SAH"; "to bear" or "lift up," implying support or carrying a burden.
• יֵשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) - Pronounced "yeh-SHOO-ah"; "salvation" or "deliverance."

The significance of these words lies in their portrayal of God's active role in the life of believers, offering daily support and ultimate salvation, concepts central to understanding God's relationship with His people.

Greek Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms
While Psalm 68 is from the Hebrew Bible, Greek translations (Septuagint) provide:

• εὐλογητός (Eulogētos) - Pronounced "yoo-log-AY-tos"; "blessed" or "praised."
• κύριος (Kyrios) - Pronounced "KOO-ree-os"; "Lord," similar to the Hebrew "Adonai."
• σωτηρία (Sōtēria) - Pronounced "so-tay-REE-ah"; "salvation" or "deliverance."

These Greek terms echo the Hebrew in emphasizing God's role in daily life and eternal salvation, offering insights into how early Christian communities understood God's attributes.

Major and Minor themes
Major Themes:

• Divine Support: God's daily provision of strength.
• Salvation: The theme of God as the ultimate savior.

Minor Themes:

• Praise: The act of blessing God for His ongoing care.
• Dependence on God: Acknowledgment of human frailty and divine sufficiency.

These themes resonate deeply with men today, particularly in leadership roles within the family and workplace. Recognizing God's daily support can reduce stress and promote a life of gratitude, while understanding salvation reminds leaders of the eternal perspective beyond daily struggles.
Modern Day example of applying this verse and takeaways for modern times.

For a modern man, Psalm 68:19 can serve as a daily reminder of God's involvement in life's minutiae and grand designs. A father might reflect on this verse when overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting, seeing God as the one who "bears him up" through sleepless nights or tough decisions. In marriage, it can foster a partnership where both spouses acknowledge their reliance on God for strength in conflicts or joys. At work, this verse can inspire a leader to trust in divine guidance for ethical decisions and to recognize that success is not solely a product of personal effort but also divine enablement. This scripture encourages introspection, asking oneself how often one acknowledges God's role in daily life, fostering humility and gratitude, which are key in Christlike leadership.

Connections to Other Biblical Passages
Old Testament Connections:

• Deuteronomy 33:27 - "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Both verses speak to God's constant support.
• Isaiah 46:4 - "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you." Echoes the theme of God's lifelong sustenance.

New Testament Connections:

• Matthew 6:11 - "Give us this day our daily bread." Reflects the daily dependence on God, akin to the daily bearing up in Psalm 68:19.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Parallels the idea of divine strength in human frailty.

These connections remind men that God's support and salvation are themes woven throughout scripture, applicable in every aspect of life from personal struggles to community leadership. This continuity encourages a life of faith where one sees God's hand in both Old and New Testament narratives.

Summary
Psalm 68:19 highlights God's role as a daily sustainer and savior, offering comfort and strength.

Questions for Deeper Thought:

1. How does recognizing God's daily support change your approach to challenges at home or work?
   • This acknowledgment can shift one's perspective from self-reliance to God-dependence, reducing stress and enhancing gratitude, which can transform how one handles daily challenges, leading with patience, wisdom, and humility.
2. In what ways can you actively praise God for His salvation both daily and eternally?
   • Daily praise might involve simple acts of thanksgiving, like prayer before meals or acknowledging God's presence in small victories. Eternally, this could mean living a life reflective of salvation's impact, through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and sharing one's faith, ensuring that one's life is a testament to God's redemptive work.

Lord, 

We thank You for Your daily bearing us up, for being our salvation. Grant these men the wisdom to lead with humility, the strength to carry their burdens with Your support, and the joy of recognizing Your hand in both the big and small moments of life. May they be lights in their homes, workplaces, and communities, always pointing back to You as the source of all strength and salvation. 

Amen