Psalm 68:28

Psalm 68:28

Summon Your power, God

My NIV version of the Bible starts this verse, “Summon Your power, God”. It is suggested that this is to be best understood as a request that the Lord God “commands His strength to act”. This request comes at the climax of the procession from Sinai to Jerusalem. It comes after the ascent to the summit of Zion. It comes once the Ark of the Covenant has been safely housed in the Sanctuary, the sacred tent erected for the purpose. The music ceases, the crowds are hushed in expectancy as they await the presence of the Lord to fill the Holiest Place on earth. This is no pagan ritual, this is the moment when God Himself comes to dwell amongst His people, in a tent, on a lowly hill. 

It reminds me of another moment when God came, into a stable not so far away, in Bethlehem. If we want any reminder that, with the Lord our God, riches and worldly splendour have no meaning or relevance, then these events tell us just that! In fact, shortly after this event David felt guilty that he lived in a palace of cedar and the Ark of the Covenant was confined to a tent! It was then that he discovered that the Temple he hoped to build would be constructed by his son, Solomon. (See 2 Samuel 7.)

So, the heart cry of the King, at the end of all the celebrations, is that the Lord will act in strength for His people as He had done before. We too are entitled to remember all that the Lord has done, especially in His church from the Day of Pentecost onwards. These things are written to show us His power and to give us the courage and faith to ask Him to act once again, in power. “Summon Your power, God”. Hallelujah!

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