Psalms 68:33

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 68:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.
Psalms 68:33 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 68

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He maketh my feet like hind’s [feet], etc.] As light and swift as theirs, as the Targum; that is, either to flee, when there was a necessity for it, as Kimchi observes; or rather to pursue after the enemy, to run through a troop, and leap over a wall, as before; (see <131208>1 Chronicles 12:8 <100318>2 Samuel 3:18,19); the same phrase is used in (<350319>Habakkuk 3:19); and may be understood in a spiritual sense of that readiness and cheerfulness with which the saints run the ways of God’s commandments, when their hearts are enlarged with his love and grace; and may very well be applied to Christ, who is often compared to a roe, or a young hart, for swiftness; who readily and at once engaged…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens - The highest heavens. The heaven of heaven would properly mean the heaven above that which is heaven to us; that is, the heaven above the sky. This is represented as the special dwelling-place of God. The Jews were accustomed to speak of three heavens: (a) The aerial heaven, or the region above us, where the birds fly, and the winds blow; (b) the starry heavens, or the firmament in which the stars are fixed; and (c) the heaven above all, the abode of God and of angels. The word “rideth” here means that he appears there as a conqueror, or that he moves in majesty and glory. See the notes at Psalms 18:10. Which were of old - The words “of old”…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Heavens - The highest heavens; dwelling there in infinite glory, and from thence looking down upon all the inhabitants of the earth, and ruling them by his almighty power. Of old - From the beginning of the world; whereas the ark was only some hundred years old. A voice - His gospel, published by Christ and his apostles, assisted by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; which might well be called God's voice, and that a mighty voice, because it produced such great and wonderful effects. Psalms 68:34”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“rideth: Psa 68:4, Psa 18:10, Psa 104:3 of old: Psa 93:2, Psa 102:25 send out: Heb. give his voice: Psa 29:3-9, Psa 77:17, Psa 77:18; Eze 10:5; Joh 12:28, Joh 12:29; Rev 11:12, Rev 11:15, Rev 11:19 Psalms 68:34”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification