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Day 291

Psalm 68:17a "The chariots of God..."

Day 291 – Psalm 68

“The chariots of God…” Psalm 68:17a

THE LORD OF HOSTS

The phrase “The Lord of hosts” is another title used to describe God. The following text gives us substance as to what this phrase means.

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
Even thousands of thousands;
The LORD is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.”
Psalm 68:17

1. Imagery of War

David used the imagery of war quite extensively in Psalm 68. The following phrases may be highlighted:-

a) You marched through the wilderness (Psalm 68:7b).
b) When the Almighty scattered kings (Psalm 68:14a).
c) The chariots of God:-
i) Twenty thousand
ii) Even thousands of thousand (meaning “innumerable”)

2. The significance of the war imagery

David had a heart of a warrior. His first taste of battle was with wild animals (a lion and a bear). He was famous for his victory over the Philistine giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17).

War imagery would come naturally to David for he was involved in many battles all his life as the second monarch to rule over Israel. David’s war imagery shifted to the Divine army of God. His imagery was meant to evoke the following:-

a) Confidence in the Lord and His protection.
b) Courage in the heart as powerful physical enemies emerged.

3. “The LORD is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place”

a) God had already revealed His majesty and power in Mount Sinai.
b) Israel continued to enjoy the Presence of God in Jerusalem.
c) Where God is, He sanctifies it and protects it with His mighty chariots.