God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a wish, but a prophetic declaration. The shift from the imperative "Let God arise" in Numbers to the declarative "God shall arise" here reveals a profound confidence that God's intervention is not a hopeful plea, but an inevitable certainty. It's a powerful statement of trust in God's ultimate victory over all opposition.
God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with a powerful declaration, likely echoing the battle cry used when the Ark of the Covenant, God's tangible presence, was carried into battle. It's not just about a specific historical moment but a profound confidence that God's active intervention will always scatter His enemies and cause those who oppose Him to flee. The subsequent verses will expand on this theme, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the joy and protection found by the righteous who trust in God.
When God's people faced overwhelming odds, they didn't cower. They unleashed a powerful declaration of faith. What makes this ancient battle cry still so potent today?
This verse echoes the cry Moses used when the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, began its journey: "Rise up, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered!" (Numbers 10:35).
It wasn't just a prayer; it was a statement of absolute confidence. When God, represented by the Ark, moved, His enemies had no choice but to scatter.
This isn't just about ancient history. It’s about the God who is sovereign over all circumstances. When we feel overwhelmed, this psalm reminds us that God's 'rising' is an unstoppable force against any opposition we face.
The verse calls them 'enemies' and those who 'hate him.' Who exactly are these adversaries, and why does God's power over them matter so much to us?
The psalm boldly declares that God's enemies are scattered and flee. But it’s crucial to understand that these aren't just abstract foes. They are also the enemies of God's people.
When people hate God, they often express that hatred through their opposition to His followers. The good news is that when God rises up, He doesn't just defend His own honor; He also defends those who belong to Him.
Furthermore, the psalm reveals that these enemies are ultimately futile. They scatter like smoke or melt like wax before fire. Their opposition, no matter how fierce, cannot ultimately stand against the Almighty.
Ask a follow-up
While enemies flee in terror, the psalm promises joy for the righteous. What's the connection between God's arising and true, lasting gladness?
There’s a beautiful contrast drawn in the wider context of this psalm (and echoed in interpretations of this verse): enemies flee from God's presence out of fear, but the righteous rejoice in His presence.
When God arises, it's not just a display of power against the wicked. It’s also the confirmation of His commitment to His people. This assurance of His presence and protection is the very source of the righteous's joy.
This isn't a fleeting happiness, but a deep, exultant gladness that comes from knowing the sovereign, victorious God is on our side, dwelling with us.
Understand the original words
'elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe, who enters into covenant relationship with His people and is the object of all true worship.
'oyeb · Hebrew Noun
Those who actively oppose God's authority, righteousness, and sovereignty, placing themselves in rebellion against His will.
This verse echoes the ancient battle cry used when the Ark of the Covenant moved, directly linking God's arising with His presence and the scattering of His enemies, a theme celebrated during pivotal moments of Israel's history.
c. 1440 BC
Ark of the Covenant journeys
During the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, Moses uttered the phrase "Rise up, Lord, and let your enemies be scattered!" (Numbers 10:35) whenever the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, was moved.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Ark brought to Jerusalem
King David, after establishing Jerusalem as his capital, had the Ark of the Covenant brought into the city. This event likely evoked the ancient words of Moses, celebrating God's triumphant presence.
c. 960 BC
Ark placed in Solomon's Temple
King Solomon brought the Ark to its permanent resting place in the Holy of Holies within the newly built Temple in Jerusalem, a moment of immense national and religious significance.
This passage is a direct parallel, containing the same invocation for God to arise and scatter His enemies, highlighting the ancient connection between God's presence and the defeat of His foes.
Isaiah 59:19This verse speaks of God coming like a flood against His enemies when His Spirit comes upon them, echoing the imagery of God arising to bring swift judgment and scattering.
Zechariah 14:3-5This prophecy describes the Lord going forth to fight against nations, with His feet standing on the Mount of Olives, and His enemies fleeing before Him, directly fulfilling the sentiment of Psalm 68:1.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage vividly portrays Christ returning as a conquering King, with armies following Him, striking down nations and ruling with a rod of iron, which is the ultimate fulfillment of God arising to scatter His enemies.
jfbPsalms 68:1: "<or Song of David.>> Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him."
PSALM 68Ps 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on [604]Ps 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewi…
ellicottPsalms 68:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him."
(1) Let God arise. —A reminiscence of the battlecry raised as the ark was advanced at the head of the tribes ( Numbers 10:35 ). For interesting historical associations with this verse, see Gibbon (chap. 58), and Carlyle, Cromwell’s Letters and Speeches (Vol. II, 185).
This isn't just a wish, but a prophetic declaration. The shift from the imperative "Let God arise" in Numbers to the declarative "God shall arise" here reveals a profound confidence that God's intervention is not a hopeful plea, but an inevitable certainty. It's a powerful statement of trust in God's ultimate victory over all opposition.
This psalm opens with a powerful declaration, likely echoing the battle cry used when the Ark of the Covenant, God's tangible presence, was carried into battle. It's not just about a specific historical moment but a profound confidence that God's active intervention will always scatter His enemies and cause those who oppose Him to flee. The subsequent verses will expand on this theme, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the joy and protection found by the righteous who trust in God.
This psalm opens with a powerful declaration, likely echoing the battle cry used when the Ark of the Covenant, God's tangible presence, was carried into battle. It's not just about a specific historical moment but a profound confidence that God's active intervention will always scatter His enemies and cause those who oppose Him to flee. The subsequent verses will expand on this theme, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the joy and protection found by the righteous who trust in God.
"God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!" — This isn't just a wish, but a prophetic declaration. The shift from the imperative "Let God arise" in Numbers to the declarative "God shall arise" here reveals a profound confidence that God's interv…
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Last reviewed October 2026