The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim past the mention of "women who announce the news," but this verse specifically highlights them as a significant force, reminiscent of ancient traditions where women were the primary heralds of victory through song and dance. This emphasizes that God's powerful interventions were not just for warriors but also celebrated by the community's women, turning divine action into communal rejoicing.
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts for His people, transitioning from their wilderness journey to victorious conquests. The verse describes God initiating these triumphs with a "word" of command or promise, leading to a multitude of women joyfully proclaiming the victories through songs and announcements, a common practice after battles. This sets the stage for detailing the remarkable defeats of enemy kings and the spoils of war that followed.
When the Lord speaks, things happen. But what kind of 'word' is this, and what does it command?
The verse opens with "The Lord gives the word." This isn't just any word; it's a divine utterance, a powerful decree. Think of it like a royal command that sets everything in motion.
A Word of Command or Victory?
Scholars suggest this 'word' could be:
Regardless of the precise nuance, the key is God's absolute authority. His word is not a suggestion; it's an act that accomplishes His will. It’s the ultimate source of triumph.
Picture the scene: after a great victory, who is making the biggest celebratory noise? It's the women!
The second part of the verse, "the women who announce the news are a great host," points to a vivid cultural practice. In ancient Israel, it was common for women to celebrate military victories with music, dancing, and songs of praise.
The Sound of Triumph
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This image highlights that God's victories are meant to be announced, shared, and celebrated by His people, with women playing a prominent and vocal role in proclaiming His goodness.
Understand the original words
Adonai · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew word 'Adonai' signifies the Lord as Master, Ruler, and Sovereign over all creation and His covenant people. It highlights His absolute authority and supreme lordship.
imrah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the divine decree, revelation, or message from God. It encompasses both the written word of Scripture and the powerful, active utterance of God that brings about His will.
This psalm celebrates God's decisive victories, particularly those achieved under King David. The mention of women proclaiming the news highlights a vibrant cultural practice of celebrating triumphs with songs and music, underscoring that these victories were not just military feats but divine acts to be widely announced and praised.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the Exodus, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, begin their military campaign to take possession of the land of Canaan, a process that unfolds over many years.
c. 1300 - 1050 BC
Period of the Judges
After Joshua's death, Israel experiences cycles of disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations, and deliverance through divinely appointed judges.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
The first king of Israel, Saul, is anointed, marking a shift from the era of judges to a monarchy.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King
David consolidates power, establishing Jerusalem as his capital and expanding Israel's territory through significant military victories.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Davidic Kingdom's Triumphs
The period of David's reign is characterized by widespread military successes, establishing a unified and powerful kingdom.
This passage describes Miriam and the women of Israel singing and dancing with timbrels after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, directly illustrating the 'women who announce the news' in Psalms 68:11 as participants in celebrating God's victories.
Judges 5:1The 'Song of Deborah' in Judges 5 is a powerful example of women prophetically leading praise and recounting God's triumphs, mirroring the spirit of 'the Lord gives the word' and the subsequent proclamation of victory by a large company.
1 Samuel 18:6This verse shows women coming out from all the cities of Israel to sing and dance with joy, timbrels, and lyres to welcome King Saul and David after David's victory over Goliath, highlighting the 'great company' that publishes the news of God's interventions.
Isaiah 40:9This prophecy directly calls for a messenger to 'announce the good news,' linking the concept of publishing glad tidings with divine command, similar to how God 'gives the word' for the women to announce in Psalms 68:11.
Luke 2:10-11The angel's announcement of the good news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds is a pivotal moment of divine word-giving leading to proclamation, echoing the theme of God initiating the message that brings great joy.
pulpitPsalms 68:11: "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
Verses 11-23. - From God's mercies to his people at Sinai and in the wilderness, the psalmist goes on to consider those connected with the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of David's widespread rule. The passage is difficult and obscure, perhaps from its embodying fragments of the earlier Hebrew poetry. It is also full of curious transitions, and of ellipses which make the meaning doubtful. Verse…
jfbPsalms 68:11: "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."
- gave the word—that is, of triumph.company—or, choir of females, celebrating victory (Ex 15:20).
It's easy to skim past the mention of "women who announce the news," but this verse specifically highlights them as a significant force, reminiscent of ancient traditions where women were the primary heralds of victory through song and dance. This emphasizes that God's powerful interventions were not just for warriors but also celebrated by the community's women, turning divine action into communal rejoicing.
This psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts for His people, transitioning from their wilderness journey to victorious conquests. The verse describes God initiating these triumphs with a "word" of command or promise, leading to a multitude of women joyfully proclaiming the victories through songs and announcements, a common practice after battles. This sets the stage for detailing the remarkable defeats of enemy kings and the spoils of war that followed.
This psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts for His people, transitioning from their wilderness journey to victorious conquests. The verse describes God initiating these triumphs with a "word" of command or promise, leading to a multitude of women joyfully proclaiming the victories through songs and announcements, a common practice after battles. This sets the stage for detailing the remarkable defeats of enemy kings and the spoils of war that followed.
"The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:" — It's easy to skim past the mention of "women who announce the news," but this verse specifically highlights them as a significant force, reminiscent of ancient traditions where women were the primary…
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Last reviewed October 2026