Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just a plea for God's power, but a confident reminder that God already has a track record of strength working for us. It’s like saying, "Remember all the amazing things you've already done for us? Now, Lord, deploy that same proven power!"
Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm has been celebrating God's past victories and presence with Israel, particularly in bringing them together as a nation. Now, the psalmist shifts to a prayer for God to continue His powerful work, asking Him to "strengthen" the divine power that has already acted on their behalf. This petition for ongoing divine strength anticipates future triumphs and the ultimate submission of all nations to God.
Ever feel like you're running on empty, struggling to find the strength to keep going? This verse reminds us where true power comes from.
The psalmist begins by pointing to something fundamental: 'Your God has commanded your strength.' This isn't about our inherent ability, but about God's direct provision and orchestration of power for Israel.
A Source of Strength
This first part of the verse sets the stage: acknowledge where your strength truly originates before asking for more.
Even with past victories, the psalmist knows the battle isn't over. There's a crucial prayer for continuing power.
The second half of the verse is a direct plea: 'strengthen, O God, that which you have wrought for us.' This isn't just a request for more power in general, but a specific appeal for God to sustain and complete His work in and through them.
Ask a follow-up
Completing the Work
This prayer is a timeless reminder that God's work in us and through us is a process that requires His continuous strength.
This psalm likely arose during or after a period of national struggle, possibly the division of the kingdom or the exiles. It's a powerful prayer calling on God to remember His past mighty acts of deliverance and to renew His strength for His people, acknowledging that all their strength comes from Him.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David Unites Israel and Establishes Jerusalem
King David conquers Jerusalem, making it the political and spiritual capital of a unified Israel. This marked a significant period of strength and divine favor for the nation.
c. 960 BC
Solomon Builds the First Temple
David's son, Solomon, builds a magnificent temple in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant. This further solidified Jerusalem's status and was seen as a dwelling place for God's presence and power.
931 BC
Kingdom Divides into Israel and Judah
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits. This division led to internal strife and vulnerability, prompting prayers for God's continued strength and restoration.
722 BC
Northern Kingdom of Israel Conquered
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people. This event would have heightened fears for the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the First Temple. Many Israelites are exiled, marking a period of profound national crisis and reliance on God's past faithfulness.
This passage echoes the cry to 'fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD' after God's mighty acts, similar to how Psalm 68:28 calls upon God's power for His past and future work.
Isaiah 40:31This verse speaks of those who wait on the Lord renewing their strength, soaring like eagles, which connects to the prayer in Psalm 68:28 for God to strengthen what He has wrought in us, implying a need for ongoing divine power.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29This passage highlights God choosing the weak to shame the strong, reflecting the theme in Psalm 68:28 that our strength ultimately comes from God, not our own capabilities, and is meant to bring Him glory.
Philippians 1:6Paul's confidence that God 'who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion' mirrors the prayer in Psalm 68:28 to 'strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us,' showing a consistent biblical hope in God's finishing work.
Ephesians 6:10This verse calls believers to 'be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,' which directly relates to the plea in Psalm 68:28 to summon and strengthen God's power, emphasizing our reliance on Him for spiritual battles.
jfbPsalms 68:28: "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us."
28, 29. Thanks for the past, and confident prayer for the future victories of Zion are mingled in a song of praise.
pulpitPsalms 68:28: "Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us."
Verses 28-35. - The psalmist now turns to the future. First, he prays that God will complete the work which he has begun by continually strengthening Israel (ver. 28). Then he rises to prophecy. Kings and princes shall bring presents to Zion; empires shall prostrate themselves; Egypt and Ethiopia shall hasten to bow down; all the kingdoms of the earth shall ultimately "sing praises unto…
The verse isn't just a plea for God's power, but a confident reminder that God already has a track record of strength working for us. It’s like saying, "Remember all the amazing things you've already done for us? Now, Lord, deploy that same proven power!"
The psalm has been celebrating God's past victories and presence with Israel, particularly in bringing them together as a nation. Now, the psalmist shifts to a prayer for God to continue His powerful work, asking Him to "strengthen" the divine power that has already acted on their behalf. This petition for ongoing divine strength anticipates future triumphs and the ultimate submission of all nations to God.
The psalm has been celebrating God's past victories and presence with Israel, particularly in bringing them together as a nation. Now, the psalmist shifts to a prayer for God to continue His powerful work, asking Him to "strengthen" the divine power that has already acted on their behalf. This petition for ongoing divine strength anticipates future triumphs and the ultimate submission of all nations to God.
"Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us." — The verse isn't just a plea for God's power, but a confident reminder that God already has a track record of strength working for us. It’s like saying, "Remember all the amazing things you've alr…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026