Psalms 68:8

8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

Psalms 68:8 in Other Translations

KJV
8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
ESV
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
NLT
8 the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
MSG
8 Earth shook, sky broke out in a sweat; God was on the march. Even Sinai trembled at the sight of God on the move, at the sight of Israel's God.
CSB
8 the earth trembled, and the skies poured down [rain] before God, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

Psalms 68:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook
Not only about Sinai, but in other places; see ( Psalms 114:1 Psalms 114:4 Psalms 114:6 Psalms 114:7 ) ( Habakkuk 3:6 Habakkuk 3:10 ) . It may also design the dread and trembling of the inhabitants of the earth, when they heard of the wonderful things God did for his people, ( Exodus 15:14-16 ) ;

the heavens also dropped at the presence of God;
the Targum supplies, dew; to which may be added, quails and manna: though it rather seems to design a large shower of rain, which followed the lightning and thunder, when the law was given;

[even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of
Israel:
it is said to quake greatly, ( Exodus 19:18 ) . The words of this verse and ( Psalms 68:7 ) seem to be borrowed out of the song of Deborah, ( Judges 5:4 Judges 5:5 ) . Like effects followed the promulgation of the Gospel, even a shaking of the heavens and of the earth as an emblem of the removing of the ceremonial rites and Mosaic ordinances. Let it be observed, that Christ, who went before the Israelites in the wilderness, and whom they tempted and rebelled against, is called the God of Israel.

Psalms 68:8 In-Context

6 God sets the lonely in families,he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
7 When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
9 You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
10 Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

Cross References 4

  • 1. S 2 Samuel 22:8
  • 2. S Judges 5:4; 2 Samuel 21:10; Ecclesiastes 11:3
  • 3. S Deuteronomy 33:2; Exodus 19:16,18
  • 4. S Judges 5:5
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.