Definition: O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 68:7 – it's a really beautiful and poignant verse. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's incredible, proactive presence when He chooses to act in a significant way. It speaks of God’s departure and movement – going out before his people – and then, suddenly, returning . Let’s unpack it word by word: “O God…” - This is a humble and respectful address, acknowledging God's power and importance. “…when thou wentest forth before thy people…” - This means God was leading or moving away from his people – like a journey, a mission. He wasn’t just passively existing; he was actively pursuing them. Think of it as a deliberate step forward. “When thou didst march through the wilderness…” - The “wilderness” symbolizes a difficult or challenging time, perhaps a period of hardship, testing, or uncertainty. It suggests that this movement wasn’t easy. “Selah:” – This is the key! - The word "Selah" is an Old Testament Hebrew word that means something like "let it be," “and so,” or “thus.” It's a pause or interjection in poetry. It emphasizes that this moment, this action, was significant and complete. Putting it all together: The verse suggests that God, after a period of waiting or preparation, actively chose to go out into the world, even amidst challenges, to be with his people. He didn’t just exist; he moved . It's about God’s commitment and purpose – to be present and involved in the lives of those he cares for. Overall Meaning: It conveys a sense of God’s unwavering faithfulness, his willingness to take action, and his desire to be close to his people, even when things are difficult. It’s a powerful statement about His presence and leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning in a different context (like its use in prayer)? Tell you more about the historical background of this passage?