God’s mighty reign surpasses every mighty peak on earth.
Psalm 68:15 vividly describes the grandeur of God’s dominion over all the earth, highlighting a significant geographic landmark to illustrate His power. The psalmist proclaims: “A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.” (v.15) In ancient times, the region called Bashan was a rich and fertile land located east of the Sea of Galilee, in what is now the Golan Heights. It was known for its abundant livestock and its mighty ruler, King Og, who was associated with an ancient race of giants called the Rephaim. By referring to this imposing, multi-peaked mountain as belonging to God, the psalmist underscores that no matter how magnificent creation may appear, it is ultimately subject to the Creator’s authority.
When the verse calls Bashan “a mountain of God,” it testifies that this majestic mountain stands under the divine reign of the Almighty, reflecting His glory and sovereignty. Bashan’s prominence in Israelite history—including its lush landscape and reputation for providing choice livestock—made it a fitting symbol of power and abundance. Yet here in the psalm, even this impressive mountain is shown to be under the watchful eye of God, who established and oversees every corner of the earth. Through this imagery, the psalmist assures believers that the Lord’s rule extends far beyond human borders, signifying that God is enthroned above every lofty place.
The mention of “many peaks” also suggests the immensity of God’s presence, for even a splendid range of summits is small next to the One who formed them. In the New Testament, Jesus likewise demonstrates divine authority by calming storms and raising the dead (Matthew 8:26; John 11:43), pointing to God’s boundless reign over everything He has fashioned. Whether in the Old Covenant or the New, Scripture consistently reveals God as the supreme King, worthy of worship and confidence, and the imagery of Mount Bashan exalts this truth.
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Psalms 68:15 meaning
Psalm 68:15 vividly describes the grandeur of God’s dominion over all the earth, highlighting a significant geographic landmark to illustrate His power. The psalmist proclaims: “A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.” (v.15) In ancient times, the region called Bashan was a rich and fertile land located east of the Sea of Galilee, in what is now the Golan Heights. It was known for its abundant livestock and its mighty ruler, King Og, who was associated with an ancient race of giants called the Rephaim. By referring to this imposing, multi-peaked mountain as belonging to God, the psalmist underscores that no matter how magnificent creation may appear, it is ultimately subject to the Creator’s authority.
When the verse calls Bashan “a mountain of God,” it testifies that this majestic mountain stands under the divine reign of the Almighty, reflecting His glory and sovereignty. Bashan’s prominence in Israelite history—including its lush landscape and reputation for providing choice livestock—made it a fitting symbol of power and abundance. Yet here in the psalm, even this impressive mountain is shown to be under the watchful eye of God, who established and oversees every corner of the earth. Through this imagery, the psalmist assures believers that the Lord’s rule extends far beyond human borders, signifying that God is enthroned above every lofty place.
The mention of “many peaks” also suggests the immensity of God’s presence, for even a splendid range of summits is small next to the One who formed them. In the New Testament, Jesus likewise demonstrates divine authority by calming storms and raising the dead (Matthew 8:26; John 11:43), pointing to God’s boundless reign over everything He has fashioned. Whether in the Old Covenant or the New, Scripture consistently reveals God as the supreme King, worthy of worship and confidence, and the imagery of Mount Bashan exalts this truth.