Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him. (Psalm 68:4)
Before we move on to the rest of this psalm, let’s consider another inspirational thought conveyed through the words of David, specifically the Hebrew word ערבות aravot translated as “clouds.” The aravot is said to speak of the highest heavens where Yah sits upon His Throne, and from this lofty position, rules and conducts the affairs of men. Judaism also teaches the aravot is where God stores righteousness, peace, and other such blessings that rain down upon mankind according to His will. As it is written, “The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand” (Deuteronomy 28:12).
There is another facet of this same word that, on the surface, seems to convey the opposite notion. You see, ערבות aravot is the plural form of ערבה aravah, a Hebrew term that is often rendered as “desert.” There is, in fact, a particular desert in Israel that stretches from the southern shore of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba called the Aravah. So why is it that, on one hand, this word denotes something associated with the heavens — God’s dwelling place and the reservoir of blessing — and on the other, that which is associated with lack, desolation — the very opposite of heaven?
First of all, because He is God, He rules over all, whether the heavens or the earth. No matter the circumstance or environment, He is Yah. Furthermore, He has clearly demonstrated that He is well able to provide for and sustain His people when they are in the desert, as well as demonstrating His ability to elevate them to lofty positions, as it were. For example, He liberated a nation of slaves and transformed them into a kingdom of priests. And so, whether we consider ourselves to be wandering in a wilderness valley or walking on top of the mountain among the clouds, He is Yah. Therefore, He is worthy of praise regardless of our situation.
One last thought: the One who rides the clouds stands ready to bestow blessing from above to those who might find themselves struggling in the desert. As it is written, “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the Aravah shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing” (Isaiah 35:1-2).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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