When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Zalmon. (Psalm 68:14)
Before we begin discussing the intent of this verse, let me share an alternate rendering of this same verse provided by a Jewish translation of the Scripture: “When Shaddai prostrates kings, those in shadowy darkness shall be whitened.” What does this mean? Let’s start with the idea that God causes kings to be scattered, or as the alternate version suggests, to be prostrated. The message is that the Almighty (Shaddai) humbles kings and rulers who oppose Him and His people, so much so, that they are laid out flat on the ground, either of their own volition or because God destroyed them. For instance, the Almighty destroyed the entire Assyrian army that had come against Jerusalem, as it is written, “Behold, they were corpses—all dead,” i.e. spread out on the ground (2 Kings 19:35).
Secondly, as Shaddai, God watches over and keeps His people safe just as we see in the example above. Underscoring this point is this fact: the Name שדי Shaddai is derived from the root word, די dai which means, “Enough!” When God sees His people suffering at the hands of wicked men, though He may allow it to continue for a season, there is a point when He says, “Enough!” — dai. At that point, people and kingdoms usually do die. On a larger scale, there will come a day when God will say to all the Gentile powers that have oppressed His people Israel, “Enough!” thus bringing an end to the age of the Gentiles as well as the afflictions of His people. When God says, “That’s enough” to His enemies, it means salvation for His people — which brings us to the final point.
When God sends salvation, those who have been in the shadowy darkness of gloom because of their oppressors, will be illuminated with the brightness of His glory. The description “white as snow in Zalmon” conveys the notion of being as bright and as white as a snow-capped mountain. Not only is the sight dazzling to the eye, but is so brilliant it is almost blinding when the light of the sun is reflected upon it. This is the future for God’s people when the Almighty causes kings to scatter and fall prostrate before Him. When He says to the forces of darkness, “Enough!,” it shall come to pass as it is written: “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). Amen.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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