rebuke the beast

Psalm 68:28-31 (JDV)

Psalm 68:28 Your God has decreed your strength. Show your strength, God, you who have acted on our behalf.
Psalm 68:29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem, kings will bring tribute to you.
Psalm 68:30 Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those with bars of silver. Scatter the peoples who take pleasure in war.
Psalm 68:31 Ambassadors will come from Egypt; Cush will stretch out its hands to God.

rebuke the beast

The beast is a symbol of Gentile kings and empires. We learn more about the beast in the apocalyptic books of Daniel and Revelation. Here, the psalmist asks God to tame these beasts, whose only concern is their own power and violence and wealth. Instead, these Gentile kings will bring tribute to God in Jerusalem.

Lord, rebuke the beast, and cause us all to submit to your righteous rule.