The Lord gave the word: great was the company of the preachers. Psalm 68:11
“The word is the announcement of the victory won by God the Warrior. The celebration begins with women singing victory songs. They also divide the spoils that were taken in battle as the enemy armies rapidly retreat. This picture is being addressed to those who stayed behind [68:11-14]. Since they did not participate in the battle, they have no part in the celebration.”
Tremper Longman III in Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (TOTC; Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2014) 259.
This text of Scripture is another memorable song from Handel’s Messiah. While I am thankful that our generous God has given us His Word, the Bible, the word in this passage points to the announcement of victory. Our God is mighty to save, and the reason we wait in anticipation for Him is because our world is filled with troubles that are way beyond our pay grade. Isn’t it awesome that we get to trust God the Warrior to fight for us?
It is, but not everyone experiences His victory or the spoils. Longman also rightly notes that the larger context reveals that those who don’t participate in the battle have no part in the celebration. Wow! Are you on the sidelines of life or are you actively waiting by making known the good news of Jesus? Advent is about learning how to actively wait. Don’t miss out on the victory the Lord desires for you (or the spoils that go with it)!