"Before You Hit Publish: A Reflection on Psalm 68:11"

 For a blog post centered on Psalm 68:11, we can explore both the original meaning of the verse and how it speaks to modern publishing, writing, and blogging.

Psalm 68:11 (KJV)

"The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it."

Commentary on Psalm 68:11

Psalm 68 celebrates God's power, victory, and faithfulness. In verse 11, David acknowledges that the message did not originate with people. The Lord gave the word. God was the source of truth, and a great company of people shared that truth with others.

The word published in the King James Version means more than printing books or posting online. In its biblical context, it carries the idea of proclaiming, announcing, or spreading important news. The focus is not on self-promotion but on faithfully communicating a message that comes from God.

As modern writers and bloggers, this verse offers a thought-provoking principle. Every time we hit the "publish" button, we participate in a form of public proclamation. While our words may not carry divine authority, Psalm 68:11 reminds us that words have influence. Because of that influence, writers should consider whether what they publish is truthful, helpful, and honoring to God.

In a digital age where anyone can instantly share opinions with a global audience, Psalm 68:11 encourages mindfulness. Before publishing a post, article, comment, or social media update, it can be worthwhile to ask:

• Is what I'm sharing true?
• Is it beneficial to others?
• Does it build up rather than tear down?
• Am I seeking God's wisdom in what I communicate?
• Does this reflect the character of Christ?

The verse also highlights community. David speaks of a "great company" of those who published the word. God's message was not carried by a single individual but by many voices working together. Likewise, bloggers, writers, teachers, and everyday believers can contribute to spreading truth, encouragement, and hope in a world often filled with confusion and negativity.

For Christian writers, Psalm 68:11 is both an encouragement and a responsibility. The encouragement is that God has always used ordinary people to communicate important truths. The responsibility is remembering that published words have lasting impact. Whether writing a blog post, sharing a testimony, or posting on social media, our words should be chosen carefully, knowing they may influence others long after they are written.

Personal Reflection

When I read Psalm 68:11, I can't help thinking about blogging. The phrase "those that published it" reminds me of pressing the publish button and sending words into the world. It makes me pause and consider the content I create. Am I simply adding more noise to the internet, or am I sharing something that is true, uplifting, and worthwhile? This verse reminds me that publishing is more than making information public. It is an opportunity to steward words responsibly and to use them in ways that point others toward truth, wisdom, and hope.

Moses & Jethro - Share the Load

 

When We Weren't Meant to Do It All

As I was reading Exodus 18, I was struck by the wisdom God provided through Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Moses was spending his days listening to people's disputes and trying to handle every problem himself. From morning until evening, the responsibility rested on his shoulders.

Jethro noticed that this approach wasn't sustainable. He told Moses, "What you are doing is not good" (Exodus 18:17). Moses was wearing himself out, and the people were left waiting. Jethro's solution was simple but powerful: share the load. He advised Moses to appoint trustworthy leaders to handle smaller matters while bringing only the most difficult cases to him.

This passage is a reminder that God never intended for us to carry every responsibility alone. Whether we're raising children, caring for a home, serving in church, going to school, or pursuing a career, sometimes we need help. Asking for support isn't a sign of weakness. It's an acknowledgment of our human limits.

There is wisdom in delegation, humility in accepting help, and peace in recognizing that we don't have to do everything ourselves. Just as Moses learned to share the burden, we can trust God to provide people who will walk alongside us and help carry the load.

Reflection: Is there a responsibility you're trying to carry alone that God may be calling you to share with someone else? Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is admit we need help.

i thought of that passage about how 2 are better than 1 and a threefold cord is not quickly broken

That's a beautiful connection. The passage you're thinking of is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which fits wonderfully alongside Jethro's advice to Moses.

You could weave the two passages together like this:

We Need Each Other

When I read about Jethro advising Moses in Exodus 18, I couldn't help but think of another passage in Scripture: "Two are better than one... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12).

Moses was trying to carry the weight of an entire nation by himself. Day after day, he listened to disputes and made decisions until his father-in-law, Jethro, pointed out the obvious: no one is meant to carry every burden alone. Jethro encouraged Moses to appoint capable leaders and share the work.

So often, we fall into the same trap. We convince ourselves that asking for help means we're failing, when in reality it may be the wisest thing we can do. God created us for community, not isolation. Just as Moses needed others to help lead the people, we need family, friends, church members, and mentors to support us through life's challenges.

The image of a threefold cord reminds us that we are strongest when we are connected, not only to one another but also to God. When we try to do everything alone, we become weary. When we allow others to walk alongside us and keep God at the center, we find strength, encouragement, and resilience.

Perhaps today is a good day to let someone help carry a burden you've been trying to manage on your own.

Reflection: What load are you carrying that was never meant to be carried alone? Who might God be placing in your life to help bear it alongside you?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (KJV) says:

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

This passage pairs beautifully with Exodus 18, where Jethro advises Moses to share leadership responsibilities. Both passages emphasize that God designed people to work together rather than carry every burden alone. Moses needed capable leaders beside him, just as Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is strength, support, and resilience in companionship.

The phrase "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" is often understood by Christians as a picture of two people strengthened by God's presence, making the bond even stronger. It's a wonderful image for family, friendship, church community, and teamwork.