David
Psalm 68
To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
2As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
6God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
7O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
8The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
10Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
11The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
12Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
13Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
14When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.
15The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.
16Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.
17The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
20He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.
21But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
22The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:
23That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
24They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
25The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
26Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
27There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
28Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
29Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.
30Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.
31Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
32Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
33To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.
34Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
35O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Summary
Psalm 68 is a grand processional hymn celebrating God as the warrior-king who marches from Sinai through the wilderness to Zion, scattering enemies and gathering His people. David opens with the cry, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered." God is a father of the fatherless and a judge of widows who sets the solitary in families. The psalm recalls God marching through the wilderness, the earth shaking at His presence, and Sinai itself moved. He sends plentiful rain, gives His word, and kings flee. Verse 18, quoted in Ephesians 4, says, "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men." God daily loads us with benefits and holds the issues of death. The psalm envisions a procession into the sanctuary with singers, players, and dancers, and closes with Egypt and Ethiopia stretching out hands to God and all kingdoms singing praises.
The major themes are God’s triumph, procession, justice for the vulnerable, ascension, and universal praise. Practically, the psalm teaches that God marches with His people, bears the lonely and the bound, and ascends on high to give gifts. The great lesson is that the God of Israel gives strength and power to His people.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 68
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. As smoke is driven away, drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish at Your presence. Let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God. You are a father of the fatherless and a judge of widows; You set the solitary in families. You marched through the wilderness and the earth shook. You ascended on high and led captivity captive. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Ascribe strength to God; His excellency is over Israel. O God, You are terrible out of Your holy places; the God of Israel gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1How does Psalm 68 portray God as both warrior and father of the fatherless?
- 2What does verse 18 mean, and how does Paul apply it in Ephesians 4?
- 3How does the vision of Egypt and Ethiopia praising God shape my view of mission?
- 4Where do I need God to "daily load" me with benefits?
Related Psalms
Psalm 65
“Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.”
Thanksgiving for God’s forgiveness and the bounty of His creation.
Read morePsalm 66
“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:”
A call to all the earth to praise God for His awesome deeds and answered prayer.
Read morePsalm 67
“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. Selah.”
A prayer that God’s blessing make His way known among all nations.
Read morePsalm 47
“O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
God ascends His throne as King over all the earth.
Read morePsalm 110
“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
Psalm 110 is the most quoted Old Testament text in the New Testament, a brief but towering oracle of the Messiah’s kingship and priesthood.
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