Psalms 68

Ps 68 This prayer for God’s victorious rule traces God’s march from Sinai to Zion (68:7, 16-18, 24). He rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, guided it through the wilderness, brought it into the Promised Land, and established his kingdom. He is a caring and victorious God, whose nature is unchanging. Therefore, the godly hope and rejoice in the prospect of God’s universal dominion.68:1-3 These verses form a prayer for God to rise up and scatter his enemies, as he did when Israel entered the Promised Land (cp. Num 10:35-36; Josh 6–12).

68:2 Both smoke and wax represent a transitory existence (22:12-18; 37:20; 102:3).

68:3 The lot of the godly contrasts with that of the wicked (see 1:6).

68:4-6 The psalmist praises God’s powerful and compassionate reign.68:4 him who rides the clouds: This is an ancient description of Baal, a Canaanite deity. The psalmist applies it to the Lord as the true “Rider of the Clouds” (see 68:33; 104:3). God wields power over the clouds and the rain.

68:5 God, the Father of all marginalized and needy people, shows them compassion and protects their rights (see 10:14, 18; 69:33; 82:3). • Like his dwelling, the Lord is holy. The supreme example of the holy God coming down to rescue humanity is Jesus Christ.

68:6 God released Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exod 20:2; see Ps 69:33), and he still sets the prisoners free. • The sun-scorched desert represents alienation from God and separation from blessing.

68:8-10 The earth trembled as in an earthquake (see Exod 19:18). • the heavens poured down rain: Wells in the desert and rain showers in Canaan supplied an abundance of water.

68:11 a great army (or a host of women) brings: The Hebrew suggests women singers caroling the good news of victory (see 68:25; Exod 15:20).

68:13 The seminomadic pastoral people who lived among the sheepfolds were surprised to receive silver and gold carvings from the battle.

68:14 The Almighty (Hebrew Shaddai) is an ancient designation for God (see 91:1; Gen 17:1). • The identification of Mount Zalmon is uncertain; it was possibly a mountain in Bashan (see Ps 68:15).

68:15 Bashan is a plateau northeast of Jerusalem and east of the Sea of Galilee that was known for its woods and pastureland (see 22:12; Isa 2:13). The mountains might have included Mount Hermon to the north of the plateau or Mount Zalmon, which might be Jebel ed-Druze on the east.

68:16 Why do you look with envy? Bashan is physically much more impressive than the mountains around Jerusalem, but it was not the home of the Lord. Only Mount Zion enjoyed the privilege of providing God’s dwelling place.

68:17 Chariots, the ultimate weapon of the armed forces in the psalmist’s day, are an image of the Lord’s power to grant victory (20:7; 44:3).

68:18 When you ascended to the heights: The Most High established his reign victoriously in Zion. • a crowd of captives . . . gifts: This is an image of a victorious ruler leading the victory march after battle. Paul applied this image to Jesus Christ (Eph 4:8-13).

68:19-20 The Divine Warrior cares for his people like a shepherd; the people praise him.68:19 Like a caring father or a shepherd, God carries his people in his arms (see 55:22; 68:5-6).

68:21 God will smash the heads of his enemies: Cp. Gen 3:15.

68:22 God will deal with all enemies, whether from high places (represented by Bashan) or low (the depths of the sea).

68:24-27 A great company joins together in the pilgrimage to Zion.

68:28-31 The people pray for God’s success and for victory over the enemy nations (68:1-3).

68:29 The conquered kings will bring gifts to the Lord.

68:30 Hostile and rebellious people delight in warfare and insurrection (see 2:1-3).

68:32-35 The psalmist calls for the people to praise God, who is victorious over his enemies.68:32 The term kingdoms of the earth includes all nations and power structures.

68:34 When the Lord demonstrates his power, majesty, and strength against the nations, he strengthens his people (see 96:4-6).