Psalm 68:1-20
Psalm 68 is an important Messianic Psalm. It seems to have been written by King David around the placing of the Ark of the Covenant on Mt. Zion (see 2 Samuel 6). The general thought of the psalm is God’s entrance into His sanctuary on Zion in Jerusalem and His rule over the whole world. The entire psalm typifies the victories of the Messiah over His enemies. In Ephesians 6:4, St. Paul applies 68:17-20 directly to Jesus.
Section 1 (verses 1 to 3) is an interesting beginning to this psalm. The words of verse one repeat the prayer that Moses said whenever the Israelite camp in the wilderness started out (see Numbers 10:35). This prayer is appropriate for the Messiah, who sets out to scatter and destroy the enemies of all sinners—Satan, sin and death. The ones who hate the Messiah are those who have rejected His gracious love and work of salvation. They will flee before His wrath. They will be like smoke from a fire or melting wax, helpless before God’s justice. The righteous need not fear God, because they are clothed with the righteousness that the Messiah won for them on the cross. Instead, they will rejoice before God because of His love.
Verses 4 to 6 tells why people should praise God. He rides in victory in the heavens and oversees all things. His name is JAH, the name God revealed to Moses (Exodus 6:3), which refers to God’s eternal presence. By His name, God reveals Himself as the God of salvation to all those who rejoice before Him, people of all nations. Another reason to praise God is His care for those who have no one to care for them—orphans, widows, and the forsaken (the solitary or lonely ones). Those who are bound as prisoners find prosperity. All this comes through the Gospel of God’s forgiveness in the Messiah. Those who rebel against God, His name (revelation) and care will dwell in a spiritual land like the desert.
The third section (verses 7 to 10) recounts God’s goodness to Israel in the wilderness. God led His people by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. When God descended on Mt. Sinai, the earth shook (Exodus 19:16-19). Like a gentle, plentiful rain, God showered His grace and blessings upon them each day. God revived the weary by confirming His covenant through His many miracles. God caused Israel to dwell in the land of promise.
The next section (verses 11 to 14) continues the list of God’s victories in Canaan. God’s Word promised salvation, and many Israelites proclaimed His victories and gave thanks. The enemy kings fled before God and people at home shared in the divine blessings. Even the poorest who sleep beside the sheep will prosper as God gives them salvation, which brings relief like snow covering the mountains.
In the next section (verses 15 to 16) speaks of the Mountain of God, like the high mountains of Bashan. All the powers of darkness will not overpower the Messiah’s kingdom.
Finally, verses 17 to 20 speak about the Messiah who dwells amid the chariots of the angels. The Messiah has gone into heaven with a shout because He has won the victory by His death and resurrection. Christ’s ascension means that Jesus has bound Satan and his angels captive to His Word. Christ has given His Church men as gifts to proclaim His word of salvation. He calls even the rebellious to believe on Him. He daily gives us spiritual benefits, just as Israel in the wilderness receive them. The Messiah is the God of our salvation.