Psalms - Chapter 68

Psalms 68.1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. Psalms 68.2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. Psalms 68.3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Psalms 68.4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Psalms 68.5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 68.6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. Psalms 68.7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah: Psalms 68.8 The 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. Psalms 68.9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. Psalms 68.10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. Psalms 68.11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. Psalms 68.12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil. Psalms 68.13 Though 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. Psalms 68.14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon. Psalms 68.15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan. Psalms 68.16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. Psalms 68.17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Psalms 68.18 Thou 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. Psalms 68.19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalms 68.20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death. Psalms 68.21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. Psalms 68.22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea: Psalms 68.23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same. Psalms 68.24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. Psalms 68.25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels. Psalms 68.26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. Psalms 68.27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. Psalms 68.28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. Psalms 68.29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee. Psalms 68.30 Rebuke 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. Psalms 68.31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Psalms 68.32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: Psalms 68.33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. Psalms 68.34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. Psalms 68.35 O 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.

Psalms : Chapter 68

Psalm 68: A Hymn of Victory and Divine Sovereignty

Psalm 68, attributed to David, is a victory hymn that celebrates God's power and His intervention on behalf of His people. Through this epic text, we discover divine exploits, spanning from the Exodus to the conquest of Jerusalem. This psalm addresses essential themes such as deliverance, provision for those in need, and God's ultimate triumph.

Psalm 68 inspires us to place our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. We invite you to meditate with us on five biblical passages that resonate with the divine majesty described in this great psalm.

Ephesians 4:8

"Therefore it is said, 'When he ascended on high, he led many captives and gave gifts to men.'" - In this verse, Paul quotes Psalm 68:18, applying it to Christ and the distribution of spiritual gifts.

Exodus 19:16-18

"On the morning of the third day, there were thunder and lightning flashes, a thick cloud covered the mountain, and a loud trumpet sounded. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord had descended on it in fire. Its smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently." - This description of God's manifestation at Sinai refers to the language of Psalm 68:7-8.

2 Samuel 6:14-15

"David, dressed in the linen vestment of the priest, danced with all his might before the Lord, while he and all the Israelites carried the ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the sound of trumpets." - This scene of celebration before the ark reflects the spirit of praise and procession found in Psalm 68.

Acts 1:9

"And he was lifted up in their sight, and a cloud hid him from their sight." - The ascension of Jesus evokes the language of Psalm 68:18 about God's ascent on high.

1 Peter 3:22

"who ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of God; angels, authorities, and powers are subject to him." - This description of Christ's exaltation reflects the themes of victory and dominion found in Psalm 68.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to recognize God's greatness and His immeasurable love for His people. May these reflections nourish our faith and strengthen our commitment to live according to his promises.