Psalm 68 Commentary
This psalm, among many other things, celebrates the victory of the “fatherless, widows, prisoners, and the lonely”. Not the strong. Not the well-to-do of the earth, but the lowly placed soul.
The LORD does it!
“When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious — that you, Lord God, might dwell there.” The Apostle Paul references this verse in his letter to the Ephesians. He is talking about God’s special gift to the Church.
In the original context, the scripture probably celebrates Israel’s triumph – a triumph for the LORD. The LORD goes up Mount Zion and takes captives. These captives bring gifts. They pay tribute. This is the LORD’s promise to Abraham.
The conquered mountain becomes the LORD’s dwelling place. The LORD gives it to Israel as a gift. Jacob’s children get pieces of land as gifts from the LORD.
The LORD doesn’t take residence without first conquering His enemies. Greediness, pride, immorality, hatred, drunkenness, and many others. May God arise, and may these enemies be scattered. Then the LORD might dwell there.
Stop and consider the difference between the New and the Old Testaments. Who is the enemy in the Old Testament? Who is the enemy in the New Testament?
What kind of gifts are given in the Old Testament? What is the gift in the New Testament? This Psalm links the two. The Book of Ephesians explains it, the gifts, and the definition of the New Testament enemy.
The psalmist uses several graphics to display Israel’s elevated status. Mount Bashan gazes in envy as Mount Zion stands tall in triumph. The tens of thousands of chariots are a direct reference to Israel’s military prowess. But this military strength is actually God’s strength. He daily bears the burdens of His people.
The procession has the colors of a victorious military parade. But again, it is simply a praise team with musical instruments. The two are one and the same in Christendom. Ironically, it is the least, low, down, and out who are in the lead during this procession. The little tribe of Benjamin in the lead may represent the thought that the least in the kingdom of God may be the greatest.
In the immediate context, the psalmist envisions a prosperous Israel receiving tributes from the powers of the day: Egypt and Cush. The powers of the day may represent greediness, pride, vanity, oppression, and arrogance (and their relatives). The LORD will bring about a time when these earthly powers are bowed down in submission to the righteousness of the LORD Jesus Christ. And Christ’s ambassadors of righteousness will sit with their master in full joy and strength.
Praise the LORD! What a psalm!
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