Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
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.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
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.
Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
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.
When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.
The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.
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.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
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.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.
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.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
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.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
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 68 is a powerful hymn celebrating God's majestic power, His victories on behalf of His people, and His abiding presence with them. It's a song brimming with vivid imagery, historical allusions, and a call to worldwide worship. This psalm, traditionally attributed "of David," might reflect David's style or experiences rather than direct authorship. It echoes themes found in Psalms 66 and 67, emphasizing the importance of universal praise for the Lord God. The psalm paints a picture of God's glorious arrival at Zion (Jerusalem) to establish His presence. The song may encapsulate David's successful reign, his conquest of the Jebusites establishing Jerusalem as Israel's capital (2 Samuel 5), or the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Zion (2 Samuel 6).
God's Power Displayed (Psalms 68:1-6)
The psalm opens with a resounding declaration: "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those also who hate him flee before him!" (Psalms 68:1). This echoes the rallying cry Moses used when the Ark of the Covenant went forward (Numbers 10:35), immediately establishing God's authority and might. When God goes into action, His enemies scatter. They are blown away like smoke and melt like wax (Psalms 68:2). This vivid imagery emphasizes the futility of opposing the Almighty. In contrast, the righteous rejoice when God executes justice (Psalms 68:3). This section highlights the contrast between those who reject God and those who follow Him into righteousness. The psalm motivates worship by reminding us of God's care for the disadvantaged and his rejection of the wicked. God is depicted as invincible, brushing aside enemies like smoke and melting them like wax.
The psalm continues by praising God, who rides on the clouds. He is worthy of worship because he is a champion of orphans, widows, and the oppressed (Psalms 68:5-6). Simultaneously, He rains down judgment on the rebellious (Psalms 68:6). This passage hints at the Lord's provision for Israel during their time in the wilderness.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 68:7-18)
David reminds the people of how the Lord led their ancestors in the desert after the exodus from Egypt (Psalms 68:7). When Israel wandered in the desert wilderness (Numbers 14:30–35), God was still protecting them. At Sinai, He gave them His law and refreshed them in the wilderness (Psalms 68:8-9). When they entered the promised land, God gave them victory. The kings of the armies fled and were scattered (Psalms 68:12, 14). Then, He blessed them with the spoil taken from their defeated enemies (Psalms 68:12-13). Though the nation was severely tested, God made good on His guarantee to bring them into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14–17). Israel's rise under the Lord's guidance is imagined as a dove covered in precious metals taking flight.
The nations of the world looked with envy on Jerusalem, the city on the mountain that God desired for his abode (Psalms 68:16). There, He was surrounded by thousands of chariots (Psalms 68:17)—emphasizing the fact that He is “the LORD of Armies” (Psalms 46:7; 59:5). He ascended in triumph like a mighty conqueror receiving tribute from those whom he’d defeated (Psalms 68:18). Paul quotes this verse in Ephesians 4:7-8, emphasizing that when Christ victoriously rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, He rescued those who were captive to Satan and gave them spiritual gifts so that they could serve Him and others in His church.
A Procession of Praise (Psalms 68:19-27)
David praises God because He bears our burdens. He provides salvation for His people and defeats their enemies (Psalms 68:20-23). David describes a victory parade as the Lord, the King, triumphantly entered His sanctuary with singers and musicians (Psalms 68:24-25). This perhaps describes a procession in which the ark of the covenant was carried into the tabernacle. All the tribes of Israel are called to bless the Lord their God (Psalms 68:26-27). Intense imagery continues with praise to God for His past and future salvation. Some references may refer to the wilderness experience, such as mention of the sea (Exodus 14:21–22) and Bashan (Numbers 14:30–35).
The Call to Global Worship (Psalms 68:28-35)
He asks God to give a fresh demonstration of His power by subduing all peoples so that kings from foreign lands would pay tribute to Him and pay homage (Psalms 68:28-31). David concludes by exhorting the kingdoms of the earth to praise God for His power and majesty (Psalms 68:32-34). The language here may be prophetic: looking ahead to when the Messiah will directly rule the world. God is described as "awesome:" a term which originally meant something astounding or overwhelming. Mentions of beasts and bulls may be symbolic of certain enemy nations. In the end, God will rule from His sanctuary and the entire world will come to pay Him tribute (Psalms 68:28–35).
In light of what He has done among His people, and in light of our great need for Him in the future, let us cry out along with David, Blessed be God! (Psalms 66:35).
Connections to the New Testament
It's important to note that Psalm 69, which follows Psalm 68, is quoted numerous times in the New Testament. Its references to the wicked are applied to unbelieving Israel (see Romans 11:9-10 [Psalms 69:22-23]) and to Judas (see Acts 1:20 [Psalms 69:25]). On most occasions, though, the psalm is quoted with reference to Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was consumed with zeal for God’s house, demonstrating this when He cleansed the temple (see John 2:17 [Psalms 69:9]). In His passion, Christ fulfilled the psalm, showing that He was the perfect righteous sufferer (see John 15:25 [Psalms 69:4]; Romans 15:3 [Psalms 69:9]). This highlights the prophetic nature of the Psalms and their relevance to understanding the life and ministry of Jesus.
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
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.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
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.
Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
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.
When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.
The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.
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.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
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.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.
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.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
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.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
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 68 is a powerful hymn celebrating God's majestic power, His victories on behalf of His people, and His abiding presence with them. It's a song brimming with vivid imagery, historical allusions, and a call to worldwide worship. This psalm, traditionally attributed "of David," might reflect David's style or experiences rather than direct authorship. It echoes themes found in Psalms 66 and 67, emphasizing the importance of universal praise for the Lord God. The psalm paints a picture of God's glorious arrival at Zion (Jerusalem) to establish His presence. The song may encapsulate David's successful reign, his conquest of the Jebusites establishing Jerusalem as Israel's capital (2 Samuel 5), or the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Zion (2 Samuel 6).
God's Power Displayed (Psalms 68:1-6)
The psalm opens with a resounding declaration: "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those also who hate him flee before him!" (Psalms 68:1). This echoes the rallying cry Moses used when the Ark of the Covenant went forward (Numbers 10:35), immediately establishing God's authority and might. When God goes into action, His enemies scatter. They are blown away like smoke and melt like wax (Psalms 68:2). This vivid imagery emphasizes the futility of opposing the Almighty. In contrast, the righteous rejoice when God executes justice (Psalms 68:3). This section highlights the contrast between those who reject God and those who follow Him into righteousness. The psalm motivates worship by reminding us of God's care for the disadvantaged and his rejection of the wicked. God is depicted as invincible, brushing aside enemies like smoke and melting them like wax.
The psalm continues by praising God, who rides on the clouds. He is worthy of worship because he is a champion of orphans, widows, and the oppressed (Psalms 68:5-6). Simultaneously, He rains down judgment on the rebellious (Psalms 68:6). This passage hints at the Lord's provision for Israel during their time in the wilderness.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 68:7-18)
David reminds the people of how the Lord led their ancestors in the desert after the exodus from Egypt (Psalms 68:7). When Israel wandered in the desert wilderness (Numbers 14:30–35), God was still protecting them. At Sinai, He gave them His law and refreshed them in the wilderness (Psalms 68:8-9). When they entered the promised land, God gave them victory. The kings of the armies fled and were scattered (Psalms 68:12, 14). Then, He blessed them with the spoil taken from their defeated enemies (Psalms 68:12-13). Though the nation was severely tested, God made good on His guarantee to bring them into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14–17). Israel's rise under the Lord's guidance is imagined as a dove covered in precious metals taking flight.
The nations of the world looked with envy on Jerusalem, the city on the mountain that God desired for his abode (Psalms 68:16). There, He was surrounded by thousands of chariots (Psalms 68:17)—emphasizing the fact that He is “the LORD of Armies” (Psalms 46:7; 59:5). He ascended in triumph like a mighty conqueror receiving tribute from those whom he’d defeated (Psalms 68:18). Paul quotes this verse in Ephesians 4:7-8, emphasizing that when Christ victoriously rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, He rescued those who were captive to Satan and gave them spiritual gifts so that they could serve Him and others in His church.
A Procession of Praise (Psalms 68:19-27)
David praises God because He bears our burdens. He provides salvation for His people and defeats their enemies (Psalms 68:20-23). David describes a victory parade as the Lord, the King, triumphantly entered His sanctuary with singers and musicians (Psalms 68:24-25). This perhaps describes a procession in which the ark of the covenant was carried into the tabernacle. All the tribes of Israel are called to bless the Lord their God (Psalms 68:26-27). Intense imagery continues with praise to God for His past and future salvation. Some references may refer to the wilderness experience, such as mention of the sea (Exodus 14:21–22) and Bashan (Numbers 14:30–35).
The Call to Global Worship (Psalms 68:28-35)
He asks God to give a fresh demonstration of His power by subduing all peoples so that kings from foreign lands would pay tribute to Him and pay homage (Psalms 68:28-31). David concludes by exhorting the kingdoms of the earth to praise God for His power and majesty (Psalms 68:32-34). The language here may be prophetic: looking ahead to when the Messiah will directly rule the world. God is described as "awesome:" a term which originally meant something astounding or overwhelming. Mentions of beasts and bulls may be symbolic of certain enemy nations. In the end, God will rule from His sanctuary and the entire world will come to pay Him tribute (Psalms 68:28–35).
In light of what He has done among His people, and in light of our great need for Him in the future, let us cry out along with David, Blessed be God! (Psalms 66:35).
Connections to the New Testament
It's important to note that Psalm 69, which follows Psalm 68, is quoted numerous times in the New Testament. Its references to the wicked are applied to unbelieving Israel (see Romans 11:9-10 [Psalms 69:22-23]) and to Judas (see Acts 1:20 [Psalms 69:25]). On most occasions, though, the psalm is quoted with reference to Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was consumed with zeal for God’s house, demonstrating this when He cleansed the temple (see John 2:17 [Psalms 69:9]). In His passion, Christ fulfilled the psalm, showing that He was the perfect righteous sufferer (see John 15:25 [Psalms 69:4]; Romans 15:3 [Psalms 69:9]). This highlights the prophetic nature of the Psalms and their relevance to understanding the life and ministry of Jesus.