Psalms 68
BSB1 God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence. 2 As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. 3 But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy. 4 Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him. 5 A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6 God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. 7 O God, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wasteland, Selah 8 the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. 9 You sent abundant rain, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance. 10 Your flock settled therein; O God, from Your bounty You provided for the poor. 11 The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it: 12 “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder. 13 Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove are covered with silver, and her feathers with shimmering gold." 14 When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like the snow falling on Zalmon. 15 A mountain of God is Mount Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is Mount Bashan. 16 Why do you gaze in envy, O mountains of many peaks? This is the mountain God chose for His dwelling, where the LORD will surely dwell forever. 17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. 18 You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah 20 Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death. 21 Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways. 22 The Lord said, “I will retrieve them from Bashan, I will bring them up from the depths of the sea, 23 that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your foes— the tongues of your dogs in the same." 24 They have seen Your procession, O God— the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. 25 The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines. 26 Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel. 27 There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah in their company, the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali. 28 Summon Your power, O God; show Your strength, O God, which You have exerted on our behalf. 29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts. 30 Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. 31 Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God. 32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord— Selah 33 to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds. 34 Ascribe the power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose strength is in the skies. 35 O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
Study Notes — Psalms 68
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 68
- Themes from Psalms 68
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 68
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 68 begins with a call for God to arise and scatter His enemies, referencing the Exodus and God's power in delivering Israel from Egypt (Psalms 68:1-4). It then describes God's care for the needy and His defeat of enemies, highlighting His role as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows (Psalms 68:5-6). The psalmist recalls God's leading of Israel through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, emphasizing God's power and provision (Psalms 68:7-14). The chapter concludes with a celebration of God's kingship and the nations' worship of Him, looking forward to the day when all will acknowledge His sovereignty (Psalms 68:15-35).
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 68 is part of the third book of the Psalms, which focuses on the themes of redemption, worship, and God's sovereignty. The chapter is likely a liturgical psalm, used in the worship of the Israelites to celebrate God's deliverance and care for His people. Its themes and imagery are rooted in the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings, but also look forward to the future reign of God over all nations.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 68, we are called to trust in God's power and sovereignty, acknowledging His care for us in our own lives. We are encouraged to worship Him, celebrating His deliverance and provision, and to look forward to the day when all nations will worship Him together.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 68 is a celebration of God's power and redemption, calling believers to trust in His sovereignty and worship Him with all their hearts. The chapter looks forward to the day when all nations will worship God together, acknowledging His power and care for His people. As we read this psalm, we are encouraged to reflect on God's deliverance in our own lives and to trust in His power to save us, as seen in Psalms 68:19-20.
Voices from the Church
“This psalm is a grand anthem, a sweeping epic that celebrates God's power and redemption. It calls us to trust in His sovereignty and to worship Him with all our hearts.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist here describes God's care for the needy and His defeat of enemies, demonstrating His justice and compassion. We are encouraged to look to God as our deliverer and to trust in His power to save us.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: God's Power and Redemption (Psalms 68:1-4) — The psalmist calls for God to arise and scatter His enemies, referencing the Exodus and God's power in delivering Israel from Egypt.
- God's Care for the Needy (Psalms 68:5-6) — The psalmist highlights God's care for the fatherless, widows, and prisoners, demonstrating His heart of compassion for those in need.
- God's Leading of Israel (Psalms 68:7-14) — The psalmist recalls God's leading of Israel through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, emphasizing God's power and provision.
- The Nations' Worship (Psalms 68:15-35) — The chapter concludes with a celebration of God's kingship and the nations' worship of Him, looking forward to the day when all will acknowledge His sovereignty.
- Conclusion: God's Sovereignty and Worship (Psalms 68:32-35) — The psalmist affirms God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, calling believers to worship Him and acknowledge His power and care for His people.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- Psalms 68 teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, trusting in His power to deliver and care for His own. This is seen in Psalms 68:1-4, where God is called to arise and scatter His enemies.
- Redemption
- The chapter looks forward to the day when God will redeem all nations and bring them under His sovereign rule, as seen in Psalms 68:18-20.
- Worship
- Psalms 68 calls believers to worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in their lives. This is emphasized in Psalms 68:4, where the psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—exult before Him!'
- Providence
- The psalmist affirms God's providence in leading Israel through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, demonstrating His power and care for His people. This is seen in Psalms 68:7-14.
Lessons from Psalms 68
- Trust in God's Power — Psalms 68 teaches us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, acknowledging His ability to deliver and care for us. This is seen in Psalms 68:1-4, where God is called to arise and scatter His enemies.
- Worship and Praise — The chapter calls us to worship God, celebrating His deliverance and provision in our lives. This is emphasized in Psalms 68:4, where the psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—exult before Him!'
- God's Care for the Needy — Psalms 68 highlights God's care for the fatherless, widows, and prisoners, demonstrating His heart of compassion for those in need. This is seen in Psalms 68:5-6, where God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows.
- The Nations' Worship — The chapter looks forward to the day when all nations will worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. This theme is central to the chapter and is repeated throughout its verses.
- God's Sovereignty — Psalms 68 affirms God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, trusting in His power to deliver and care for His own. This is seen in Psalms 68:1-4, where God is called to arise and scatter His enemies.
Themes from Psalms 68
- Redemption — Psalms 68 looks forward to the day when God will redeem all nations and bring them under His sovereign rule. This is seen in Psalms 68:18-20, where the psalmist writes, 'You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men.'
- Worship — The chapter calls believers to worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in their lives. This is emphasized in Psalms 68:4, where the psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—exult before Him!'
- God's Power — Psalms 68 emphasizes God's power and ability to deliver His people, trusting in His sovereignty and provision. This is seen in Psalms 68:1-4, where God is called to arise and scatter His enemies.
- God's Care for the Needy — The psalmist highlights God's care for the fatherless, widows, and prisoners, demonstrating His heart of compassion for those in need. This is seen in Psalms 68:5-6, where God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows.
- The Nations' Worship — The chapter looks forward to the day when all nations will worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. This theme is central to the chapter and is repeated throughout its verses.
Questions for Meditation
- How does Psalms 68 encourage you to trust in God's power and sovereignty in your own life?
- What imagery does the psalmist use to describe God's power, and how does this inspire worship in your heart?
- How does the chapter's theme of the nations' worship relate to your own experience of worshiping God?
- What does Psalms 68 teach about God's care for the needy, and how can you apply this in your own life and ministry?
- How does the psalmist's affirmation of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples encourage you to trust in His power and provision?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: God's Power and Redemption (Psalms 68:1-4)
| 68:1 | The psalmist calls for God to arise and scatter His enemies, referencing the Exodus and God's power in delivering Israel from Egypt. |
| 68:2 | The imagery of God rising like smoke and wax melting before fire emphasizes His power and ability to deliver His people. |
| 68:3 | The righteous are called to rejoice before God, acknowledging His power and sovereignty. |
| 68:4 | The psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—exult before Him!' |
2. God's Care for the Needy (Psalms 68:5-6)
| 68:5 | The psalmist highlights God's care for the fatherless, widows, and prisoners, demonstrating His heart of compassion for those in need. |
| 68:6 | God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows, emphasizing His role as a defender of the vulnerable. |
3. God's Leading of Israel (Psalms 68:7-14)
| 68:7 | The psalmist recalls God's leading of Israel through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, emphasizing God's power and provision. |
| 68:8 | The earth trembles at God's presence, and the skies pour down rain, demonstrating His power and control over creation. |
| 68:9 | God's people are called to rejoice in His presence, acknowledging His power and care for them. |
| 68:10 | The psalmist writes, 'Your congregation dwelled there; You, O God, provided for the poor.' |
| 68:11 | The Lord gives the word; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host. |
| 68:12 | The kings of the armies flee, they flee, and she who remains at home divides the spoil. |
| 68:13 | Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, you are like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and its feathers with yellow gold. |
| 68:14 | When the Almighty scattered the kings there, it was like snow in Zalmon. |
4. The Nations' Worship (Psalms 68:15-35)
| 68:15 | The mountain of God is like the mountain of Bashan; the mountain of God is like the mountain of many peaks. |
| 68:16 | Why do you look with envy, O many-peaked mountain, at the mountain which God has desired for His abode? |
| 68:17 | The Lord will dwell there forever. |
| 68:18 | You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men. |
| 68:19 | Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. |
| 68:20 | God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death. |
| 68:21 | Surely God will shatter the head of His enemies, the hairy crown of him who goes on in his guilty deeds. |
| 68:22 | The Lord said, 'I will bring them back from Bashan. I will bring them back from the depths of the sea. |
| 68:23 | That your foot may be dipped in blood, the tongue of your dogs may have its portion from your enemies.' |
| 68:24 | They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. |
| 68:25 | The singers went before, the musicians after, in the midst of the maidens playing timbrels. |
| 68:26 | Bless God in the congregations, the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. |
| 68:27 | There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah in their company, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. |
| 68:28 | Your God has commanded your strength; strengthen, O God, what You have done for us. |
| 68:29 | Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring gifts to You. |
| 68:30 | Rebuke the beasts in the reeds, the herd of bulls, with the calves of the peoples, trampling underfoot the pieces of silver; He has scattered the peoples who delight in war. |
| 68:31 | Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God. |
| 68:32 | Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praises to the Lord. |
| 68:33 | To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times; behold, He speaks with His voice, a mighty voice. |
| 68:34 | Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel, and His strength is in the skies. |
| 68:35 | O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 68?
The main theme of Psalms 68 is God's power and redemption, emphasizing His ability to deliver His people and care for the needy. This is seen in Psalms 68:1-4, where God is called to arise and scatter His enemies, and in Psalms 68:5-6, where God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows.
How does Psalms 68 relate to the rest of the Bible?
Psalms 68 is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption and sovereignty, which is a central theme throughout the Bible. It looks forward to the day when all nations will worship God, acknowledging His power and care for His people. This is seen in Psalms 68:32, where the psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praises to the Lord.'
What does Psalms 68 teach about worship?
Psalms 68 calls believers to worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in their lives. This is emphasized in Psalms 68:4, where the psalmist writes, 'Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—exult before Him!'
How does Psalms 68 apply to my life?
Psalms 68 encourages you to trust in God's power and sovereignty, acknowledging His ability to deliver and care for you. It calls you to worship God, celebrating His deliverance and provision in your life, and to look forward to the day when all nations will worship Him together.
What is the significance of the imagery in Psalms 68?
The imagery in Psalms 68, such as God rising like smoke and wax melting before fire, emphasizes God's power and ability to deliver His people. It inspires trust and worship in the hearts of believers, and encourages them to acknowledge God's sovereignty and care for His people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 68:1 → Numbers 10:35 | The phrase 'Let God arise' is also used in Numbers 10:35, where it is a call for God to arise and scatter His enemies. |
| 2 | Psalms 68:4 → Isaiah 40:3 | The imagery of God riding through the deserts is also used in Isaiah 40:3, where it is a call to prepare the way for the Lord. |
| 3 | Psalms 68:5 → Deuteronomy 10:18 | The description of God as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows is also found in Deuteronomy 10:18, where it emphasizes God's care for the vulnerable. |
| 4 | Psalms 68:18 → Ephesians 4:8 | The phrase 'You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives' is quoted in Ephesians 4:8, where it describes Christ's triumph over sin and death. |
| 5 | Psalms 68:20 → Psalms 50:23 | The phrase 'God is to us a God of deliverances' is also found in Psalms 50:23, where it emphasizes God's power to save His people. |
| 6 | Psalms 68:22 → Psalms 89:10 | The phrase 'I will bring them back from Bashan' is also used in Psalms 89:10, where it describes God's power to deliver His people. |
| 7 | Psalms 68:24 → Psalms 24:7-10 | The imagery of God's procession into the sanctuary is also used in Psalms 24:7-10, where it describes God's majesty and power. |
| 8 | Psalms 68:28 → Psalms 29:1 | The phrase 'Your God has commanded your strength' is also found in Psalms 29:1, where it emphasizes God's power and sovereignty. |
| 9 | Psalms 68:30 → Psalms 104:25 | The phrase 'Rebuke the beasts in the reeds' is also used in Psalms 104:25, where it describes God's power over creation. |
| 10 | Psalms 68:32 → Psalms 100:1 | The phrase 'Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth' is also used in Psalms 100:1, where it is a call to worship God and acknowledge His sovereignty. |
Sermons on Psalms 68
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
|
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipotence of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three propositions about God's power. The first proposition is that God has power, which is evident in the creation of the world. The preache |
|
God Shall Arise and Scatter Our Enemies by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to arise and scatter the enemies of His people. He references the story of Moses and the Israelites, who called upon God to |
|
Good News to the Poor by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of nat |
|
|
The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng |
|
(Pdf Book) Realities of Faith / 4 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink shares the profound experiences of her community in witnessing God's miraculous answers to prayer, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the face |
|
Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |
|
Changed Into Christ's Image #6 by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the symbolic meaning of the number four in the Bible, which represents communication. He explains that God dwells between the cherubim, which |
|
The Passion of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love that God has shown through it. The sermon then addresses the questions r |
|
|
The Things Which Must Be Hereafter by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living testimony for God in our generation. He encourages believers to go where there is difficulty and opposition, |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 68
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 68 emphasizes God's power and redemption, highlighting His ability to deliver His people and care for the needy. Henry notes that the psalmist's call for God to arise and scatter His enemies is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and power. He also emphasizes the importance of worship, encouraging believers to sing praises to God and acknowledge His majesty and power. Throughout the commentary, Henry draws attention to the themes of God's care for the vulnerable, His leading of Israel, and the nations' worship of Him, demonstrating how Psalms 68 points to Christ as the ultimate deliverer and king. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Care for the Needy
The psalmist highlights God's care for the fatherless, widows, and prisoners, demonstrating His heart of compassion for those in need. This is seen in Psalms 68:5-6, where God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a Judge of the widows.
Imagery of God's Power
The chapter uses vivid imagery to describe God's power, including the picture of Him riding through the deserts and leading His people through the wilderness. This imagery is meant to inspire trust and worship in the hearts of believers.
The Nations' Worship
Psalms 68 looks forward to the day when all nations will worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. This theme is central to the chapter and is repeated throughout its verses.