Psalms 68

At the bringing up of the Ark of the Covenant into Zion, David exhorteth to the praising of God for his wonderful love and power, whereby he delivered his people out of Egypt, led them through the wilderness, introduced and planted them in Canaan, subdued their enemies, and chose Zion for his own and his Arks habitation; among which matters he rejoiceth in the spirit over our LORD Jesus Christ, especially over his resurrection and ascension into heaven, together with all the saving gifts and benefits, which the Church of the Jews and Gentiles doth enjoy, as well here, as in the Celestail Canaan, for to praise God forever and over.

1. A Psalm and hymn (or song) of David; for the chief song-master. [See Psalm 48.on verse 1. [and 4.on v.1.]

2. God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered, and his haters shall flee before his face. [According as is prophesied by Moses, Numb.10.35. The sence of these words is, when God once ariseth, then are his En.etc. The like connexion of two members and change of tenses, is frequently used to this purpose, especially in the Book of Job, and in the Psalms; that God arise, etc. Or, let God arise, etc. Wish and prayer-wise, and so for the sequel. The meaning is, If God begin but to stir once, then all the rage and fury of his enemies is at an end. The Prophet taketh these words out of Numb.10.35. Whereby as also by.25,26. It is to be gathered, that David made this Psalm, at and for the bringing up of the Ark into Zion, 2 Sam.6.on upon and for those victories, which were obtained according to Gods answer and promise, by the Ark. See 2 Sam.5.19. etc. And 8.1. etc. But especially upon and for the victorious resurrection and ascension of our Saviour Christ, (whose types those were) to triumph over all his and our spiritual enemies, as may be seen, Eph.4.8,9,10.]

3. Thou shalt dispel them, as smote is dispelled: as wax doth melt before the fire, (so) shall the wicked perish from the face of God.

4. But the righteous shall rejoice, they shall leap up for joy before Gods face, and be cheerful for joy.

5. Sing to God, sing Psalms to His Name; raise the ways: [This some do apply to the leading Israel to Canaan through the wilderness, and withal to the spiritual Canaan; Whereof Isa.40.3. Others heighten, or, exalt him that, etc. The Hebrew word is often and properly used for the raising of ways and streets; yet is likewise taken for highly praising, exalting with praise; Prov.4.8. Item for extolling himself, Exod.9.17.] for him that rideth in the plain fields: [some do hereby understand, (comparing this with verse 34.) the third heaven, thus called, by reason of its vastness and absolute pleasantness. Compare Job 22:14. and Psalms 16:11.] Because his Name is LORD. [Heb. Jah; which is as much as JEHOVAH, being but contracted. Compare 2 Sam.6.2. and see Gen.3.on v.4. and Psalm 89.on v.8.] and leap up for joy before his face. [viz. Gods, that manifesteth his presence above the Ark.]

6. He is a father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows: [That pleadeth and maintaineth their right, and vindicateth the wrong done them] God in the dwelling place of his holiness. [i.e. in his holy habitation.]

7. A God that setteth the solitary into a family; Compare Psalm 113.v.9.] bringing forth those that are imprisoned in fetters [Heb. Bounden: Compare Psalms 107:10. and 146.7. others, that bringeth forth the bound (ones) into good condition, or prosperously, or, in due season] but the revolting [or again strivers, obstinate rebellious] dwell in the dry. [in arid; i.e. want and misery: the Hebrew word doth properly signify, to be whitish smooth and bald; i.e. barren and unfruitful. Compare Neh.4.on v.13.]

8. O God, when thou marchedst forth, before the face of thy people; when thou passedst on in the wilderness, Sela! [see Psal.3.on v.3.]

9. The earth trembled, the heavens also dropped before Gods countenance, [i.e. they resolved in a manner, to water, for awe, fear and terror, by reason of thy presence, when as thou wast leading forth thy people of Israel out of Egypt, and bringing them through the wilderness into Canaan] even this Sinai, [pointing as it were with the finger to that mountain; Compare Deut.33.1. Jud.5.on v.4.5. Isa.64.1.2.] before the countenance of God, the God of Israel.

10. Thou hast caused very liberal rain [Heb. Rain of largess, liberality] to drop, (or, sprinkled, as when one doth water something, sprinkling it here and there all over.) O God; and thou hast strengthened thine inheritance, when it was grown faint. [to wit, the land of Canaan, as appears by the next verse, that same thou hast taken care for as thine own inheritance, refreshing the same with rain, when by reason of drought, it was even faint and tired as it were. Compare Deut.11.11,12. And see Ex.15.17. 2 Sam.20.19. Jer.2.7. and 50.10,11. Some do join the word inheritance to the former member thus; Thou hast bedropped (or, sprinkled, dropped upon) thine inheritance with a very liberal rain.]

11. Thy troop [or, deer; The Hebrew word doth properly signify, living, alive (creature or thing) and then animals, or especially savage ones, wild beasts, deer, they being very lively; but it is further likewise taken, for a troop, company, league, or society of men, whether bad, as 2 Sam.23.13. or good, as here, and of both sorts together in one verse, Psalms 74:19. So in the Belgic or Dutch they use to say, poor deer, that poor deer, speaking of men or women in distress] dwelt therein: thou madest it ready, [viz. That inheritance of thine, or, thou prepares (viz. All bless)] for the wretched, [viz. Thy people of Israel, which had endured much in Egypt, and all their enemies would have ruined them; thou broughtest the wretched to right] through thy goodness, [or with thy goods] O God.

12. The LORD gave to speak: [Heb. Gave speech, speaking, i.e. matter to speak of, viz. Victories and deliverances. Oth. Shall give] of the messengers of good tidings, there was a great hoste. [Heb. Messengers in the feminite, which is understood of the messenger-bringing souls, i.e. of persons, according to the nature of the Hebrew phrase. It was indeed the custom in Israel, that the women and young daughters praised or celebrated the victories, and returned God thanks for them, and sung in triumph: (See Exod.15.20,21. Jud.5.1. etc. And 11.v.34. 1 Sam.18.6,7. Compare likewise 2 Sam.1.20.) but here must be understood the messengers of the obtained victories in the old Testament, and the Apostles and Evangelists in the new. See Isa.40.9.]

13. The kings of the hosts fled away, they fled away: [Or flee away, as being words of the messengers] and she that stayed at home, divided the spoil. [The woman, i.e. the women which do not go to field or battle, but stay at Home and keep the house: or the overthrow was so great, that the very women durst and did come forth to divide the spoil. Comp.2.Sam.1.on v.24.]

14. Though ye lay] Here the Prophet speaketh to the people of God: though some there are would apply it to the enemies, thus; if, or, when you lie, &c. Each one of the wings of the Dove, (i.e. of the Church) is etc. And her feathers are, etc.] between two rows of stones, [understand hearth stones, as in Camps or Leagues, and elsewhere also (even to this day) use to be laid and disposed for to make fire between them to dress meat by, setting on or hanging over it pots and kettles, etc. Others, between or among dripping-pans, pots, the sence being all one, and this; Though you should be cast or thrust out into the uttermost slavery, or vilest condition (as in Egypt) all besmoaked and besmutted, like cooks and sculliona; yet shall God through his gracious blessing make you to shine again like a goodly flying Dove, which glistereth as if it were silver and gold] (yet shall ye become as) wings of a Dove, covered with silver; and whose feathers are with digged out yellow gold.]

15. When the Almighty destroyed, [Oth. Shall destroy, then shall yee, etc. Heb. Spread forth, i.e. destroyed, scattered, chaced, as Zach.2.6.] the kings therein, [viz, in his inheritance in the land of Canaan, out of v.10.11.] she become snow-white [she i.e. Gods inheritance, or, it grew snow-white: or, thou (O God) madest her snow-white] as upon Tsalmus. [in the midst of the land where this mount lay, by Sichem. See Jud.9.48. some conceive that David had a regard here to the word Tsalmon, as if he should have said; whereas the land was covered before with dark black shadows; it growth white, lightsome, bright and clear, even snow-white in a manner, by reason of the joy and triumph in it which doth likewise agree pretty well the similitude mentioned in the former verse.]

16. The hill of Basan is a hill of God: [i.e. very high, also fat and fruitfull. See Gen.13.on verse 10. And Psal.36.7. of Basan, see Deut.32.on verse 14. And Psal.22. on verse 13.] the hill of Basan is bunchy hill. [Heb. An hill of bunches, having many pretty hills and risings upon him.]

17. Why leap ye up, ye bunchy hills? [As triumphing and glorying above this hill of Zion. The Hebrew verb is no where extant but here, and therefore variously rendered] This hill God hath desired for his habitation: [meaning the hill of Zion; as if he said, All other Nations and Kingdoms may glory of whatsoever and as long as they please, they can never come in competition with the excellency the Church of God hath; nor with all their pride and bravery out-brave her, nor subdue her, because that she alone is honoured with Gods most gracious presence, residence and everlasting inhabitation. Compare Psal.132.v.13,14. Rev.14.1.] also the LORD shall dwell there in eternity.

18. Gods chariots [Or Cavalry: understand the Angelical hostes, ready at Gods service, for the protection of his people, against the power and fury of the enemies, which use to glory and brag much of the multitude of their chariots and horsemen. See 2 Kings 6:15,17.] are twice ten thousand, [Heb. Two millions, i.e. very many, a numberless company, many thousands. The Number ten is used for many, or great multitudes; and consequently the doubling of the thousand: for yet more. See Gen.31.41. Matth.18.24.] the thousands doubled: [Heb. Doubling, others Angels. The Hebrew word is no where else found] The LORD is among them; a Sinai in holiness. [i.e. the glory and holiness of God there, is such, as once in former times he hath made it appear in mount Sinai. So that now it is no more to be sought on that Sinai.]

19. Thou art ascended into the height, [God is greatly magnified indeed, by those victories which he gave unto his people Israel in Canaan; but the Apostle testifieth, Eph.4.v.8. etc. That this passage doth peculiarly regard the victories of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he hath gotten from all his and our spiritual enemies, and carried in triumph as it were at his glorious Ascension; and (as was usual upon great victories and triumphs) bestowed and divided all manner of gifts from his Throne, in his Church, even upon the unbelievers themselves, thereby to covert and incorporate them into the Church of God; whereof the Apostle testifieth, Eph.4.v.8. etc.] thou hast led captivity. [i.e. the captive. See Num.31.v.12.] Thou hast taken gifts (for to divide) among men; [of such a use of the word to take, see Gen.12.v.15. and Hos.14.v.3. Item Eph.4.8. Where the Apostle alledgeth this very place and makes use of the word, giving instead of taking] yea likewise the refractory, [i.e. the unbelieving, understand hast thou taken captive under thine obedience: Compare 2 Cor.10.5. or, (among) the refractory, to wit, dost thou divide gifts.] to dwell (by thee) O LORD GOD, [that they might live with thee in thy Church. Others, to dwell (in them:) for to dwell with, or by the LORD God: understand the uniting of the Jews and Gentiles through the faith in Christ.]

20. Praised [Heb. Blessed] be the LORD; day by day, [Heb. Day, day] doth he overload us: [viz. With gifts and benefits, out of v.19.] That God (is) our salvation. Sela!

21. That God is a God unto us of perfect salvation: [Heb. Of salvation: [Heb. Of salvations] and with the LORD the Lord, are issues. [Compare 1 Cor.10.13.] against death. [or in death, i.e. in the midst of death.]

22. Assuredly, shall God break in pieces the head of his enemies; [Or pierce, wound through, &c. The hairy pate, [or hair top, or hairy skull, Heb. Scull of the hair.i.e. him that looks as big and wild and fierce, as an outlawed or highway-robber. Compare Job 5.on v.5.] of him that walks in his guilts. [that goeth on from time to time without any remorse or trouble in his villainies, heaping up still the weight and guilt of his sins.]

23. The LORD hath said; I will bring again out Basan: I will bring again out of the depths of the sea. [i.e. I shall as well now deliver my people out of all the streights of their enemies, as I have delivered them in former times from Og the king of Basan, and from the Egyptians in the red sea. Numb.21.Ex.14.]

24. That thou mightiest dip thy foot, (yea) the tongue of thy dogs into the blood of the enemies one of them. [i.e. the blood that shall have issued or run from the enemies slain in battle, yea, from, or out of every one of them; or, from that hairy top scalp or scull, and his adherents, comp. Psal.58.11.]

25. O God, they have seen thy goings, [Thy people hath; this seems to reflect upon the bringing in of the Ark into Zion (See 2 Sam.6.13.) or at leastwise upon the return of the Ark after victory obtained. See 2 Sam.11.] the goings of my God, my King into the Sanctuary.

26. The singers went before, [Compare 2 Sam.6.36. 1 Chron.13.8.] the players (on instruments) after, in the midst the drumming maids. [as the manner was in those days. Upon occasions of solemn rejoicing and triumph. See Ex.15.20. Jud.11.34. 1 Sam.18.6. Jer.31.4. etc. And compare above v.12.]

27. Praise God in the congregations: the LORD, ye that are of the spring-vain (or source) of Israel. [i.e. ye that are his off-spring, that derive yourselves from Jacob, even as a river from the source, or well-spring; in regard that the twelve Tribes were all his own off-spring. Comp.Deut.33.on v.28. and Isa.48.1.]

28. There is Benjamin the little one, [Being descended from the youngest brother, and much lessened by the overthrow at Gibea; Jud.20.] that had the dominion one them, [in regard that Saul the first King was of the Tribe of Benjamin.] the Princes of Juda, (with) their congregation: [the Hebrew word is onely found thus in this place, coming of a root that signifies to stone, overcast with stones: as also there comes another word of it, signifying, a stone-heap; so this is taken for a gathered multitude, counsel, society, congregation of the chief and principal men or chieftains, who are likewise compare to a stone or stones, (see Gen.49.on v.24.) being they are or ought to be the main support and firmness of the commonalty] the princes of Zebulon, the princes of Naphthali. [these several Tribes he names, to shew that in these assemblies or congregations, all the Tribes appeared as well the far distant (Zebulon and Naphtali) as the nearest as hand, Benjamin, and Juda.]

29. Thy God hath commanded thy strength: [i.e. decreed, ordained and appointed for thee: See Lev.25.on v.21. and Psal.42.9.] strengthen O God that which thou hast wrought on us: [or, for, in, us.]

30. For thy Temples sake at Jerusalem, [To be built my son: David indeed had intended the building thereof, but he was advertised by Nathan, that God would have it performed by Salomon, 2 Sam.7. Some connex these words with the foregoing thus; strengthen, etc. Out of thy Temple, i.e. Palace, Tabernacle, Sanctuary (which afterwards was removed into the Temple) being the place of the Ark, where God is said to inhabit: Others. After thy Temple shall have been at Jerusalem, i.e. after the destruction of the Temple, understanding thereby the calling of the Gentiles, or thus: for thy Temples, for Jerusalems sake, etc.] shall the Kings bring presents unto thee. [or let the Kings bring, etc. This was partly performed in the times of Salomon, and Hizkia, 1 Kings 10,10,24,25. 2 Chron.32.23. Isa.18.7.] but principally, spiritually accomplished in the New Testament by the conversion of the heathen Kings and Princes Comp.Isa.49.22,23. And here the verses following: 32,23. Item. Psal.72.10.]

31. Rebuke, [Of Gods rebuking, see Psalm 9.on v.6. Others, defeat or undo] the wild beast of the Reed, [i.e. dwelling, or having their abode, by or about the Reed Hereby we may understand in general the enemies of Gods people, whom the scripture compareth with wild beast; or, the king of Egypt in particular, whose Court lay at a Rivers side, where there was plenty of Reed. Compare Isa.19.6. and Exod.2.3.4. Others, the company of spear-men, or shooters, archers, in regard that the spears and arrows were wont to be made in some places of thick and strong Reed. Some by the Reed here, do understand fat and luxurious places out of Isa.35.7.] the congregation of Bulls, [i.e. of rude or insolent captains, rulers or governors. See Psalm 22.on verse 13.] with the calves of the people; [i.e. the common souldiers, or the wanton foolish subjects of wicked governors. Some do here more particular understand the Calves-worship of the Egyptians.] (and) him that subjects himself with pieces of silver: [Heb. Casts down himself, as it were to be trodden under foot, understand the hypocrites, who with a shew of deep humility, bring likewise presents; comp.Deut.33.29.2. Sam.22,45. With the Annot. See also Prov.6.3. Others, that layeth himself down on pieces of silver. i.e. liveth in great pomp and luxury.] he hath scattered the Nations (that) delight in delight in war. [this the Prophet speaketh to the people of God, with the war-affecting enemies of God and his people.]

32. Princely Ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: [The word for princely Ambassadors in the Hebrew (as likewise some others are) is onely found in this Psalm. See further on v.30.] Ethiopia, [i.e. the Moores, Heb. Cusch. See Gen.2.on v.13.] shall make haste to stretch out his hands to God. [Heb. Shall make his hands run to God.]

33. Ye kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God: sing Psalms to the Lord, Sela!

34. Him that rideth in the heaven of heavens of antiquity. i.e. the highest or third heaven, that (together with the rest) hath been of old, from all times, ever since the beginning of the world. See 1 King.8.on v.27.] Behold, he giveth his voice, a voice of strength. [understand the thunder, whereby he doth especially manifest his divine power and majesty. See Psalm.29.on v.3. Others, He giveth a strong (or mighty) sound by his voice.]

35. Give God strength: [See Psalms 8:3. and 29.1.] his excellency, [as Deut.33.26.] is over Israel, and his strength in the uppermost clouds. [others, Heavens. Thus called, by reason of its very thine and pure substance.]

36. O God, thou art dreadful out of thy Sanctuaries: [The tabernacle, wherein there were sundry holy places or habitations; and with all the Heaven thereby represented or prefigured.] the God of Israel, he giveth unto the people [viz. Of Israel his own people] strength and powers: Praised [Heb. Blessed] be God.