Psalms 68

Psalms 68:1-6

This pfalm is supposed to have been composed on bringing the ark to Zion from the house of Chied-edom; and looks forward to Christ’s ascension, his setting on the throne of his glory, and his calling the Gentiles into his church. 1. David begins with prayer, hath against God’s enemies, ver. 1, 2. and for his people, ver. 3. He proceeds to pray, calling upon all to praise God, ver. 4, 26, 32. (1.) For his greatness and goodness, ver. 4—6. (2.) For the wonderful works he had wrought for Israel, ver. 7—14. (3.) For his special presence in his church, ver. 15—17. (4.) For the ascension of Christ, ver. 18. and the salvation of his people by him, ver. 19, 20. (5.) For the stillness which Christ would obtain ever his enemies, and the favours he would believe upon his church, ver. 21—28. (6.) For the enlargement of the church by the ascension of the Gentiles to it, ver. 29—31. And so he concludes the pfalm with an awful acknowledgment of the glory and grace of God, ver. 32—35.

To the chief musician, A pfalm or song of David.

1. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him, flee by before him. 2. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as was reinfluenced before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3. But let the righteous be glad: let them rejoice before God, yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. 4. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 5. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. 6. God serreth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains, but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

We have here.

1. David’s prayer for the dispersion of the enemies of God and his people, and for the comfort and joy of his faithful ones. It may be considered also as prophecies of the Messiah’s appearing. Let God incarnate arise, and let his enemies be scattered, the powers of earth or hell that oppose his kingdom in the world: Let them also that hate him, whether men to devils, flee before him, vanquished by his Almighty arm; as smoke is driven away, so safely and thoroughly drive them away; as was reinfluenced before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God the Redeemer, when either in present judgments he shall visit them, or in the great day of his appearing and glory, arise to conform them with the brightness of his coming. But let the righteous, those who are accepted in him, and counted righteous through him, be glad when they see his day: let them rejoice before God, in the present joy of his salvation, and in hope of the complete redemption which awaits them, from sin, death, and hell; yea, let them rejoice exceedingly, with exultation proportioned to the greatness of the salvation. Note, (1.) Though many thanks at the charge of letters of God, yet such every disobedient sinner will be proved at last. (2.) Though we must rather pray for our enemy’s conversion than destruction, yet when Christ’s kingdom comes, which we are bound to pray for, his being glorified in their ruin will be our joy. (3.) Though sinners are now never to obdurate, they will shortly be brought to their terrors, and their once fearless hearts fail at the smoke, and melt as the wax. (4.) However terrible it will be to the wicked world, God’s people are sure of comfort and safety when he arises to judgment.

2. He magnifies God as the king of heaven, the self-existent Jehovah; gracious to regard the fatherless and widows, to restore the deloade families of his people, to loose the prisoners bands, and make the rebellious pine with famine and misery. Jesus is this JAH, the self-existent, self-sufficient God, alluded into the heavens, the object of the eternal praises of men and angels, the guardian of his afflicted church and people, raising up families of the faithful among the Gentiles that were solitary and deloade; delivering the bondless of sin and Satan from their chains, and bringing them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; but letting the rebellious sinners, whether of Jews or Gentiles, or false gods, to perish in the dry land of ignorance, infidelity, and obfituate impenitence.

3. O God, when thou wenteth forth before thy people; when thou didst march through the wilderness. Selah. 8. The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: two Sinai itself may mount the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9. Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. 10. The congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hath prepared of thy goodness for the poor. 11. The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those that prohibited it. 12. Kings of armies & did flee apace: and the that tarried at home divided the spoil. 13. Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be at the wings of a dove covered with flower, and her feathers with yellow gold. 14. When the Almighty scattered kings join it, it was to be a sign of the land.

Psalms 68:7-14

God’s wondrous works are here recorded to his glory, for his people’s comfort; and they may be considered. 1. As a pleasing retrospect on past mercies. When from the house of their poison delivered, God led their hosts through the wilderness, v. 7. by the pillar and cloud brought them to Sinai’s mount, where, in the most tremendous manner, his law was given to them, v. 8. provided for them by miracles of manna and water from the rock, when fainting in their march, and gave them at last an inheritance in the good land flowing with milk and honey, where his poor people found an abundant portion prepared for them of all good things, v. 9, 10. by his prophets, and divinely appointed ministers, he taught them, encouraged them to serve him, and assured them on their fidelity they would be always victorious: and the event every way verified his promises; none, even the mightiest kings, could withstand them; and such abundant spoil was gotten, that even the women who were at home were enriched by it, v. 11, 12. Thus, though in the brick-kins of Egypt they had lain and failed their beauty, now they should shine in glory as the glowing feathers of the dove, v. 13. and, better than their outward riches, their victories, whilst they awakened their thanksfulness, brought them nearer to God, and made them white and pure as snow in Salmon.

2. As a glorious prophecy of the gospel church, under their head Christ Jesus, leading up his people from the bondage of sin, and his oppressed church from the power of antichristian foes; as the captain of their salvation going before them, and by his word and spirit directing their march through this howling wilderness, the world that lieth in wickedness, v. 7.

At the promulgation of his gospel the powers of earth were shaken; and before his presence, the hearts of proud Sinners, though exalted as mountains in height, flowed down in lowliest abatement, v. 8. By the plentiful effusion of his Spirit in the reconstitution of the gospel, the souls of weary and heavy-laden Sinners were refreshed, v. 9. and, into his church admitted, dwelt with comfort there, where, with such a profusion of goodness, the blessings of pardon, grace, consolation, glory, were prepared for every poor and perishing soul, v. 10. By his apostles and ministers, divinely commissioned, he gave the word, qualified them for their work, and accompanied their preaching with demonstration of the Spirit; and multitudes, as in one, as the word company may be rendered, readily engaged in the warfare, notwithstanding all the dangers: even women, (the word preacher before of the feminine gender, and alluding to the women who sing the victories of their generals) helped in the gospel, v. 11. The powers of the heathen, though long perfectating, were unequified by the word of truth; and their kings, converted, became nursing fathers, whilst the church, as a conqueror, dread of the feuds, the souls of men refused from heathenism, and the power of Satan, v. 12. Long had these laits in the corruption and deference of their fallen nature, as in the case of every sinner, till saved by grace: but now were adorned with the garments of a Redeemer’s righteousness, bright as the lilies wing of the dome, and beautiful in holiness as her glowing feathers in the sun, v. 13. And when the final day of recompense comes, and at the battle of Armageddon, Rev. xvi. 14.—16. all opposing potentates shall finally be overthrown; then while as time as Salmon shall the faithful shine for ever, perfect in holiness.

Psalms 68:15

—21. We have here,

1. The strength and stability of the church of Christ. High as Bafhan, fixed as the everlasting mountains, v. 15. vain are all the efforts of the potentate of earth against it: though they threaten to overwhelm it, God’s presence in the midst of her is a sure protection, and for ever he will watch over, and preserve her unhunt, v. 16.

2. Angelic buffs are her constant guard; the thousands of angels stand around their Lord in flaming ranks, ready to obey his high commands, and minister to those that are heirs of salvation.

3. The Lord Jesus is ascended up on high, to take the throne, and guide, govern, and preserve his chosen; angels, principalities, and powers, being made subject unto him. He hath led captivity captive: like a conqueror, death, hell, and all the powers of darkness, bound in chains, follow his triumphant car: his people are delivered, and those for victory. He hath received gifts for men, or, given gifts unto men, (See Eph. iv. 8.) whether ministerial gifts, to qualify them for preaching his gospel; or gifts of grace, which he believes on his people for strength, comfort, and esification: yes, for the rebellious also, such as all men are by nature and practice, till changed by divine grace, and made obedient to the faith; that the Lord God might dwell among them, as a reconciled God in Christ, manifesting his favour and love to those who were once rebel sinners, making them fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Note, (1.) We can never enough admire and adore the triumphs, grace, and glory of our ascended Saviour. (2.) A pardoned rebel never felt such gratitude to his generous points, as the pardoned sinner ought to feel towards his gracious Lord.

4. He is glorified in the salvation of his people, for which they ever bless and praise him. He loatheth us with benefits, spiritual and temporal; or, he will bear us up, carry us in his arms, that we may be safe. He is our God, ever interesting himself for us; the God of our salvation, who hath begun, and will perfect it; and unto him belong the issues from death; he will preserve his people from the deadly devices of their foes, Satan, the world, and sin; will open a door of hope to them in the grave; and, in the reformation-day, give them victory over death for ever. Note, (1.) God is never weary in doing us

good; why then should we ever finish in this perish or service? (2.) They who have an interest in a covenant God, have their salvation in eternity secured; and death to them is delivered of all its service.

5. He will destroy every enemy as last. The heirs of the old Serpent shall be finally bruised, and the obstinately impenitent, who have joined the devil and his angels in their rebellion, shall be thrust down with them into the place of torment, v. 21.

6. The LORD said, I will bring again from Bafhan, I will bring my people again: from the depths of the sun. 23. That thy foot may be tipped in the blood of the shine enemies, and the tongues of thy dogs in the same. 24. They have seen thy gouges, O God, even the gouges of my God, my king, in the landuary. 25. The fingers went before, the players on instruments followed after, amongst them were the dancers playing with timbrels. 26. Bless ye God in the congregation, even the LORD, from the fountain of Israel. 27. There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah, and their council, the princes of Zebulon, and the princes of Naphtali. 28. They God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. 29. Because of thy temple at Jerusalem, shall kings bring presents unto thee. 30. Rebuke the company of Ipsarmen, the multitude of the buffs, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself, with pieces of silver: fowkes thou the people that delight in war. 31. Princes shall come out of Egypt, Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

Psalms 68:22-31

Such as were the former deliverances of God’s people, such, and more eminent, shall be the salvation and glory of Christ’s church.

1. They shall be brought from Bafhan, as Israel from the mighty army of Og, victorious over every oppressing and persecuting power, whether Pagan, Mahometan, or Papal; and shall come up from the depths of their distresses, under the leading of the great Captain of their salvation, v. 22. Such a vast slaughter shall be made among their foes, (See Rev. xiv. 20.) that they shall wade in a few of blood, and the dogs lap it as water; in such abundance shall it be shed. Now, However oppressed the cause of Christ may be for a while, the triumphing of his foes is momentary, and their ruin near and terrible.

2. The people of God will celebrate this victory, as of old in the temple the Levites and Singers magnified God on their successes gained by the armies of Israel. They have seen thy gouges, O God, have thou, my God and king, giveth in the sanctuary, manifesting his presence in his church, and exerting his power for the salvation of his people, and the destruction of their foes. The apostles and preachers, as sweet singers, proclaim the glad tidings of salvation, and all the congregations of the redeemed, without distinction of sex or fashion, male and female, princes and subjects, shall unite in the long of praise for gospel mercies, flowing from the fountain of Israel, the incarnate Saviour, v. 26. Or little Benjamin may have some reference to Paul, the great apostle of the Gentiles, who was of that tribe, as Zebulon and Naphtali to the first apostles, who were chiefly of the land of Galilee, where these tribes lay; whilst the princes of Judah, and their council, may signify the first gospel churches and their ministers, established at Jerusalem and in the neighbourhood.

3. They will depend on God for the perfecting his own work. The God hath commanded thy strength; which may be considered as an apothopite to the Messiah, strengthened for the great work of redemption; or as the encouragement the plainest suggests to God’s people. Since God, their God, hath commanded their strength, they cannot fail, and therefore may be assured of an answer to their prayer, Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us; bring to a happy conclusion what is so gloriously begun. Note, (1.) All our spiritual strength comes from God: whatever we enjoy, it is by his grace alone we are what we are. (2.) If we have experienced the suppers of his arm, we must in faith continue to wait upon him, and may be assured he will strengthen us unto the end.

4. They expect to for the spread of the Redeemer’s kingdom universally, and the subdued of all his enemies. Bounty of thy temple at Jerusalem, shall kings bring presents unto thee, becoming converts to the gospel, and joining themselves to the church of Christ; as when Constantine protested Christianity, and as hereafter will be seen, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and his Christ. Prince from Egypt, the old enemy of God’s people, shall make their submission; and such will be the case, when the princes shall quit the communion of the church of Antichrist, (See Rev. xi. 8. xviii. 2.) and Ethiopia, the most distant realms of the heathen, Streth

Stretch out their hands unto God in prayer, or as laying hold on Jefah’s strength to make peace with him, v. 31. and those who will not bow to him, must perish. The enemies of God, though strongly armed, furious, and numerous as herds of bulls, and supported by a deluded people, kept like calves in ignorance and stupidity, will be rebuked, till every one submit himself, be made to yield; or rather, as the words may signify, though glorying themselves, or treading proudly, because of their riches, they shall be brought low; and the people who delight in war, have long waged it against the saints, be finally and eternally scattered from the face of the earth, v. 30.

32. Sing unto God, ‘ye kingdoms of the earth: O sing praises unto the LORD, Selah: 33. To him ’that riddeth upon the heaven of heavens, which were of old; lo,’ he doth lend out his voice, and that a mighty voice. 34. ‘Aferibe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the + clouds. 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: bleffed de God.

Psalms 68:32-35

The psalm concludes with an exhortation to the redeemed from the earth, to unite heart and voice, as in duty bound, in ascribing glory to God their Redeemer.

1. As aforesaid to his throne in the heavens, established from eternity, and ruling over all, v. 33.

2. For the mighty efficacy of his gospel, sent forth into all lands, and working with irresistible energy upon the souls of men.

3. For his operations of grace and providence towards his Israel. In him is everlasting strength; his residency, all his glorious perfections, is over Israel, engaged for their comfort and support; and his strength is in the clouds: they are his instruments of vengeance; on them he went up to heaven, with them he shall descend to judgment.

4. For the awful visitations on his enemies. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places; in present strokes of vengeance, and especially as ready to consume the wicked with the brightness of his coming.

5. For the preservation of his Israel. The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people; happens them under all difficulties, strengthens them for their work, and enables them to persevere in their fidelity. Blighted de God: let that Redeemer, whose grace alone works all for us, and in us, receive the praise of all.

Psalms 68:100

15. The hill of God is as the hill of Bafhan, an high hill as the hill of Bafhan. 16. Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God defends to dwell in, yea, the LORD will dwell as it for ever. 17. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, + even thousands of angels: the LORD is among them as in Sinai, in the holy place. 18. ‘Thou hast ascended on high,’ thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast deceived gifts; for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. 19. Blessed be the LORD, who daily & loatheth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. 20. He that is our God, is the God of salvation; and unto God the LORD belong the issues from death. 21. But ‘God shall wound the head of his enemies: and the hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his trepaffes.