Bible Commentaries

Psalm 68:1-35.

V:1- 3. This psalm is supposed to have been written and used, when the ark was carried up to Mount Zion. The first of these verses evidently refers to the words used by Moses, at the removal of the ark ( Numbers 10:35-36 :) but the sacred name JEHOVAH, used in that passage, is here changed for ELOHIM, or God; and the future tense in the first clause is substituted instead of the imperative, the language of prediction for that of prayer. Indeed the old version, more literally than the present, renders the whole of these verses as a prophecy, " God will arise, and his enemies shall be scattered, &c.:" for all the verbs are future. (Notes, Psalm 5:10-11; Psalm 67:1-3.)

The Psalmist looked back to the former mercies of God to Israel, and predicted further prosperity to his people, now the symbol of God's presence had taken possession of its appointed residence among them. The presence of God with Israel had dissipated the force and projects of those who hated him and them, as the cloud of smoke is dispersed by the wind, or as the wax is liquefied by the fire. And while the wicked had perished at his presence, the righteous had expressed their admiring gratitude and joy, in every imaginable way. Thus it had been of old; thus it would certainly be in future times; and thus the worshippers prayed that it might be, then and at all times.

V:4. Rideth upon the heavens.] (Notes, 31- 33. Deuteronomy 33:26.) Or, as some render the words, " Rideth " through the deserts," as the Protector of Israel. I AM is an abbreviation of JEHOVAH, and signifies selfvixtcnce and eternity. This name is used very frequently, in conjunction with Hallelu, forming the word Hallelujah; that Exodus 3:14-15; Exodus 6:2-3.) Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 15:1-21.) But especially, when the people were encamped before Sinai, that mountain shook to its foundations, at the presence of Israel's God. (Notes, Exodus 19:16-20. Judges 5:4-5.)

V:9 , 10. The awful displays of JEHOVAH's glory were not more extraordinary, than his gracious interpositions in behalf of his people. In order to provide for their urgent wants, " he commanded the clouds from above, and opened " the doors of heaven; and rained down manna upon them " to eat." " He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and " feathered fowl like as the sand of the sea." (cv40- 42. Notes, Psalm 78:17-31. Exodus 16:13-36.) Thus they were plentifully supplied, and their hearts were confirmed, or strengthened and encouraged, when wearied with marching through the wilderness. They dwelt in the midst of their provisions : and the poorest of them were as sufficiently provided for, as if they had inhabited Canaan, when rendered most fruitful by the early and latter rains. The word rendered " congregation," seems to mean any living thing; and to mark out in one general term, the immense multitude of living creatures, which were in this astonishing manner continually maintained. The Septuagint render it, " Thy living creatures." Considering the psalm as predictive and descriptive of the Ascension of the Saviour, our thoughts are naturally led to the events that followed; and many parts of it are peculiarly applicable to those events. In this view, how weary and barren was the visible church at the death of Christ ! But what a gracious and refreshing rain was soon sent down upon it, in the pouring forth of the Spirit at the day of Pentecost and afterwards ." What provision was then made for the poor souls, who had long waited for redemption in Israel, or who had groped in darkness in other lands ! (Notes, Psalm 72:1-7

V:11 , 12. In many instances the Lord himself " gave " the word,"" commanding the Israelites to march against their enemies, or to go forward regardless of them : and when he had given his people the victory, he put into their mouths the word of praise and thanksgiving. Then " great " was the army of those that published it." The word rendered " published," is feminine : and the Psalmist seems to allude to the custom of the women in companies, joining to celebrate the successes of the nation with songs of praise and triumph, as Miriam and the women of Israel, and Deborah, and others did. (Notes, Exodus 15:1-21. Judges 5:1-31 :) So decided were their victories, that while the kings commanding numerous and powerful armies fled, with the greatest precipitation, but in vain; the spoil which was taken was so large, that even the women who remained at home received a share of it. (Marg. Ref.)

Thus when our Lord, having risen as a Conqueror from the grave, gave the word to preach his gospel, great numbers were raised up to publish the glad tidings : opposing rulers and empires fell before them; (Notes, Revelation 6:1-2; Revelation 12:7-12;) and millions have shared the blessings, who have been exempted from the persecutions and sufferings, which apostles and evangelists endured. It is also remarkable, that the whole of these verses is in the future tense; and therefore, though properly applied, as the language of poetry, to past events, it may well be considered as prophetical likewise. " The Lord will give the word, &c."

V:13. Israel making bricks in Egypt, and lodging like slaves between the rows of the kilns, or furnaces, being covered with clay and smoke, appeared very mean : but when possessed of Canaan, during the reigns of David and Psalm 149:4. P. O. Notes, 1 Corinthians 15:45-54. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10.)

V:14. When the Almighty scattered and destroyed the kings of Canaan for the church of Israel, (the dove mentioned in the preceding verse, the words being feminine,) it not only became very honourable; but was likewise so purified from sin, and adorned with holiness, that it appeared white like the top of Salmon when covered with snow. (Notes, Psalm 51:7 - Isaiah 1:16-20.) The generation which fought under Joshua was peculiarly excellent : (Notes, Joshua 5:2-8; Joshua 22:34 :) and under the Psalm 78:67-69; Psalm 87:1-6.)

V:17. The God of Israel is here described as a mighty Prince and Conqueror coming to his palace, to take possession of his throne, with a very large army of chariots and horsemen; as his thousands of angels were a far more splendid retinue, than ever attended the greatest monarch. Thus he descended upon mount Sinai: thus he would dwell upon mount Zion : thus the Messiah ascended into heaven, attended with an innumerable company of angels; and thus he shall at length come to judge the world. (Marg. Ref. q.) The original word does not seem to mean angels; yet they are evidently intended. The marginal reading many tlmtsands is more literal. "Thousands of repetition; " or " thousands again and again repeated." Among these the Lord manifested himself, as he had done " in Sinai, in the holy place." (Notes, Exodus 3:4-5; Exodus 19:16-20.)

V:18. When the ark was placed upon mount Zion, the tabernacle was enriched with the spoils of the vanquished nations, which were there deposited for the benefit of the Israelites, notwithstanding their rebellions, that " the LORD God might dwell among them : " and of these spoils the temple was chiefly built. (Notes, 2 Samuel 8:9-11. 1 Chronicles 26:28; 1 Chronicles 29:3-9.) But the ascension of Christ must here be meant, who is thus proved to be JEHOVAH. When Ephesians 4:7-13.) He does not, however, take it from the Septuagint, but gives the sense in other words. To receive a gift for another, implies giving it Some render the word translated " for men," in 1 Peter 1:10-12,) caused the Psalmist to break forth abruptly into adoring praises. This must have had great effect, when sung by the numerous bands which attended the ark, accompanied with instrumental musick, in great variety and perfection. (Note, 1 Chronicles 16:34-36.) The God of salvation, day by day, or every day, heaped benefits on his people, and, as it were, loaded them with favours; and therefore it was but reasonable, that he should be praised every day. Unto him, even GOD the Lord, belonged the outgoings from death. Life and death, heaven and hell, are absolutely at his disposal. The Lord Jesus is " the Resurrection and the Life." He has " the " keys of death and hell; " (Marg. Ref. Note, Revelation 1:12-20; He has "opened the kingdom of heaven to all " believers," he has made a way for their deliverance from spiritual and eternal death; he has taken away the sting and terror of death, and made that " king of terrors " the gain and privilege of his people; he has consecrated the grave as the repository of their bodies, which he will raise at length incorruptible and immortal. Our God is the God of salvation. (20) Or, salvations. (Notes, Is. Psalm 12:1-3. John 4:21-24.)

V:21. The gifts received by the ascended Saviour, though for " rebellious Exodus 34:5-35" The hairy scalp " means, the crown of the head, the principal strength, confidence, and glory of the enemy. Christ will crush the serpent's head. (Marg. Ref. Note, Genesis 3:14-15.)

V:22 , 23. The Lord had promised to save Israel from their enemies by the hand of David : he would therefore renew the wonders which he wrought, when Og king of Bashan was slain, and when the Egyptians perished at the Red Sea. The ascension of Christ made way for most signal displays of the Lord's power, in spreading the gospel, and in taking vengeance on his enemies: and the more glorious prevalence of Christianity shall be attended with such slaughter of antichristian opposers, as will literally verify the words here used. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalm 149:6-9. Isaiah 63:1-6. Revelation 19:17-21.) As the verses follow the prophecy of our Lord's ascension, these events seem more directly predicted; and especially the conversion of the Jews, their restoration to their own land, and the vengeance on those who shall oppose them. (Notes, Ez. xxxviii, 39:)

V:24 , 25. When the solemnity of the day was nearly finished, these verses seem to have been sung. The congregation had been spectators of the triumphant manner, in which their God and King had gone up to take possession of his sanctuary, attended with sacred musick and rejoicing. He had accepted their services; and all was so happily concluded, as to presage future prosperous days. (Notes, Psalm 24:7-10. 1 Chronicles 15:16-24 In like manner the prophecy of the Son of David, (the King of kings and Lord of lords,) going forth to destroy his enemies and enlarge his kingdom, is introduced by a vision of " much people in heaven, saying Alleluia; salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord " our God; &c." (Notes, Revelation 19:1-21 :) A scene not wholly unlike, but immensely more august, than that procession with the ark to mount Zion, which was the pledge of David's further victories and prosperity.

My God, my King. (24) Psalm 145:1. Damsels. (25) Psalm 148:11-14. Notes, 11 , 12. Jeremiah 31:3-5; Jeremiah 31:10-14, v: 13. The triumphant entrance of the ascending Saviour, amidst the loud acclamations of the heavenly hosts, is shadowed forth under these images.

V:26. From the fountain, &c.] That Psalm 135:13; Psalm 15:1 to Psalm 21:13.)

V:27. The tribe of Benjamin, from which Saul the first king of Israel sprang, joined in this solemnity, as willingly subject to David; and, though a small tribe, descended from Jacob's youngest Judges 20:1-48 :;) and now eclipsed by Judah whose princes supported David as his council, or by their multitudes; it manifested no jealousy or envy. Not only the rulers of the other tribes in the vicinity of Jerusalem attended on this occasion, but those of Zebulun and Naphtali which lay most remote : so harmonious was the whole nation on this occasion ! (Notes, 1 Chronicles 12:22-40; 1 Chronicles 13:1-4.) Thus after Christ's ascension, rival nations and people, near and far off, thronged into his church.

V:28. The people seem here to have addressed the king. The LORD his God had commanded all parties thus to strengthen David's cause, and had effected their willing submission; and they prayed, that he would establish what he had by him wrought for his people, in preserving the unity of the nation, and increasing its prosperity. " May " it please thee, O God, to increaseand confirm it : for, as " it is begun, so it must be perfected, by thee alone." Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Psalm 138:8. Ephesians 3:20-21, Philippians 1:1-30 : V:29. The word rendered " temple " is also used for the tabernacle: ( 1 Samuel 3:3 :) yet it is probable, that David spoke this prophetically, and foretold that the temple, which was to be built at Jerusalem, would render the worship there performed so much known, that kings would bring presents and oblations to JEHOVAH, to be offered there. This was a figure of the conversion of the kings of the earth unto Christ in the latter days. (Notes, Psalm 72:8-11. Ezra 7:11-28. 2 Samuel 8:10 The word, rendered " submit themselves," means the most unreserved humiliation. It is used only here and Proverbs 6:3; where it is rendered, " Humble thyself." It is no doubt to be considered also as a typical prophecy, and a prayer of the church for a decided victory, over the most furious and haughty of her oppressors and persecutors. (Marg. Ref.)

V:31- 33. The victories, gained by David and Israel over the surrounding nations, would induce even those who were more distant, and most addicted to idolatry, to come to Jerusalem, and join themselves to the worshippers of the true God. (Marg. Ref. c, d.) The conversion of the nations, in consequence of the judgments of God on the opposers of the gospel in the primitive times, and before the millennium, is evidently foretold : for the kingdoms of the earth are called upon to join in the praises of Israel; and to adore him, who rode on the heavens to the help of his people, (Note, Deuteronomy 33:26,) and who spake with a mighty voice to them from mountSinai. When the Messiah ascended on high, to " the glory which he had with : " the Father before the world was," he sent forth the powerful word of his gospel, calling on all men to submit to him, " and honour him even as they honoured the Father that sent him." Ethiopia, &c. (31) The Ethiopians shall hasten with their willing oblations to the God of Israel. As connected with Egypt, it is probable that Ethiopia in Africa is meant : the land of negroes. (Notes, Acts 8:26-40.) This may encourage our efforts and prayers for the conversion of the much injured Africans.

V:34 , 35. All the glorious perfections of God, which are his " excellency," concur in protecting his church. The power which made the clouds, and rules the highest heavens, is exerted in behalf of his people and communicated to them, " out of his holy places; " the sanctuary of old, as the type of " heaven itself," " whither the Fore" runner is for us entered;" and whence especially he is terrible to his enemies; for " holy and reverend is his " name."

(Notes, 29: Psalm 111:9-10. Psalm 148:13-14. Deuteronomy 33:27-29.) Blessed be God. (35) Notes, Psalm 41:11-13; Psalm 72:17-19. Ephesians 1:3-8.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V:1-17.

When God arises to plead the cause of his people, the confederated power of those who hate him will be dissipated and dissolved; and at length all the wicked will perish at his presence. The same displays of his power and glory will rejoice the righteous; and words cannot express the cause which they have, and ever will have, to triumph in him as their unchangeable Friend, and to celebrate his praises. His condescension is equal to his majesty : he always patronizes the afflicted and oppressed; and poor sinners, helpless and exposed more than any destitute orphans, are readily admitted among his sons and daughters, and share all the blessings of that high relation. Indeed all the company of his chosen were once bound in Satan's chains, and employed in a baser drudgery than that of making bricks; and far more wretched and abject, than the Israelites in Egypt. But when he comes to break off their chains, and claim them for his own, he leads them forth to liberty, to victory, and to eternal glory. They are made willing to follow him, and he goes before them : heaven and earth concur in supplying their wants, and promoting their salvation : difficulties in their path only make way for their almighty Friend to shew his care of them; he guides and guards them; he feeds their souls tvith the Bread of heaven, and gives them the Water of life to drink : and, while he graciously prepares for the smils of " the poor in spirit," he will not withhold what is needful for their bodies or families. They reap the benefit of the Redeemer's victories; and, fighting under his banner and by his word of command, they profit by the assaults of every enemy : until complete salvation render those " white as snow in Salmon," and beautiful beyond all that is lovely in the visible creation, who once were most mean and loathsome, through the guilt and defilement of their sins.

V:18-35.

The death of our Redeemer was the redemption-price of all the blessings which he confers on sinners, and his resurrection and ascension made way for his conferring them on mankind. When he ascended on high, our God declared his church of ransomed sinners to be his residence, which he greatly desired and delighted in; while in its exalted Head " all the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth " bodily." He now reigns over heaven, and earth, and hell, with unlimited authority. In vain do kings or nations envy or oppose his sovereignty : all must submit, or be destroyed by him; and his wrath is more dreadful from mount Zion than it was from mount Sinai. Having led our oppressors captive, " he hath received gifts for " rebellious " Hebrews 12:26-29.) And while all unite in ascribing power and dominion unto him, may all experience strength communicated from him, enabling them to resist temptation, and to overcome every enemy of their salvation;

(Notes, Psalm 138:3. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Ephesians 3:14-19. Philippians 4:10-13. Colossians 1:9-14 :) thus may one nation call upon another to bless the Lord, and all on earth form one general chorus, like that of angels in heaven, continually saying with alacrity and gratitude, " Blessed " be God," even " the God and Father of our Lord Jesus " Christ," throughout all ages, for evermore.