Psalms 68 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 68 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This psalm repeats themes seen in psalms 66 and 67 about worldwide praise for the Lord God. This psalm uses especially vivid imagery to depict God coming to Zion—meaning Jerusalem—to establish His presence. The psalm is labeled "of David," though this might be a reference to style, and not a suggestion that David personally wrote it. The song's depictions of victory might be a summary of David's successful career. Another possible inspiration is when David conquered the Jebusites and established Jerusalem as Israel's capital (2 Samuel 5). Yet another is that this psalm commemorates when David brought the ark of the covenant to Zion (2 Samuel 6).

The opening lines of this psalm rephrase a rallying cry Moses used when moving the ark of the covenant (Numbers 10:35). God is depicted as invincible, brushing aside enemies like smoke, and melting them like wax. The psalm also contrasts those who hate and reject the Lord with the people who follow Him into righteousness. God is to be praised. Among the motives for worship are His care for the disadvantaged and rejection of the wicked. This opening passage hints at the Lord's provision for Israel during their time in the wilderness (Psalm 68:1–6).

When Israel wandered in a desert wilderness (Numbers 14:30–35), God was still protecting them. 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. This passage also refers to Bashan (Numbers 21:33–35), where the Lord provided Israel with victory against an enemy. Rather than more exotic places such as Bashan, God has chosen Zion for His presence (Psalm 68:7–18).

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 "hairy crown" might refer to luxurious, long hair—perhaps a reference to a particular enemy, or a general comment about kings who oppose God. Despite trials, the psalmist describes a parade into the sanctuary. This is filled with music, worship, and representatives of the tribes of Israel (Psalm 68:19–27).

The psalm ends with another appeal for the Lord to be worshipped across the world. 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 (Psalm 68:28–35).

Psalm 68:1–6 sets the tone for the entire psalm. Using ornate language, the God of Israel is described as an unstoppable force. He conquers and overcomes anyone who opposes Him. In contrast, those who seek God's righteousness will celebrate. This transitions into a call for worship and a reminder that God is for the disadvantaged and opposed to those who defy Him.

Psalm 68:7–18 reflects on God's gracious, powerful victories on behalf of Israel. This includes their time in the wilderness as well as their early conquest of the Promised Land. At Sinai, the Lord had established a covenant with Israel. David later took the ark of the covenant to Mount Zion. This symbolized God's choice to "move" His presence to Jerusalem, in defiance of earthly enemies such as Og at Bashan (Numbers 21:33–35).

Psalm 68:19–27 celebrates God's provision of victory. It also looks to future success against those who reject the Lord. The psalm imagines a victorious march into Zion: into the sanctuary of the temple. There, the Lord is praised by all the people, accompanied by music and celebration.

Psalm 68:28–35 echoes themes seen in psalms 66 and 67. In elaborate terms, the psalm describes the Lord ruling and being honored by the entire world. The people of earth are encouraged to acknowledge God's incredible power and magnificence. This serves as both an invitation and a prophecy about the far future when the Lord will directly rule earth, from earth.

Chapter Summary:

Prior psalms (Psalm 66—67) explored the idea of the Lord God of Israel being worshipped by the entire world, including the Gentile nations. Psalm 68 includes that idea, as well as a celebration of God's prior victories on Israel's behalf. The song uses dramatic imagery to praise God's power and grandeur. Mount Zion—the location of Jerusalem—is where the Lord chooses for His seat of power. The entire world should honor this; one day, the whole earth will do just that.

Chapter Context:

This psalm commemorates God's ascension to Mount Zion, another reference to the city of Jerusalem. This celebrates past and future victories won by the power of the Lord. It may be a general reference to Israel's success, or to the conquests of king David. Alternatively, the song might celebrate when David moved the ark of the covenant into the city (2 Samuel 6). Or, when he captured the site from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5). The psalm is "of David," which may mean it is written in his style, or about his experiences, rather than being one he personally wrote.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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