Overview of Psalm 68

Introduction

Psalm 68, attributed to David, is a majestic hymn celebrating God’s power and providence as demonstrated in history, particularly through His interactions with Israel. This psalm is complex, weaving themes of divine triumph, provision, and justice, and calling for all nations to recognize God’s sovereignty.

God’s Triumph Over Enemies (Psalm 68:1-6)

The psalm opens with a powerful invocation for God to rise and scatter His enemies, echoing the ancient liturgical cry from the ark’s journeys in the wilderness. This sets the tone for the psalm, which portrays God as a warrior leading His people, driving away the wicked, and protecting the vulnerable.

Declaration of Divine Might

This section paints God as both a warrior defending His people and a caretaker providing for the fatherless, widows, and the lonely. It highlights the contrast between the fate of God’s enemies and His compassionate care for the oppressed.

Historical Review of God’s Mighty Deeds (Psalm 68:7-18)

David recounts God’s mighty acts from the exodus to the establishment in Canaan, emphasizing God’s presence in the Sinai and His ultimate victory in bringing His people into the Promised Land. This historical review serves as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness and unmatched power.

Celebration of God’s Sovereignty in History

By recalling the journey from Egypt to Canaan, David connects the congregation’s current experiences to their collective memory of God’s salvation and guidance, reinforcing their identity and purpose under God’s leadership.

Distribution of Gifts and Establishment of Kingship (Psalm 68:19-31)

Transitioning from historical recounting to contemporary implications, David speaks of God ascending on high and receiving gifts from men, even from the rebellious. This act symbolizes God’s universal reign and His grace in subduing nations under Israel’s rule.

Gifts for the Rebellious: A Prophetic Foreshadowing

This portion likely alludes to the tribute from subjugated nations but also prophetically points to Christ’s ascension (as cited in Ephesians 4:8), where He receives gifts in the form of redeemed lives, including those formerly rebellious against God.

Praise and Proclamation of God’s Power (Psalm 68:32-35)

The psalm concludes with a universal call to kingdoms of the earth to sing praises to God, who rides across the ancient skies and whose strength is in the skies. David declares that God is exalted in His sanctuary, and He gives power and strength to His people.

Universal Call to Worship

Encouraging a global acknowledgment of God’s supremacy, these verses highlight that God’s majestic power is not only historical but also immediate and relevant, deserving acknowledgment from all the earth.

Connections and Theological Implications

Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 68 connects to Jesus Christ particularly through the themes of ascension and kingship. Christ’s resurrection and ascension are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to triumph over His enemies and extend His rule universally. Christ distributes gifts to His church, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 68 about receiving gifts from men, thus integrating the church into God’s redemptive plan.

God’s Love for the World

This psalm demonstrates God’s love by showcasing His active engagement in delivering and providing for His people throughout history. It emphasizes that God’s rule brings justice and protection for the marginalized, reflecting His character as a just and caring ruler.

Relevance Today

Psalm 68 remains profoundly relevant today for several reasons:

• Inspiration for Justice and Social Action: It motivates believers to participate in God’s ongoing work of justice, particularly in defending and supporting the vulnerable.
• Foundation for Praise and Worship: It provides a robust theological basis for worship, encouraging believers to praise God for both His historical deeds and His present-day sovereignty.
• Encouragement in Leadership and Governance: By emphasizing God’s role as a divine king, it offers principles for leadership that prioritizes justice, provision, and divine guidance.

Psalm 68 serves not only as a celebratory recount of God’s mighty acts but also as a powerful reminder of His ongoing presence and authority in the world, calling all people to recognize and rejoice in His sovereign rule.