Psalm 68:1-35
Q.1. What was David reflection in this Psalm? Who is the hope of the defenceless? How significant is the role of women? What is their reward? – (Ps.68:1-14)
David reflected upon God’s awesomeness at Mount Sinai – when You, went forth before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness. The earth quaked; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God, Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel (Ps.68:7-8). He acclaimed God’s power over His enemies, and support for the righteous who worship Him (Ps.68:1-4). The Lord is the hope of the defenceless – 5 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6 God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity … (Ps.68:5-6). The women described are faithful because they proclaimed the news or good tidings (c.f. Isa.52:7; Rom.10:15). When these women remained at home to fulfil their God-given role (c.f. 1 Timothy 2:15) they would share in the spoils of battle as David had decreed after the triumph over the Amalekite raiders (c.f. 1 Sam.30:24-25). David declared that faithful women who stay at home (i.e. giving and praying) will share in the reward of the fruits of global missions.
Q.2. What makes Mount Zion the greatest mountain? What does this mean to God’s people? How dod Paul apply this truth? – (Ps.68:15-23 c.f. Eph.4:7-10)
David imagined that the imposing mountain range of Basham with its snowy peaks, would envy the much smaller Mount Zion (Ps.68:15-16). However, Zion is supreme because it is – the mountain which God has desired for His abode (?). Surely the Lord will dwell there forever (Ps.68:16). He pictured God as a conquering Warrior – 17 The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness. 18 You have ascended on high. You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, even among the rebellious also, that the Lord God may dwell there (Ps.68:17-18). From a divine stance, God has vastly superior forces that will defeat any foes. The victors of war would normally take the spoils of battle. Yet Paul applied this truth to Christ in a stunning way – When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and gave gifts to men (Eph.4:8 c.f. Ps.68:18). Not content to lavish His grace on sinners, Christ, the Conqueror doesn’t extract gifts for Himself but gives gifts to those He has captured. He turns slaves of sin into His servants. Then to enable us to serve Him – to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’ gifts … some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers (Eph.4:7 & 11). Jesus has revealed Himself as the Servant-King (Jn.13:12-17). As the King of kings – God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belongs escapes from death (Ps.68:20). He will put down all His enemies.
Q.3. How did David picture God and His people? How far did His reign extend? What will God do to His enemies? What is the theme of the Psalm? – (Ps.68:24-35)
David turned to the celebration of God amongst His people from Israel’s priests, the musicians, the singers, and the tribes – 24 They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. 25 The singers went on, the musicians after them, amid the maidens beating tambourines. 26 Bless God in the congregations, even the Lord, you who are of the fountain of Israel (Ps.68:24-26). David called on God to act on behalf of His people. He foreshadowed the magnificence of the temple (that his son Solomon would take seven years to build and adorn) and kings would indeed bring gifts to God in Jerusalem (Ps.68:28-29 c.f. 1 Kgs.6:37-38; 2 Chron.9:22-24). He even foresaw the worship of Gentile nations singing praises to the Lord (Ps.68:31-32). The theme throughout this Psalm ascribes greatness to the God of Israel – 33 To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times; Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel and His strength is in the skies. 35 O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! (Ps.68:33-35). The Psalm expresses confidence in God’s sovereign control over every living soul.