Psalms 68

Pslm 68, Ps 68, Psa 68, Psm 68, Pss 68


Psalms 68

1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth 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 setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when thou wentest 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: even Sinai itself was moved at 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 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.

16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in 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 received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.



19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth 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 an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:

23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

26 Bless ye God in the congregations, 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 Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy 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 spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe 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. Blessed be God.

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Summary and the Meaning of Psalm 68 from the KJV Holy Bible

Psalm 68, a majestic hymn of victory traditionally attributed to King David, is one of the most complex, enigmatic, and comprehensive psalms in the Book of Psalms. It is a poetic celebration of God's triumphant sovereignty, highlighting His power, provision, and protection. The psalm also exhibits a deep faith and trust in God's dominion, even in the face of adversity, and underscores the divine purpose of establishing justice and equity.

The psalm opens with an invocation that echoes the ancient Israelite battle cry, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him." (Psalm 68:1). This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing the central theme of God as a mighty warrior who defends His people and vanquishes their foes.

God as a Warrior and Protector

In the initial verses, the psalmist uses vivid imagery to depict God's power over His enemies. He likens them to smoke that is driven away by the wind and to wax that melts before the fire, emphasizing the ease and totality with which God can defeat those who oppose Him. The psalmist further asserts that God's righteous ones will rejoice and be glad in His presence, reflecting the security and joy that come from being under His protection.

God as a Provider and Sustainer

The subsequent verses of the psalm shift the focus from God as a warrior to God as a provider and sustainer. The psalmist recounts how God provided for the Israelites during their wilderness journey after their liberation from Egyptian bondage, describing Him as a "father to the fatherless, and a judge of the widows" (Psalm 68:5). The psalmist asserts that God provides for the lonely and the captive, and even the rebellious dwell in a fertile land, demonstrating His mercy and provision.

God as a Conqueror and King

The psalmist also portrays God as a conqueror and a king. He recalls the divine victory over the mighty kings of Canaan, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and the triumphant ascent of Mount Sinai. He describes God's majestic procession into His sanctuary, accompanied by thousands of chariots, symbolizing His kingly authority and dominion. The psalmist proclaims, "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them." (Psalm 68:18).

The Theophany and Its Significance

One of the most striking features of Psalm 68 is the depiction of the theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humans. The psalmist describes the earth trembling, the heavens pouring down rain, and God's holy place at Sinai quaking at His presence. This description serves to underscore the awe-inspiring majesty and power of God and His active involvement in the affairs of His people.

The Universality of God's Reign

Towards the end of the psalm, the psalmist expands the scope of the hymn to encompass the entire earth. He praises God as the ruler of all nations and invites all kingdoms of the earth to sing praises to the Lord. The psalmist concludes by extolling the power of God, who rides upon the heavens and the ancient skies, sending out His voice, a mighty voice. This acknowledgement of the universality of God's reign underscores the psalmist's belief in the supremacy of Israel's God over all other gods and nations.

The Messianic Interpretation

Psalm 68 has been interpreted by some Christian scholars as having messianic overtones. They see in the psalm's description of God's ascension and the giving of gifts a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven and the bestowal of spiritual gifts upon His followers. The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 in his letter to the Ephesians, applying it to Christ (Ephesians 4:8).

Conclusion: The Significance of Psalm 68

In conclusion, Psalm 68 is a magnificent hymn of praise that exalts God's sovereignty, power, and benevolence. It provides a profound insight into the faith and worldview of the ancient Israelites, their experiences, and their understanding of God's relationship with His people and the world at large. The psalm's rich imagery, historical references, and theological assertions make it a valuable resource for understanding the religious and cultural milieu of ancient Israel.

Despite its complexity and sometimes obscure references, Psalm 68 delivers a clear and powerful message: God is a mighty warrior who protects His people, a generous provider who sustains them, a just judge who defends the oppressed, and a sovereign king who rules over all. Moreover, it proclaims the hope that God's reign will extend to all nations, reflecting the universal scope of His salvation.

The psalm's enduring relevance lies in its affirmation of faith in God's power and goodness, its celebration of divine justice and provision, and its vision of universal peace and harmony under God's reign. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, His active presence in the world, and His ultimate victory over evil. For believers today, this psalm can inspire confidence in God's sovereignty, encourage reliance on His provision, and foster a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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