BIG IDEA:
GOD’S VICTORY PROCESSION ESTABLISHES HIS PEOPLE
AND SCATTERS HIS ENEMIES
INTRODUCTION:
Commentators point to a wide range of forms included in this psalm so that it has been classified "as a medley of songs and hymns". (Wycliffe Bible Commentary)
Looking at God’s repeated victories throughout the history of the Jewish people, culminating in ultimate eschatological victory.
Repeated use of name of God = Elohim (23 times in simple form) as well as "the whole cornucopia of divine names" (Keil-Delitzsch)
Words and midi tune for Psalm 68: 1,3-4 found at following website:
http://www.lascoe.com/music/LetGodArise.htm (Tom Lascoe)
I. (:1-4) THEME INTRODUCED = GOD’S VICTORY PROCESSION:
ESTABLISHES HIS PEOPLE AND SCATTERS HIS ENEMIES
A. Let God Arise and Lead His Victory Procession
B. Let God’s Enemies Scatter = "let those who hate Him flee before Him "
"as smoke is driven away, so drive them away"
"as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before God" (cf. Numbers 10:35)
C. Let God’s People be Established and Exult Before Him
"let the righteous be glad"
"let them exult before God"
"rejoice with gladness”
"sing praises to God’s name"
pave the way for God’s victory parade
II. (:5-6) A HOLY GOD: LEADS THE HELPLESS INTO VICTORY AND PROSPERITY BUT LEAVES THE REBELLIOUS TO STARVE IN THE DESERT
A. Leads the Helpless into Victory and Prosperity
1. Father of the Fatherless
2. Judge for the Widows
3. Home for the Lonely
4. Freedom and Prosperity for the Prisoners
B. Leaves the Rebellious to Starve in the Desert
III. (:7-10) THE PRESENCE OF GOD AT THE HEAD OF HIS VICTORY PROCESSION CAUSES HEAVEN AND EARTH TO QUAKE
A. The Heavens Quake
drop rain at the presence of God
"Thou didst shed abroad a plentiful rain"
B. The Earth Quakes
Sinai itself quakes at the presence of God
brought water from the rocks
C. God’s People Established in Prosperity (:10)
Based on the Goodness of God and His gracious provision
Prosperity extended even to the poor
IV. (:11-14) THEME REPEATED: = GOD’S VICTORY PROCESSION: ESTABLISHES HIS PEOPLE
AND SCATTERS HIS ENEMIES
A. God Commands the Victory
great celebration and proclamation (:11)
B. God’s Enemies Flee and are Scattered
"Kings of armies flee" (:12a)
"the Almighty scattered the kings there" = like snow falling in Zalmon (:14)
C. God’s People are Established and Enjoy the Spoils of Victory
"she who remains at home will divide the spoil" (:12b)
the God of Majesty protects His sheep and causes them to prosper (:13)
V. (:15-18) THE MAJESTIC PRESENCE OF GOD IS ESTABLISHED ON HIGH
A. The Majestic Presence of God Will Withstand All Attacks of Envy or Pride
"Surely the Lord will dwell there forever"
B. The Majestic Presence of God Enjoys Universal Support
1. Supported by the chariots of God
2. Supported by those whom He has conquered
3. Supported by all men (even the rebellious)
VI. (:19-23) GOD RESCUES HIS PEOPLE BUT SHATTERS HIS ENEMIES
A. God Rescues His People
"daily bears our burdens"
"God is our salvation"
"God is to us a God of deliverances" = "escapes from death"
B. God Shatters His Enemies
"Surely God will shatter the head of His enemies" =
"the hairy crown of him who goes on in his guilty deeds"
God brings His enemies back to a place of accountability and destruction
VII. (:24-27) THE VICTORY PROCESSION ENTERS THE SANCTUARY WITH THE KING AND HIS ROYAL COURT
Benjamin and Judah represent the southern tribes
Zebulun and Naphtali represent the northern tribes
VIII. (:28-31) THE ENTHRONED KING DEMONSTRATES HIS STRENGTH BY SCATTERING HIS ENEMIES AND RECEIVING TRIBUTE FROM THEM
A. "He has scattered the peoples who delight in war"
B. "Kings will bring gifts to Thee"
"Envoys will come out of Egypt"
"Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God"
IX. (:32-35) THE GOD OF STRENGTH AND MAJESTY IS WORTHY OF OUR HYMNS OF PRAISE
"O God, Thou art awesome from Thy sanctuary ...
Blessed be God!"
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) Are we eager to see “God arise” (vs.1) and spring into action? Are we confident that God is on our side?
2) Do we share God’s heart for being a father to the fatherless, for pursuing justice for widows, for making the lonely feel part of a family, for seeking deliverance and prosperity for those in bondage (vv.4-6)?
3) Do we struggle along carrying our own burdens when we have an all-powerful God who desires to “daily bear our burdens” and be to us “a God of deliverances” (vv.19-20)?
4) How do God’s enemies fare in the face of His strength and power? Is our mood that of the psalmist in vs. 35: “O God, Thou art awesome from Thy sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed Be God!”
Download the entire Psalms commentary in pdf format
(including notes on each psalm from other commentators)
from:
http://www.bibleoutlines.com
