LET GOD ARISE.
Psalm 68:1-10, Psalm 68:32-35
#. Psalm 68:1-3 could well serve as a prayer for revival, or even a prayer for the Second Advent of Jesus.
PSALM 68:1. Whenever the ark of the LORD set forward, perhaps even as the priests lifted the ark onto their shoulders, Moses would say ‘Rise up, LORD, and let them that hate thee flee before thee’ (cf. Numbers 10:35). Before we proceed with any project, we should make sure first that it is the LORD who is leading the way. ‘I being in the way, the LORD led me’ (Genesis 24:27).
The idea of the LORD “rising up” does not imply that He is asleep. It is not as if He is somehow inattentive. ‘Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep’ (cf. Psalm 121:4).
The “enemies” of God are “scattered” at the appearing of Christ at the head of His people. Sin, death and hell are vanquished. His people are equipped to ‘fight the good fight of faith’ (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12), and to engage in the great spiritual battle which lies ahead: ‘for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against… SPIRITUAL wickedness’ (cf. Ephesians 6:12).
PSALM 68:2-3. As in many other psalms, a difference is immediately made between the wicked and the righteous.
#. The call to rejoice in Psalm 68:3 is repeated, as also in Philippians 4:4.
PSALM 68:4. The idea of God “riding upon the heavens” is replicated in the journeying of the ark of the LORD through the wilderness. ‘Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God’ (cf. Isaiah 40:3).
An intensification of the name YHWH, “JAH,” is found here, (as also in the word ‘Hallelujah.’) This name speaks of His self-exisitence, and absolute dominion. To THIS God sing we our praises.
PSALM 68:5. ‘I will not leave you ORPHANS,’ said Jesus to His disciples (cf. John 14:18). “Widows” represent the disenfranchised, and God is seen as the judge who willingly takes their side. “God in His holy habitation” represents both heaven, and the indwelling Holy Spirit within His people. God has a particular care towards widows and orphans, which should be replicated in His holy people (cf. James 1:27).
PSALM 68:6. We are perhaps never so alone as when we first discover that we are without hope, without Christ in this world (cf. Ephesians 2:12). But when we are born anew, God sets us in His own family. There is a kinship between all who are thus ‘heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ’ (cf. Romans 8:16-17).
God sets the prisoners free (cf. Isaiah 61:1). He delivered Israel from captivity. He delivers us from the burden of sin and corruption, from death and from hell.
Jesus came to ‘proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound’ (cf. Luke 4:18). However, those who continue in rebellion against Him, who refuse to find nourishment in the word of God shall “dwell in a dry land.”
PSALM 68:7. “O God, THOU wentest forth before THY people… THOU didst march through the wilderness.” The “Selah” at the end of this verse calls us to pause and reflect on what we have just read. What we may see as meanderings and wanderings are actually an orderly procession, with God at the head. Such is our life when God has the pre-eminence.
PSALM 68:8. At Sinai there was an earthquake and a storm. The mountain itself moved at the presence of the covenant God of Israel.
PSALM 68:9. At journey’s end, we step into the “inheritance” where a more gentle “rain” nourishes His people.
PSALM 68:10. There we take up our dwelling, where “thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.” Poor in ourselves, we are yet rich in Christ, and shall dwell with Him forevermore.
#. PSALM 68:32. The closing exhortation calls upon all the kingdoms of the earth to sing praises unto God.
PSALM 68:33. He is again referred to under the figure of “Him that rideth upon the heavens” (cf. Psalm 68:4). But now we are told that the heavens were “of old.” “He sent out His voice, and that a mighty voice” when He cried, ‘Light be’ and there was light (cf. Genesis 1:3).
PSALM 68:34. God’s strength is to be recognised. His goodness to Israel acknowledged. His mighty power over nature also taken into consideration.
PSALM 68:35. “O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places.” His people honour Him, His enemies ARE scattered (cf. Psalm 68:1). It is our covenant God, the God of Israel whose all-sufficiency sustains His people. “Blessed be God.”
