Provision & Presence Series

Psalm 67 is a little short psalm of just 7 verses, but they burst forth with praise just as we should knowing what God has done for us!

1 – 2

Notice that the psalmist wants the favor of God, not so he can be blessed primarily, but so that others will know God’s way of salvation. Should not this be our motivation as well? How this should shape our prayers we well.

3 – 5

Verses 3 – 5 really are a cry for every person in every nation to praise God and acknowledge that His rule is one of fairness. Sadly, this is not the opinion of many in our culture today. People like to accuse God of unfairness. It’s interesting to me that imperfect humans think they can tell a perfect God whether or not He is being fair.

Abraham said to God: “Won’t the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:20). And it’s true. God will only do what is fair or just. This should be a source of praise and shouting for joy because the fate of our country or our world is no longer up to the fickle and biased human nature.

6 – 7

The psalm appears to have been written at harvest time. God had once again provided for His people. And (Phil. 4:19) And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Fear a holy God yes, but also praise a fair and loving God who provides for us every spiritual blessing and provides for our needs materially and gives us a way of salvation!

Psalm 68

Psalm 68 is a psalm of God’s protection and provision for His people Israel. It was probably written when David moved the Ark of the Covenant into the Tabernacle in 2 Samuel 6. What it tells us is about the character of God towards those who belong to Him. It also recounts God bringing the children of Israel through the desert out of Egypt.

1 – 3

It really pays to be on God’s side. Israel saw her enemies scattered and melt away!

4 – 10

The “clouds” here could represent the cloud that accompanied Israel from Egypt through the wilderness or it could be refuting the common imagery of Baal, the storm god. He is “Yahweh” the Becoming One.

Notice how David characterizes God in the Tabernacle—not a mean vengeful God but One who helps the downtrodden and helpless—people like us!

But notice too that there is no help for those that rebel against His rule.

When God brought the people out of Egypt He shook the earth at Mt. Sinai and also provided water for them when they needed it at Mara and other plaes. Then He placed His people in the Promised Land and provided for them.

11 – 14

Basically these verses show that when God’s enemies were defeated, even the Israelites who stayed at home prospered and were covered in fine clothing. The kings were scattered like snow flying on the wind.

15 – 18

Mount Bashan is likely Mt. Hermon, the highest in Israel. The other mountains are jealous that God put his Tabernacle on Mt. Zion. The throngs pictured here are likely heavenly host accompanying the Ark.

God took prisoners of those who were once rebellious. Paul used this verse in Ephesians 4:8 to describe Jesus’ triumphal ascension to the Father. This might also allude to the fact that the Israelis took items of value from the Egyptians and then used them to build the Tabernacle.

19 – 27

So in these verses David is talking about the present day—how he is bringing in the Tabernacle and how God’s enemies would be “crushed”. Benjamin probably refers to Jerusalem. Benjamin and Judah were often synonymous with the South, while Zebulun and Naphtali representing the North.

28 – 31

Kings will now bring tribute to God in Jerusalem. The “beast in the reeds” is likely a reference to the Pharaoh of Egypt, the “herd of bulls” perhaps a king of one of the Canaanite peoples.

32 – 35

David finishes off with a flourish—God is king over all and everyone, including the kings of the nations should praise Him!