Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 68

This prayer for God's victorious rule describes God's journey from Sinai to Zion (Psalm 68:7, 16–18, 24). He saved Israel from Egypt, led them through the wilderness, brought them to the promised land, and established his kingdom. He is a caring and victorious God, whose nature does not change. Therefore, the faithful hope and rejoice in the promise of God's universal rule.

These verses form a prayer for God to rise and scatter his enemies, like when Israel entered the promised land (compare Numbers 10:35–36; Joshua 6–12).

Both smoke and wax represent a temporary existence (Psalms 22:12–18; 37:20; 102:3).

The fate of the godly is different from that of the wicked (see Psalm 1:6).

The psalmist praises God’s powerful and compassionate reign.

Him who rides on the clouds: This is an ancient description of Baal, a Canaanite god. The psalmist uses it to describe the Lord as the true God "who rides upon the highest heavens" (see Psalms 68:33; 104:3). God has power over the clouds and the rain.

• God, the Father of all marginalized and needy people, shows them compassion and protects their rights (see Psalms 10:14, 18; 69:33; 82:3).

• Like his dwelling, the Lord is holy. The supreme example of the holy God coming down to rescue humanity is Jesus Christ.

• God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:2; see Psalm 69:33), and he continues to free prisoners today.

• The sun-scorched land represents being far from God and separated from blessing.

• The earth shook as it does during an earthquake (see Exodus 19:18).

• the heavens poured down rain: Wells in the desert and rain showers in Canaan provided plenty of water.

a great company of women proclaim it: A large group of women singers celebrates the victory in song (see Psalm 68:25; Exodus 15:20).

The people who cared for flocks and moved from place to place were surprised to receive silver and gold ornaments from the battle.

• The Almighty (Hebrew Shaddai) is an ancient name for God (see Psalm 91:1; Genesis 17:1).

• The exact location of Mount Zalmon is unknown; it might have been a mountain in Bashan (see Psalm 68:15).

Bashan is a plateau northeast of Jerusalem and east of the Sea of Galilee. It was famous for its forests and pastureland (see Psalm 22:12; Isaiah 2:13). The mountains might have included Mount Hermon to the north of the plateau or Mount Zalmon, possibly Jebel ed-Druze to the east.

Why do you gaze in envy: Bashan is more impressive than the mountains around Jerusalem, but it was not the Lord's home. Only Mount Zion had the honor of being God's dwelling place.

Chariots were the top weapon of the military in the psalmist’s time. They represent the Lord’s power to give victory (Psalms 20:7; 44:3).

• You have ascended on high: The Most High victoriously established his reign in Zion.

• captives … gifts: This image shows a victorious ruler leading a victory march after battle. Paul applied this image to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8–13).

God cares for his people like a shepherd, and the people praise him.

Like a caring father or a shepherd, God carries his people in his arms (see Psalm 55:22; 68:5–6).

God will crush the heads of His enemies: Compare Genesis 3:15.

God will deal with all enemies, whether from high places (represented by Bashan) or low (the depths of the sea).

A great company joins together in the pilgrimage to Zion.

The people pray for God's help and victory over enemy nations (Psalm 68:1–3).

The conquered kings will bring gifts to the Lord.

Hostile and rebellious people delight in warfare and insurrection (see Psalm 2:1–3).

The psalmist urges the people to praise God, who triumphs over his enemies.

The phrase kingdoms of the earth refers to all nations and power structures.

When the Lord shows his power, majesty, and strength to the nations, he makes his people stronger (see Psalm 96:4–6).