Day 139

Psalm 68: Read here –

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2068&version=NASB

This psalm is connected with the coming of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2Sam6)); celebrating not only that event, but also the faithfulness of God to give Israel victory over her enemies, and to make Jerusalem secure enough to bring the ark into the city.

It describes gifts given upon ascension and is quoted in Eph4. This is a beautiful, sublime, and comprehensive, but very difficult Psalm, that has challenged commentators. Adam Clarke wrote, “I know not how to undertake a comment on this psalm: it is the most difficult in the whole Psalter.” So, who am I to attempt this via SMS? Psalm 68 appears to contain a series of poetic images and allusions to Israel’s history that don’t at times seem to be logically connected.

Using the phrasing of Num10:35, David proclaimed the triumph of God over all His enemies. When God goes forth, no opponent can stand against Him. They are all ‘scattered.’ Since Moses said those words when the ark of the covenant led Israel from Mount Sinai, David knew it was appropriate to say the same words as the ark came to Jerusalem, its resting place. As David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he made a dramatic historical connection.

God’s enemies have no ability to stand against Him, shown by the images (v2) of vanishing smoke and melting wax. The use of the word ‘perish’ reminds me of John3:16, where the word ‘perish’ is used as a contrast for those who make the choice to not accept God’s offer of salvation. God’s choice is eternal life or perish (like vanishing smoke!), not eternal life in some other place.

Notice the verbs in vs3- 4: ‘be glad’, ‘exult’, ‘rejoice with gladness’, ‘sing praises’

The phrase ‘sing praises to His name,’ has the idea of praising God with knowledge of His character. David gave us two specific reasons to rejoice in God. Poetically, He ‘rides on the clouds,’(NLT) in victory and triumph over all the earth. Also, He has revealed Himself to humanity in the name Yahweh,(the covenant God) showing His love and loyalty to His people.