Psalm 68 is a triumphant hymn attributed to David, celebrating God’s victorious march through history as the divine King. It recounts His mighty acts on behalf of His people, from the deliverance of Israel from Egypt to His establishment of Zion as His dwelling place. This psalm blends historical reflection, present celebration, and future hope, weaving together God’s sovereignty, justice, and grace.
The purpose of Psalm 68 is to inspire worship and confidence in God’s power and presence. From a dispensational perspective, this psalm anticipates the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom in the reign of Christ during the Millennial Kingdom. Its imagery of divine victory and restoration points to the culmination of history, when Christ will reign over all nations.
Words: 1607 / Time to read: 9 minutes
The Procession of God’s Power (Verses 1–6)
“May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” (Psalm 68:1-6)
David opens the psalm with a call for God to rise in power and scatter His enemies. The imagery of smoke blown away and wax melting reflects the complete futility of opposing God. This language recalls the Exodus, where God’s presence defeated Pharaoh and led Israel to freedom.
The contrast between the wicked and the righteous sets the tone for the psalm. While the wicked perish, the righteous rejoice in God’s deliverance. The depiction of God as “a father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows” highlights His compassionate nature, fulfilling His covenant promises to care for the vulnerable.
From a dispensational viewpoint, this opening section foreshadows the final judgment at Christ’s Second Coming, when He will defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom in righteousness (Revelation 19:11-16).
God’s Victories in Israel’s History (Verses 7–18)
“When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.” (Psalm 68:7-10)
David recounts God’s mighty acts during the Exodus and His provision for Israel in the wilderness. The imagery of the earth shaking and rain pouring highlights God’s power and presence. This reflects the theophany at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-18), where God revealed His covenant to Israel.
“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng: ‘Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder. Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.’ When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.” (Psalm 68:11-14)
The psalm transitions to God’s victories over Israel’s enemies in the Promised Land. The imagery of plunder and scattering kings reflects the Lord’s sovereign intervention on behalf of His people. The mention of Mount Zalmon may symbolize the purity and glory of God’s victories.
“When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, Lord God, might dwell there.” (Psalm 68:18)
This verse, quoted in Ephesians 4:8, points to Christ’s ascension after His resurrection, where He triumphed over sin and death and bestowed gifts on His Church. Dispensationally, it foreshadows the ultimate gathering of nations to worship Christ during the Millennial Kingdom (Zechariah 14:16-17).
God’s Provision and Judgment (Verses 19–23)
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death. Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.” (Psalm 68:19-21)
David praises God as the Savior who delivers His people and executes judgment on the wicked. The phrase “God will crush the heads of his enemies” reflects His decisive victory over sin and rebellion. This imagery connects to Genesis 3:15, where God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head, fulfilled in Christ’s victory over Satan.
“The Lord says, ‘I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea, that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share.'” (Psalm 68:22-23)
These verses depict God’s comprehensive judgment, extending from the heights of Bashan to the depths of the sea. This imagery emphasizes His sovereignty over all creation and His ability to bring justice.
The Procession into Zion (Verses 24–31)
“Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels. Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel.” (Psalm 68:24-26)
This section celebrates God’s triumphant entry into His sanctuary, symbolizing His reign in Zion. The procession of singers and musicians reflects the joy and unity of worship, anticipating the universal worship of Christ during the Millennium (Revelation 7:9-10).
“Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.” (Psalm 68:31-32)
The psalm extends its vision to the nations, portraying Egypt and Cush submitting to God. This universal scope aligns with Isaiah 2:2-4, which describes all nations streaming to Jerusalem to worship the Lord in the Millennial Kingdom.
God’s Universal Reign (Verses 32–35)
“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:32-35)
The psalm concludes with a universal call to worship, declaring God’s power and majesty. The imagery of God riding across the heavens reflects His sovereignty over creation, affirming His role as King of kings. This vision points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom during the Millennial reign of Christ, when all nations will worship Him as Lord.
Theological Reflection: God’s Victorious Reign
Psalm 68 offers a sweeping vision of God’s victories in history, His care for His people, and His ultimate reign over the nations. From a dispensational perspective, it highlights the continuity of God’s redemptive plan across ages, culminating in Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.
- God as Deliverer: The psalm emphasizes God’s power to save His people from bondage and defeat their enemies.
- God as Sovereign King: His procession into Zion and His reign over the nations affirm His universal authority.
- God as Provider: The psalm celebrates His care for the vulnerable and His provision for His people.
- Christ’s Ultimate Victory: The psalm anticipates the Second Coming of Christ, His triumph over evil, and His righteous rule.
Metaphors and Comparisons in Psalm 68
Psalm 68 is rich with imagery that deepens its message:
- Smoke and Wax (Verse 2): Symbolize the futility of resisting God.
- Procession into Zion (Verse 24): Reflects God’s triumphant reign, anticipating Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.
- Riding on the Clouds (Verse 4): Highlights God’s majesty and sovereignty, echoed in Revelation 1:7.
- Envoys from Egypt and Cush (Verse 31): Foretell the submission of nations to Christ’s rule.
Timeless Lessons for Believers
Psalm 68 provides profound encouragement for believers:
- Rejoice in God’s Deliverance: The psalm reminds us of God’s power to save and protect His people.
- Trust in His Sovereignty: God’s victories in history assure us of His control over the present and future.
- Proclaim His Praise: The psalm calls us to join the universal chorus of worship, declaring His greatness.
- Hope in Christ’s Reign: The vision of God’s universal kingdom inspires confidence and anticipation of Christ’s return.
Conclusion: The Victorious King
Psalm 68 is a majestic celebration of God’s victories, His care for His people, and His ultimate reign over the nations. From a dispensational perspective, it points to the fulfillment of God’s promises in the reign of Christ during the Millennial Kingdom.
As we reflect on this psalm, may we rejoice in God’s power and faithfulness, proclaim His greatness, and look forward to the day when Christ will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” (Revelation 19:6-7)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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