Psalm 68

 


Psalm 68 is the last in this series of "psalm songs" from Psalm 65 to 68.  It is also considered a processional hymn.  It could refer to the procession when David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, a festival procession, or the anticipated procession of Christ the King after returning victorious from battle.  Throughout the psalm, God is praised for His awesome power, protection, and provision.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-3
    • Verse 1 references what was said whenever the Ark of the Covenant set out to lead Israel on their journey (Numbers 10:35).  Are there any paths that I am embarking on in which I need to ask God to rise up and take the lead instead?
    • Consistent with wisdom literature, what happens to the wicked in contrast to the righteous?
  • Verses 4-6
    • Verse 4 emphasizes singing "praises to His name" and says "his name is the LORD" ("YAH" or "JAH").  This shortened form of YAHWEH is also used in words like Hallelu-JAH, which literally means "to joyfully praise God".  Why is it beneficial to consider God's Name when singing praises to Him?
    • In my life, how can I reflect the heart of God to the orphan, widow, solitary, prisoner, etc.?
  • Verses 7-10
    • These verses recount God's goodness to His people as He led them through the wilderness.  In what ways has God been good to me through my difficult journeys?
  • Verses 11-18
    • These verses describe how God brings about victory on behalf of His people, highlighting the unexpected (e.g., women instead of men announcing news of victory as with to the good news of the resurrection, snow falling on Zalmon which literally means "the Dark One," and God choosing to dwell on Mount Zion instead of the grander Bashan mountains).  What are examples of some "unexpected" victories for which we can give God praise?
    • Verse 18 is quoted in Ephesians 4:8 to describe Christ's Ascension after His victory over sin and death, and the giving of spiritual gifts as analogous to spoils of war.  How does this add to my perspective of spiritual gifts?
  • Verses 19-23
    • These verses describe God's deliverance and salvation in the midst of the ugliness of war.  How have I seen God bring beauty out of the ashes of devastation?
  • Verses 24-35
    • These verses describe a joyful procession of celebration with God as King over all the kingdoms of the earth.  What are some of the things we can look forward to with Christ's Return?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "Sing Songs" (Psalm 68) by The Psalm Project:  Link


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