Psalm 68 is a long song penned by
David. There is no superscript to tell us what led to the composition of this
Psalm. However, it is widely believed
that the historical event that led to the writing of this Psalm can be found in
2 Samuel 6:12-18. This was when King David had the Ark of the Covenant moved
from the house of Obed-edom to place it on Mount Zion. This Psalm narrates the pageantry
attached to that momentous moment, but more importantly, it tells us of the importance
of having God’s presence in our life and journey.
Verses 1-3 introduced the
procession. The Ark as we know represented the presence of God among His
people. The relocation of the Ark from Obed-edom
to the new location demonstrates God’s continual blessings on His people and
the defeat of the enemies of their nation. In verses 4-6 the Psalmist called on
the people to praise the majestic Lord who cared for them, especially the
needy. God is described as a Father to the fatherless and a defender of needy widows.
He took care of the lonely and ensured the liberty of the prisoners or the
oppressed. However, the rebellious would have their just dessert. They would end
in a parched land, a picture of bankruptcy of the rich experiences of life.
In this
Psalm, we see the relocating of the ark, set in history of all that God had
done for His people in the wilderness wandering, and the entrance into the
Promised Land. Verses 7-10 narrate what happened during the Exodus and the
wandering. God did not just delivered them from Egypt, but He also journeyed
with them. He provided everything that they needed. He was in
reality their leader who led them all the way. At Sinai God manifested His power,
and that very mountain quaked at His presence. It was here that He entered into
a covenant relationship with His people. They experienced plenty of rain in their
journey, and had their fill of refreshment over and over again. God simply took
care of everything. How wonderful it is to walk with God and be led by Him.
In verses 11-14,
the Psalmist described the time when God settled His people in Canaan. He brought
them their victory over the Canaanites. The kings of the Canaanites fled before
them because God was on the side of His people. Their blessing overflowed. So
much so that even the women - their daughters and wives of the Israelites - had
plenty from the spoils of war that their husbands would bring home. Besides, as
God’s people they were given peace and light - peace represented by the dove
and light represented by the snow in verses 13-14.
The Psalmist tells us in verses 15-18 that Mount Zion was God’s choice for His dwelling. He preferred it over the mountain of Bashan with its many peaks. As formidable as Bashan with its many peaks might appear to be, it was nothing in comparison to Zion, the choice of God. No wonder Bashan was described as envious of Zion, the place God had chosen to make His dwelling place. Zion had always been a symbol of God’s presence. This Psalm suggests to us that the key to a truly rich and blessed life is one where God’s presence is felt. No matter how plentiful one may have, nothing comes close to the experience of God’s nearness in one’s life.
Verses 17-18 picture
the triumph as the Ark was brought to Jerusalem. The relocating of the Ark was attended to by angels, and all the booty of
wars secured through David’s conquest. God is pictured here ascending His throne
in the Sanctuary prepared for Him. And there He would dwell in the midst of His
people and reign from His throne, and distribute the booty of war to His people.
Simply put, God dwelt among them. Paul also quoted these two verses in Ephesians 4:8 to
refer to Christ’s victorious resurrection and now He lives to bless us in life.
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