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Psalms 68

35 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 68 is a jubilant celebration of God’s triumph over enemies, His care for the vulnerable, and a universal call to worship.

Summary

The psalm opens with a summons to God to arise and scatter His adversaries, likening their defeat to smoke and wax melting. It then declares the righteous should rejoice in God’s presence, praising Him for protecting the fatherless and widows. The passage recalls Israel’s wilderness journey, the trembling earth at Sinai, and the abundant rains that sustain the nation. The psalm extols God’s chariots and angelic hosts, portrays His power over kings, and notes that even former foes will be humbled. It calls all nations—Egypt, Ethiopia, and others—to sing praises and acknowledges God’s eternal dwelling and authority. Finally, it stresses that God’s strength is manifested in the clouds, urging believers to acknowledge His holy might.

Outline
  1. Invocation of God’s deliverance and justice against enemies
  2. Praise for God’s care for Israel and His mighty acts in history
  3. Universal call to all peoples and nations to worship and honor God
Themes
Divine justice and deliveranceProtection of the vulnerable (fatherless, widows)Universal worship and praise
Keywords
deliverancejusticepraisevictoryworshipprotectionauthority
People
Godthe LORDIsrael
Places
SinaiJerusalemBashanSeaEgyptEthiopiaIsrael
Things
rainchariotssilvergoldtemplesongtimbrelspresentsilver pieces
Key Verses
  • Psalms 68:1: Introduces the central call for God’s rise and the scattering of enemies, setting the psalm’s thematic tone.
  • Psalms 68:7: Reminds of Israel’s wilderness journey and God’s dramatic presence at Sinai, linking history with divine power.
  • Psalms 68:17: Highlights the divine chariots and angelic hosts, underscoring God’s overwhelming strength and sovereignty.
Questions
  • In what ways does Psalm 68 portray God’s justice toward enemies?
  • What significance does the imagery of chariots and angelic hosts hold in the psalm?
  • How should contemporary believers respond to the psalm’s call to rejoice and worship?
Sentiment

positive
The tone is celebratory and exultant, emphasizing God’s power, mercy, and invitation to praise.