19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. [Selah] 20 God is unto us a God of deliverances; And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death. 21 But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.
22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring [them] again from the depths of the sea; 23 That thou mayest crush [them], [dipping] thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from [thine] enemies. 24 They have seen thy goings, O God, Even the goings of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. 25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels. 26 Bless ye God in the congregations, Even the Lord, [ye that are] of the fountain of Israel. 27 There is little Benjamin their ruler, The princes of Judah [and] their council, The princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. 28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. 29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem Kings shall bring presents unto thee. 30 Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver: He hath scattered the peoples that delight in war. 31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.
32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; Oh sing praises unto the Lord; [Selah] 33 To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, And his strength is in the skies. 35 O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed be God.
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 68:19-35
Commentary on Psalm 68:15-21
(Read Psalm 68:15-21)
The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, John 17:2. Christ came to a rebellious world, not to condemn it, but that through him it might be saved. The glory of Zion's King is, that he is a Saviour and Benefactor to all his willing people, and a consuming fire to all that persist in rebellion against him. So many, so weighty are the gifts of God's bounty, that he may be truly said to load us with them. He will not put us off with present things for a portion, but will be the God of our salvation. The Lord Jesus has authority and power to rescue his people from the dominion of death, by taking away the sting of it from them when they die, and giving them complete victory over it when they rise again. The crown of the head, the chief pride and glory of the enemy, shall be smitten; Christ shall crush the head of the serpent.
Commentary on Psalm 68:22-28
(Read Psalm 68:22-28)
The victories with which God blessed David over the enemies of Israel, are types of Christ's victory, for himself and for all believers. Those who take him for theirs, may see him acting as their God, as their King, for their good, and in answer to their prayers; especially in and by his word and ordinances. The kingdom of the Messiah shall be submitted to by all the rulers and learned in the world. The people seem to address the king, verse 28. But the words are applicable to the Redeemer, to his church, and every true believer. We pray, that thou, O God the Son, wilt complete thine undertaking for us, by finishing thy good work in us.
Commentary on Psalm 68:29-31
(Read Psalm 68:29-31)
A powerful invitation is given to those that are without, to join the church. Some shall submit from fear; overcome by their consciences, and the checks of Providence, they are brought to make peace with the church. Others will submit willingly, verses 29,31. There is that beauty and benefit in the service of God, and in the gospel of Christ which went forth from Jerusalem, which is enough to invite sinners out of all nations.
Commentary on Psalm 68:32-35
(Read Psalm 68:32-35)
God is to be admired and adored with reverence and godly fear, by all that attend in his holy places. The God of Israel gives strength and power unto his people. Through Christ strengthening us we can do all things, not otherwise; therefore he must have the glory of all we do, with our humble thanks for enabling us to do it, and for accepting the work of his hands in us.