19 Praise be to the Lord, who is our support day by day, even the God of our salvation. (Selah.) 20 Our God is for us a God of salvation; his are the ways out of death. 21 The heads of the haters of God will be crushed; even the head of him who still goes on in his evil ways.
22 The Lord said, I will make them come back from Bashan, and from the deep parts of the sea; 23 So that your foot may be red with blood, and the tongues of your dogs with the same. 24 We see your going, O God: even the going of my God, my King, into the holy place. 25 The makers of songs go before, the players of music come after, among the young girls playing on brass instruments. 26 Give praise to God in the great meeting; even the Lord, you who come from the fountain of Israel. 27 There is little Benjamin ruling them, the chiefs of Judah and their army, the rulers of Zebulun and the rulers of Naphtali. 28 O God, send out your strength; the strength, O God, with which you have done great things for us, 29 Out of your Temple in Jerusalem. 30 Say sharp words to the beast among the water-plants, the band of strong ones, with the lords of the peoples, put an end to the people whose delight is in war. 31 Kings will give you offerings, they will come out of Egypt; from Pathros will come offerings of silver; Ethiopia will be stretching out her hands to God.
32 Make songs to God, you kingdoms of the earth; O make songs of praise to the Lord; (Selah.) 33 To him who goes or the clouds of heaven, the heaven which was from earliest times; he sends out his voice of power. 34 Make clear that strength is God's: he is lifted up over Israel, and his power is in the clouds. 35 O God, you are to be feared in your holy place: the God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to 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.