19 Blessed be the Lord: day by day doth he load us [with good], the God who is our salvation. Selah. 20 Our God is the God of salvation; and with Jehovah, the Lord, are the goings forth [even] from death. 21 Verily God will smite the head of his enemies, the hairy scalp of him that goeth on still in his trespasses.
22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring [them] again from the depth of the sea; 23 That thou mayest dip thy foot in blood: the tongue of thy dogs has its portion from enemies. 24 They have seen thy goings, O God, the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. 25 The singers went before, the players on stringed instruments after, in the midst of maidens playing on tabrets. 26 In the congregations bless ye God, the Lord,—[ye] from the fountain of Israel. 27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler; the princes of Judah, their company; 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 shall kings bring presents unto thee. 30 Rebuke the beast of the reeds, the assembly of the strong, with the calves of the peoples: [every one] submitteth himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the peoples that delight in war. 31 Great ones shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall quickly stretch out her hands unto God.
32 Ye kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God; sing psalms of the Lord, (Selah,) 33 Of him that rideth upon the heavens, the 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 clouds. 35 Terrible art thou, O God, out of thy sanctuaries,—the God of Israel! He it is that giveth strength and might unto the 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.