The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before [1] him. 2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly [2] rejoice. 4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. 6 God setteth the solitary in families: [3] he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Other Translations of Psalm 68:1-6

New International Version

The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 In Hebrew texts 68:1-35 is numbered 68:2-36.May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2 May you blow them away like smoke- as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the cloudsOr "name," / "prepare the way for him who rides through the deserts" ; rejoice before him-his name is the Lord. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families,Or "the desolate in a homeland"he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

English Standard Version

The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! 2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! 3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! 4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! 5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. 6 God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

The Message

The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 Up with God! Down with his enemies! Adversaries, run for the hills! 2 Gone like a puff of smoke, like a blob of wax in the fire - one look at God and the wicked vanish. 3 When the righteous see God in action they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy. 4 Sing hymns to God; all heaven, sing out; clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider. Enjoy God, cheer when you see him! 5 Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house. 6 God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom, but leaves rebels to rot in hell.

New King James Version

The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song. Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. 2 As smoke is driven away, So drive them away; As wax melts before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. 4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him. 5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. 6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

New Living Translation

The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

681 Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. 2 Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. 3 But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy. 4 Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord - rejoice in his presence! 5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 68:1-6

Commentary on Psalm 68:1-6

(Read Psalm 68:1-6)

None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. God is the joy of his people, then let them rejoice when they come before him. He who derives his being from none, but gives being to all, is engaged by promise and covenant to bless his people. He is to be praised as a God of mercy and tender compassion. He ever careth for the afflicted and oppressed: repenting sinners, who are helpless and exposed more than any fatherless children, are admitted into his family, and share all their blessings.