19 Blessed be the Lord - day after day he carries us along. 20 He's our Savior, our God, oh yes! He's God-for-us, he's God-who-saves-us. Lord God knows all death's ins and outs. 21 What's more, he made heads roll, split the skulls of the enemy As he marched out of heaven,
22 saying, "I tied up the Dragon in knots, put a muzzle on the Deep Blue Sea." 23 You can wade through your enemies' blood, and your dogs taste of your enemies from your boots. 24 See God on parade to the sanctuary, my God, my King on the march! 25 Singers out front, the band behind, maidens in the middle with castanets. 26 The whole choir blesses God. Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God. 27 Look - little Benjamin's out front and leading Princes of Judah in their royal robes, princes of Zebulon, princes of Naphtali. 28 Parade your power, O God, the power, O God, that made us what we are. 29 Your temple, High God, is Jerusalem; kings bring gifts to you. 30 Rebuke that old crocodile, Egypt, with her herd of wild bulls and calves, Rapacious in her lust for silver, crushing peoples, spoiling for a fight. 31 Let Egyptian traders bring blue cloth and Cush come running to God, her hands outstretched.
32 Sing, O kings of the earth! Sing praises to the Lord! 33 There he is: Sky-Rider, striding the ancient skies. Listen - he's calling in thunder, rumbling, rolling thunder. 34 Call out "Bravo!" to God, the High God of Israel. His splendor and strength rise huge as thunderheads. 35 A terrible beauty, O God, streams from your sanctuary. It's Israel's strong God! He gives power and might to his people! O you, his people - bless 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.