19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens,
even the God who is our salvation. Selah. 20 God is to us a God of deliverance.
To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death. 21 But God will strike through the head of his enemies,
the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness.
22 The Lord said, “I will bring you again from Bashan,
I will bring you again from the depths of the sea; 23 That you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood,
that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.” 24 They have seen your processions, God,
even the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. 25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after,
in the midst of the ladies playing with tambourines, 26 “Bless God in the congregations,
even the Lord in the assembly of Israel!” 27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler,
the princes of Judah, their council,
the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. 28 Your God has commanded your strength.
Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us. 29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem,
kings shall bring presents to you. 30 Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds,
the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples.
Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver.
Scatter the nations that delight in war. 31 Princes shall come out of Egypt.
Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God.
32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth!
Sing praises to the Lord! Selah. 33 To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old;
behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God!
His excellency is over Israel,
his strength is in the skies. 35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries.
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.