Psalm 68

Psalm 68:1

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song. God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence.

Psalm 68:1 · BSB

am 2962 , bc 1042 . Title This magnificent and truly sublime ode is supposed , with much probability , to have been composed by David , and sung at the removal of the ark from Kirjath-jearim.

before him Heb. from his face

Psalm 68:2

As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God.

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Psalm 68:3

But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.

Psalm 68:3 · BSB

Psalm 68:4

Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the LORD—and rejoice before Him.

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JAH יה , JAH , is an abbreviation of יהוה , JEHOVAH and signifies self-existence. . He who derives his being from none , but gives being to all.

Psalm 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.

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Psalm 68:6

God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:6 · BSB

families Heb. a house

Psalm 68:7

O God, when You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wasteland, Selah

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Psalm 68:8

the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

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Psalm 68:9

You sent abundant rain, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance.

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send Heb. shake out

confirm thine inheritance Heb. confirm it.

Psalm 68:10

Your flock settled therein; O God, from Your bounty You provided for the poor.

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Psalm 68:11

The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim it:

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Psalm 68:12

“Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.

Psalm 68:12 · BSB

did flee apace Heb. did flee

Psalm 68:13

Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove are covered with silver, and her feathers with shimmering gold.”

Psalm 68:13 · BSB

Though That is , probably , "Though ye have laboured and lain down between the brick-kilns in Egypt . a poor , enslaved , and oppressed people , yet ye shall gradually rise to dignity , prosperity , and splendour; as a dove , which has been defiled with dirt , disordered , and dejected , by washing herself in a running stream , and trimming her plumage , gradually recovers the serenity of her disposition , the purity of colour , and the richness and varied elegance of her appearance."

Psalm 68:14

When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like the snow falling on Zalmon.

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Psalm 68:15

A mountain of God is Mount Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is Mount Bashan.

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Psalm 68:16

Why do you gaze in envy, O mountains of many peaks? This is the mountain God chose for His dwelling, where the LORD will surely dwell forever.

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Psalm 68:17

The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.

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thousand or , many thousand

Psalm 68:18

You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.

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Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah

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Psalm 68:20

Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death.

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Psalm 68:21

Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.

Psalm 68:21 · BSB

Psalm 68:22

The Lord said, “I will retrieve them from Bashan, I will bring them up from the depths of the sea,

Psalm 68:22 · BSB

Psalm 68:23

that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your foes—the tongues of your dogs in the same.”

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Psalm 68:24

They have seen Your procession, O God—the march of my God and King into the sanctuary.

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Psalm 68:25

The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.

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Psalm 68:26

Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel.

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Psalm 68:27

There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah in their company, the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

Psalm 68:27 · BSB

and their council or , with their company

Psalm 68:28

Summon Your power, O God; show Your strength, O God, which You have exerted on our behalf.

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Psalm 68:29

Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring You gifts.

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Psalm 68:30

Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

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Psalm 68:31

Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God.

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Psalm 68:32

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord—Selah

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Psalm 68:33

to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.

Psalm 68:33 · BSB

send out Heb. give

Psalm 68:34

Ascribe the power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose strength is in the skies.

Psalm 68:34 · BSB

and his strength This refers to the phenomena of thunder and lightning; for all nations have observed the electric fluid is an irresistible agent . destroying life , tearing towers and castles to pieces , rending the strongest oaks , and cleaving the most solid rocks; and the most enlightened nations have justly considered it as an especial manifestation of the power and sovereignty of God.

clouds or , heavens

Psalm 68:35

O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!

Psalm 68:35 · BSB