Throughout history kingdoms and empires have held victory parades and celebrations after wars, when the victorious king, his generals, and his armies would return. The enemy had been defeated and scattered. This was always a joyous time, with the people singing praises to their leaders and soldiers. The enemy had been defeated! Our psalm for this week is a song of celebration as God defeats His enemies. Let’s see what the Lord says in His Word.
Psalm 68 was written by King David, possibly in honor of when the Ark of the Covenant was brought back into Israel, when he placed it in Jerusalem, which had recently been made his capital city (II Samuel 6:1-15). This was a moment which symbolized God’s enthronement among His people. David wanted to celebrate Yahweh, the God who arises, scatters His enemies, defends His people, marches with Israel, and reigns from Zion. The Lord is a Warrior, Protector, Provider, and King.
As we begin our psalm, we see that God arises to scatter His enemies (vs. 1-6). David echoed the words of Moses which that great leader of Israel spoke during the years in the wilderness, whenever the Ark of the Covenant was taken up when the people journeyed from one location to another (Numbers 10:35). This is a declaration of God’s unstoppable power. God literally defeats His enemies, whether they be demonic powers, or the people who serve those powers. He has done so in the past, and will continue to do so. Evil will not prevail, and we can rejoice in His presence.
Not only does Yahweh defeat His enemies, He is also a defender of the weak and powerless who put their trust in Him, especially the widow and orphan (vs. 5-6). These verses are such a comfort. We all need a father’s love. Some children never get that, as their father is not there due to either death or divorce. Some, whose fathers are present, still do not have their love, due to violence, abuse, or neglect. God promises to be a father to the fatherless, both the orphan, and those who have that father-love void in their hearts. People today are often so lonely. Even in crowded cities and workplaces, there is so much loneliness. At the core of loneliness is our need for God. St. Augustine said “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” We can never be perfectly satisfied with any human relationship until we are at peace with God.
Verses 7-10 describe God leading victorious from Mt. Sinai. The earth shook and the heavens poured rain as God led Israel. This describes literal, historical events. God’s presence then, and now, is overwhelming and powerful. David specifically described how God provided for the needs of His people throughout their wilderness wandering, and He continues to do so today. He anticipates our needs, and provides from His goodness for the poor. We can trust Him for all of the necessities we may face.
When the people of Israel arrived in the land that the Lord promised them, He continued to win victories over His enemies (vs. 11-23). Enemy kings would flee, and God’s people would divide the spoils. However, it was God, not Israel’s military strength, that was the source of victory. He promises to crush the heads of His enemies (vs. 21) - a reminder of His divine justice.
Verse 18 is a prophecy that King David made, which was fulfilled when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven (Ephesians 4:8-10). God promises to load us with benefits (vs. 19). In order to have room for all those benefits, we need to hand over all of our burdens and worries to Him. He will exchange our problems for His blessings. God promises to bear our burdens. We are not called to bear those burdens ourselves. Jesus invited us to give them to Him (Matthew 11:28-31). He reminds us that we don't have to struggle on our own with fears, worries, or trials that weigh us down. He invites us to come to Him when we are tired from carrying heavy burdens, and promises that we will find rest, and be loaded with blessings.
David proceeded to bring the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing where God resided, into Jerusalem, the Lord’s procession into the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle (vs. 24-27). A majestic parade of singers, musicians, and tribes celebrates God’s enthronement. God dwells among His people in holiness. David then closes the psalm speaking of Yahweh’s universal reign (vs. 28-35). There is coming a day when all nations will bring Him tribute, and kingdoms sing His praises. This will occur during the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus.
As we close this psalm, we can see that, as believers, we can trust God to fight our battles. He still scatters enemies - both spiritual, moral, and circumstantial. Yahweh also cares for the weak, and bears our burdens, so we can rest in His provision. From Sinai to Zion, from King David to the Lord Jesus, from Israel to the nations, we see our God, who arises, marches, provides, judges, and reigns forever.
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