This psalm is very suitable to that time when David, having gotten the victory on his enemies round about, assembled all Israel, and carried the ark of God triumphantly out of the house of Obed-Edom into the city of David, as a type of Christ's ascension after the work of redemption in the world.
David Dickson
Verse 1. “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered …” In some such words Moses spake when the cloud moved onward, and the ark was carried forward. The ark would have been a poor leader if the Lord had not been present with the symbol. Before we move, we should always desire to see the Lord lead the way. The words suppose the Lord passive for awhile, suffering His enemies to rage, but restraining His power. Israel beseeches Him to “Arise”, as elsewhere to “Awake”, “Gird on his sword”, and other similar expressions. We, also may thus importunately cry unto the Lord, that He would be pleased to make bare His arm, and plead His own cause.
C. H. Spurgeon
Verse 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.” The psalmist adds a striking figure to illustrate how easily God can overthrow the machinations of our enemies, comparing them to smoke which vanishes away when blown upon by the wind or wax which melts before the fire. We consider it utterly incredible that such a formidable array of opposition should be made to disappear in a moment. But the Spirit takes this way, chiding the fearfulness of our carnal minds, and teaching us that there is no strength in our enemies as we supposed. That we only allow the smoke of them to blind our eyes, and the solid mass of resistance that they present to deceive us into a forgetfulness of the truth, that the mountains themselves flow down at the presence of the Lord.
Calvin
Verse 4. “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name …” To time and tune, with order and care, celebrate the character and deeds of God, the God of His people. Do it again and again, and let the praise, with resolution of heart, be all directed to Him. Sing not for ostentation, but devotion; not to be heard of men, but of the Lord Himself; sing not to the congregation, but “unto God.”
Spurgeon
Verse 6. “God setteth the solitary in families …” Gospel churches, like families, have a Master over them – Christ the Son and the Firstborn. There are saints of various ages, sizes, and standing – some fathers, some young men, and some children. There are provisions suitable for them all, and stewards to give them their portion of meat in due season, who are the ministers of the Word. And there are laws and rules, by which they are directed and regulated, so that everything is kept in good decorum.
John Gill
Verse 9. “Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.”
God's mercy compared to a shower of rain.
(1) It is direct from heaven.
(2) It is pure and unmixed.
(3) No one has monopoly of it.
(4) There is no substitute for it.
(5) It is sovereignly dispensed – as to, Time, Place, Manner, and Measure.
(6) It works efficiently.
(7) Prayer can plead for it.
There are seasons when these showers fall.
(1) In the house of God.
(2) In the means of Grace.
(3) In prayer.
(4) In affliction.
(5) When saints are weary – through working, through sickness, through non-success.
(6) By the Holy Spirit refreshing the heart.
These showers are meant to confirm God's people.
“Whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance …”
They are needed now.
“Whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.”
Hints to the Village Preacher
Verse 10. “Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.” While the congregation of Israel dwelt in the wilderness in all its poverty, God rained down His provision in the manna upon them. Likewise, He will not see His spiritual Israel – the Church – in absolute want as she dwells in the wilderness of this world, but give her that portion of “the True Bread” that came down from heaven for her life.
(To be continued)
This Page Title – Gleanings in the Psalms (Psalm 68 part 1) The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 109 – placed on line July 2014 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |