Psalm 68 (cf. Judges 5–see our study)
This is another psalm written in response to the Ark being moved into Jerusalem (see our study of Psalm 47). Numbers 10.35–36 and 2 Chronicles 6.41–42 (see our study) both describe the words to be said when the Ark is to be moved and laid to rest. It is describing the movement from Obed-edom into Jerusalem with the pomp given it. The psalm calls us to praise the God who cares for the needy with a pause )Selah( for us to ponder whether we do the same.
History unfolds placing the Ark in its proper place with another pause for us to reflect on the God who saves us.
The procession is marked with various peoples participating in the festivities. David then gives two short songs proclaiming God’s deliverance and God’s rule over all the earth.
Paul quotes this verse in Ephesians 4.8.
What is of interest are the varied names God is called in this one psalm. He is called Elohim (1-אֱלֹהִים), Yah (4-יָהּ), Shaddai (14-שַׁדַּי), Yah Elohim (18-יָהּ אֱלֹהִֽים ), Adonai (19-אֲדֹנָי), and Jehovah Adonai (20-יהוִה אֲדֹנָי). El (אֵל) is also found throughout this psalm.
The psalm is neatly outlined this way:
- Hymn of praise to God (1–6)
- Moving the Ark from Sinai through the wilderness (7-8)
- Entrance and conquest of the land of Canaan (9–14)
- Capture of Jerusalem by David (15–18)
- Praising God for victory over the Jebusites (19–23)
- Procession of the ark to the sanctuary in Jerusalem (24–27)
- Jubilation in anticipation of the final victory of God (28–35)
When looking through this psalm, we need to ask if people see and know who our God is and how great He is.