Fear And Praise Over God’s Triumph
November 24, 2019
Commentary
This is a song celebrating God’s triumphal ascent to Mount Zion. If this psalm was written by David, as many writers think, it could have been written when the ark was removed from the house of God at Obed-Edom to Mount Zion (2 Samuel 6). In olden times when the sacred ark of the covenant was moved it did so by divine plan and decree. The cloud of the Lord was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp. When they stopped and it rested, He said, “Return O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel” (Numbers 10:33-36).
The psalmist prayed that God would show His power (vv. 1-6). He invited the people to praise in song the one who rides on the clouds. God is marching down the ages of time, progressing in a steady and unswerving stride toward His goal. No power on earth can stop Him. We tend to stew and fret when things don’t go our way when in actuality God is in control and steering the course of time toward His fulfillment. His enemies are like smoke driven by the wind, which in time will totally disappear. What chance does a puff of smoke have of establishing its presence before a driving wind? (v. 2). Also, what chance does wax have of maintaining its shape before the flames of the furnace? (v. 2). What chance does Israel’s foes have before a God who is marching steadily to Zion?
Application
David praised God for His direction and His protection. As I see God’s hand of direction and protection in my life my response should be to praise Him.
Psalms 68:1– 10 (NET)
1 God springs into action. His enemies scatter; his adversaries run from him.
2 As smoke is driven away by the wind, so you drive them away. As wax melts before fire, so the wicked are destroyed before God.
3 But the godly are happy; they rejoice before God and are overcome with joy.
4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name. Exalt the one who rides on the clouds. For the Lord is his name. Rejoice before him.
5 He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy dwelling place.
6 God settles in their own homes those who have been deserted; he frees prisoners and grants them prosperity. But sinful rebels live in the desert.
7 O God, when you lead your people into battle, when you march through the wastelands, (Selah)
8 the earth shakes. Yes, the heavens pour down rain before God, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
9 O God, you cause abundant showers to fall on your chosen people. When they are tired, you sustain them,
10 for you live among them. You sustain the oppressed with your good blessings, O God.