ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Psalms 68

Psalm Ps. 68. This is a celebration of God’s continued care and protection. It remembers how God led his people through the wilderness into their inheritance. The celebration does not stop with Israel, however. It recognizes that defeating Gentile kingdoms “who delight in war” is an opportunity for Gentiles to come to worship the true God.

Ps. 68:1–3 Verse 1 adapts the words of Num. 10:35, related to moving the ark in the wilderness. From the psalm’s perspective, the ark was headed to its destination on Zion. This brings the happy promise that the wicked (those who reject God’s covenant) shall perish before God. The righteous (those who embrace the covenant) shall be glad, because God is carrying out his purpose of reversing the effects of sin in the world.

Ps. 68:4–6 The faithful are to sing to God because he has shown himself kind, especially to helpless people (fatherless; widows, see 146:9; Deut. 10:18; solitary; prisoners).

Ps. 68:7–10 These verses recall the way God led his people through the wilderness, from Sinai to his inheritance (Canaan, now the land of Israel). There God’s flock (his people) found a dwelling.

Ps. 68:11–14 This section describes what happens when the Almighty scatters Gentile kings on behalf of his people. The Lord brought great victories even when Israelites who were able would not fight (v. 13, some men would even lie among the sheepfolds instead of endure the hardships of battle; see Judg. 5:16). The wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with shimmering gold describes enjoying wealth and beauty under God’s care.

Ps. 68:15–18 The ark’s destination is the “sanctuary” on Mount Zion, the mountain of God.

Ps. 68:18 Receiving gifts among men describes the conqueror taking valuables from the defeated.

Ps. 68:19–23 The salvation here involves military victories (strike the heads; strike your feet in their blood).

Ps. 68:24–27 These verses describe a procession of Israelites, which consists of singers, followed by virgins playing tambourines, with the musicians last. They enter into the sanctuary in a worship setting. The tribes of Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali probably represent the whole of Israel.

Ps. 68:28–31 The defeat of the Gentile enemies (here described as fierce wild animals) is a good thing. Their greedy and bloody intentions (v. 30) are stopped. As a result of their defeat, they and others will come to worship the true God (vv. 29, 31). kings shall bear gifts to you. These are Gentile kings. God’s presence in his temple at Jerusalem will draw Gentiles to the light (see 1 Kings 8:41–43; Isa. 2:1–5). See notes on Ps. 67:4–5; Isa. 2:1–5.

Ps. 68:32–35 All the Gentile kingdoms of the earth are urged to sing to God.