Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Psalms » Chapter 68 » Verse 1-35

Psalms 68:1-35 King James Version (KJV)

1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

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.

3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.

16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:

23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.

26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.

35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.


Psalms 68:1-35 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 [[To the chief Musician, H5329 A Psalm H4210 or Song H7892 of David.]] H1732 Let God H430 arise, H6965 let his enemies H341 be scattered: H6327 let them also that hate H8130 him flee H5127 before H6440 him.

2 As smoke H6227 is driven away, H5086 so drive them away: H5086 as wax H1749 melteth H4549 before H6440 the fire, H784 so let the wicked H7563 perish H6 at the presence H6440 of God. H430

3 But let the righteous H6662 be glad; H8055 let them rejoice H5970 before H6440 God: H430 yea, let them exceedingly H8057 rejoice. H7797

4 Sing H7891 unto God, H430 sing praises H2167 to his name: H8034 extol H5549 him that rideth H7392 upon the heavens H6160 by his name H8034 JAH, H3050 and rejoice H5937 before H6440 him.

5 A father H1 of the fatherless, H3490 and a judge H1781 of the widows, H490 is God H430 in his holy H6944 habitation. H4583

6 God H430 setteth H3427 the solitary H3173 in families: H1004 he bringeth out H3318 those which are bound H615 with chains: H3574 but the rebellious H5637 dwell H7931 in a dry H6707 land.

7 O God, H430 when thou wentest forth H3318 before H6440 thy people, H5971 when thou didst march H6805 through the wilderness; H3452 Selah: H5542

8 The earth H776 shook, H7493 the heavens H8064 also dropped H5197 at the presence H6440 of God: H430 even Sinai H5514 itself H2088 was moved at the presence H6440 of God, H430 the God H430 of Israel. H3478

9 Thou, O God, H430 didst send H5130 a plentiful H5071 rain, H1653 whereby thou didst confirm H3559 thine inheritance, H5159 when it was weary. H3811

10 Thy congregation H2416 hath dwelt H3427 therein: thou, O God, H430 hast prepared H3559 of thy goodness H2896 for the poor. H6041

11 The Lord H136 gave H5414 the word: H562 great H7227 was the company H6635 of those that published H1319 it.

12 Kings H4428 of armies H6635 did flee H5074 apace: H5074 and she that tarried H5116 at home H1004 divided H2505 the spoil. H7998

13 Though ye have lien H7901 among the pots, H8240 yet shall ye be as the wings H3671 of a dove H3123 covered H2645 with silver, H3701 and her feathers H84 with yellow H3422 gold. H2742

14 When the Almighty H7706 scattered H6566 kings H4428 in it, it was white as snow H7949 in Salmon. H6756

15 The hill H2022 of God H430 is as the hill H2022 of Bashan; H1316 an high H1386 hill H2022 as the hill H2022 of Bashan. H1316

16 Why leap H7520 ye, ye high H1386 hills? H2022 this is the hill H2022 which God H430 desireth H2530 to dwell in; H3427 yea, the LORD H3068 will dwell H7931 in it for ever. H5331

17 The chariots H7393 of God H430 are twenty thousand, H7239 even thousands H505 of angels: H8136 the Lord H136 is among them, as in Sinai, H5514 in the holy H6944 place.

18 Thou hast ascended H5927 on high, H4791 thou hast led captivity H7628 captive: H7617 thou hast received H3947 gifts H4979 for men; H120 yea, for the rebellious H5637 also, that the LORD H3050 God H430 might dwell H7931 among them.

19 Blessed H1288 be the Lord, H136 who daily H3117 H3117 loadeth H6006 us with benefits, even the God H410 of our salvation. H3444 Selah. H5542

20 He that is our God H410 is the God H410 of salvation; H4190 and unto GOD H3069 the Lord H136 belong the issues H8444 from death. H4194

21 But God H430 shall wound H4272 the head H7218 of his enemies, H341 and the hairy H8181 scalp H6936 of such an one as goeth on still H1980 in his trespasses. H817

22 The Lord H136 said, H559 I will bring again H7725 from Bashan, H1316 I will bring my people again H7725 from the depths H4688 of the sea: H3220

23 That thy foot H7272 may be dipped H4272 in the blood H1818 of thine enemies, H341 and the tongue H3956 of thy dogs H3611 in the same.

24 They have seen H7200 thy goings, H1979 O God; H430 even the goings H1979 of my God, H410 my King, H4428 in the sanctuary. H6944

25 The singers H7891 went before, H6923 the players on instruments H5059 followed after; H310 among H8432 them were the damsels H5959 playing with timbrels. H8608

26 Bless H1288 ye God H430 in the congregations, H4721 even the Lord, H136 from the fountain H4726 of Israel. H3478

27 There is little H6810 Benjamin H1144 with their ruler, H7287 the princes H8269 of Judah H3063 and their council, H7277 the princes H8269 of Zebulun, H2074 and the princes H8269 of Naphtali. H5321

28 Thy God H430 hath commanded H6680 thy strength: H5797 strengthen, H5810 O God, H430 that which H2098 thou hast wrought H6466 for us.

29 Because of thy temple H1964 at Jerusalem H3389 shall kings H4428 bring H2986 presents H7862 unto thee.

30 Rebuke H1605 the company H2416 of spearmen, H7070 the multitude H5712 of the bulls, H47 with the calves H5695 of the people, H5971 till every one submit H7511 himself with pieces H7518 of silver: H3701 scatter H967 thou the people H5971 that delight H2654 in war. H7128

31 Princes H2831 shall come out H857 of Egypt; H4714 Ethiopia H3568 shall soon stretch out H7323 her hands H3027 unto God. H430

32 Sing H7891 unto God, H430 ye kingdoms H4467 of the earth; H776 O sing praises H2167 unto the Lord; H136 Selah: H5542

33 To him that rideth H7392 upon the heavens H8064 of heavens, H8064 which were of old; H6924 lo, he doth send out H5414 his voice, H6963 and that a mighty H5797 voice. H6963

34 Ascribe H5414 ye strength H5797 unto God: H430 his excellency H1346 is over Israel, H3478 and his strength H5797 is in the clouds. H7834

35 O God, H430 thou art terrible H3372 out of thy holy places: H4720 the God H410 of Israel H3478 is he that giveth H5414 strength H5797 and power H8592 unto his people. H5971 Blessed H1288 be God. H430


Psalms 68:1-35 American Standard (ASV)

1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; Let them also that hate him flee before him.

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.

3 But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God: Yea, let them rejoice with gladness.

4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, When thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah

8 The earth trembled, The heavens also dropped `rain' at the presence of God: Yon Sinai `trembled' at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host.

12 Kings of armies flee, they flee; And she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil.

13 When ye lie among the sheepfolds, `It is as' the wings of a dove covered with silver, And her pinions with yellow gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings therein, `It was as when' it snoweth in Zalmon.

15 A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.

16 Why look ye askance, ye high mountains, At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode? Yea, Jehovah will dwell `in it' for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them, `as in' Sinai, in the sanctuary.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Yea, `among' the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell `with them'.

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah

20 God is unto us a God of deliverances; And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death.

21 But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.

22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring `them' again from the depths of the sea;

23 That thou mayest crush `them', `dipping' thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from `thine' enemies.

24 They have seen thy goings, O God, Even the goings of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.

26 Bless ye God in the congregations, Even the Lord, `ye that are' of the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin their ruler, The princes of Judah `and' their council, The princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem Kings shall bring presents unto thee.

30 Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver: He hath scattered the peoples that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; Oh sing praises unto the Lord; Selah

33 To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, And his strength is in the skies.

35 O God, `thou art' terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto `his' people. Blessed be God. Psalm 69 For the Chief Musician; set to Shoshanim. `A Psalm' of David.


Psalms 68:1-35 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 To the Overseer. -- A Psalm, a song of David. Rise doth God -- scattered are His enemies! And those hating Him flee from His face.

2 As the driving away of smoke Thou drivest away, As the melting of wax before fire, The wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 And the righteous rejoice, they exult before God, And they joy with gladness.

4 Sing ye to God -- praise His name, Raise up a highway for Him who is riding in deserts, In Jah `is' His name, and exult before Him.

5 Father of the fatherless, and judge of the widows, `Is' God in His holy habitation.

6 God -- causing the lonely to dwell at home, Bringing out bound ones into prosperity, Only -- the refractory have inhabited a dry place.

7 O God, in Thy going forth before Thy people, In Thy stepping through the wilderness, Selah.

8 The earth hath shaken, Yea, the heavens have dropped before God, This Sinai -- before God, the God of Israel.

9 A shower of free-will gifts thou shakest out, O God. Thine inheritance, when it hath been weary, Thou hast established it.

10 Thy company have dwelt in it, Thou preparest in Thy goodness for the poor, O God.

11 The Lord doth give the saying, The female proclaimers `are' a numerous host.

12 Kings of hosts flee utterly away, And a female inhabitant of the house apportioneth spoil.

13 Though ye do lie between two boundaries, Wings of a dove covered with silver, And her pinions with yellow gold.

14 When the Mighty spreadeth kings in it, It doth snow in Salmon.

15 A hill of God `is' the hill of Bashan, A hill of heights `is' the hill of Bashan.

16 Why do ye envy, O high hills, The hill God hath desired for His seat? Jehovah also doth tabernacle for ever.

17 The chariots of God `are' myriads, thousands of changes, The Lord `is' among them, in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast taken captive captivity, Thou hast taken gifts for men, That even the refractory may rest, O Jah God.

19 Blessed `is' the Lord, day by day He layeth on us. God Himself `is' our salvation. Selah.

20 God Himself `is' to us a God for deliverances, And Jehovah Lord hath the outgoings of death.

21 Only -- God doth smite The head of His enemies, The hairy crown of a habitual walker in his guilt.

22 The Lord said: `From Bashan I bring back, I bring back from the depths of the sea.

23 So that thou dashest thy foot in blood, `In the blood of' enemies -- the tongue of Thy dogs.'

24 They have seen Thy goings, O God, Goings of my God, my king, in the sanctuary.

25 Singers have been before, Behind `are' players on instruments, In the midst virgins playing with timbrels.

26 In assemblies bless ye God, The Lord -- from the fountain of Israel.

27 There `is' little Benjamin their ruler, Heads of Judah their defence, Heads of Zebulun -- heads of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength, Be strong, O God, this Thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of Thy temple at Jerusalem, To Thee do kings bring a present.

30 Rebuke a beast of the reeds, a company of bulls, With calves of the peoples, Each humbling himself with pieces of silver, Scatter Thou peoples delighting in conflicts.

31 Come do fat ones out of Egypt, Cush causeth her hands to run to God.

32 Kingdoms of the earth, sing ye to God, Praise ye the Lord. Selah.

33 To him who is riding on the heavens of the heavens of old, Lo, He giveth with His voice a strong voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength to God, Over Israel `is' His excellency, and His strength in the clouds.

35 Fearful, O God, out of Thy sanctuaries, The God of Israel Himself, Giving strength and might to the people. Blessed `is' God!


Psalms 68:1-35 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 {To the chief Musician. Of David. A Psalm: a Song.} Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, and let them that hate him flee before him.

2 As smoke is driven, thou wilt drive them away; as wax melteth before the fire, the wicked shall perish at the presence of God.

3 But the righteous shall rejoice: they shall exult before God and be glad with joy.

4 Sing unto God, sing forth his name; cast up a way for him that rideth in the deserts: his name is Jah; and rejoice before him.

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God maketh the solitary into families; those that were bound he bringeth out into prosperity: but the rebellious dwell in a parched [land].

7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness -- (Selah) --

8 The earth trembled, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God, yon Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 Thou, O God, didst pour a plentiful rain upon thine inheritance, and when it was weary thou strengthenedst it.

10 Thy flock hath dwelt therein: thou hast prepared in thy goodness, for the afflicted, O God!

11 The Lord gives the word: great the host of the publishers.

12 Kings of armies flee; they flee, and she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil.

13 Though ye have lain among the sheepfolds, [ye shall be as] wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with green gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it became snow-white as Zalmon.

15 [As] mount Bashan is the mount of God, a many-peaked mountain, [as] mount Bashan.

16 Why do ye look with envy, ye many-peaked mountains, upon the mount that God hath desired for his abode? yea, Jehovah will dwell [there] for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them: it is a Sinai in holiness.

18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts in Man, and even [for] the rebellious, for the dwelling [there] of Jah Elohim.

19 Blessed be the Lord: day by day doth he load us [with good], the ùGod who is our salvation. Selah.

20 Our ùGod is the ùGod of salvation; and with Jehovah, the Lord, are the goings forth [even] from death.

21 Verily God will smite the head of his enemies, the hairy scalp of him that goeth on still in his trespasses.

22 The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring [them] again from the depth of the sea;

23 That thou mayest dip thy foot in blood: the tongue of thy dogs has its portion from enemies.

24 They have seen thy goings, O God, the goings of my ùGod, my King, in the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the players on stringed instruments after, in the midst of maidens playing on tabrets.

26 In the congregations bless ye God, the Lord, -- [ye] from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler; the princes of Judah, their company; the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

30 Rebuke the beast of the reeds, the assembly of the strong, with the calves of the peoples: [every one] submitteth himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the peoples that delight in war.

31 Great ones shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall quickly stretch out her hands unto God.

32 Ye kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God; sing psalms of the Lord, (Selah,)

33 Of him that rideth upon the heavens, the heavens which are of old: lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.

35 Terrible art thou, O God, out of thy sanctuaries, -- the ùGod of Israel! He it is that giveth strength and might unto the people. Blessed be God!


Psalms 68:1-35 World English Bible (WEB)

1 > Let God arise! Let his enemies be scattered! Let them who hate him also flee before him.

2 As smoke is driven away, So drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad. Let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.

4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Extol him who rides on the clouds: To Yah, his name! Rejoice before him!

5 A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.

6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, But the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

7 God, when you went forth before your people, When you marched through the wilderness... Selah.

8 The earth trembled. The sky also poured down rain at the presence of the God of Sinai-- At the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 You, God, sent a plentiful rain. You confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Your congregation lived therein. You, God, prepared your goodness for the poor.

11 The Lord announced the word. The ones who proclaim it are a great company.

12 "Kings of armies flee! They flee!" She who waits at home divides the spoil,

13 While you sleep among the campfires, The wings of a dove sheathed with silver, Her feathers with shining gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings in her, It snowed on Zalmon.

15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains. The mountains of Bashan are rugged.

16 Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains, At the mountain where God chooses to reign? Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.

17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.

18 You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among men, Yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah.

20 God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death.

21 But God will strike through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness.

22 The Lord said, "I will bring you again from Bashan, I will bring you again from the depths of the sea;

23 That you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood, That the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies."

24 They have seen your processions, God, Even the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the ladies playing with tambourines,

26 "Bless God in the congregations, Even the Lord in the assembly of Israel!"

27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler, The princes of Judah, their council, The princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Your God has commanded your strength. Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem, Kings shall bring presents to you.

30 Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples. Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations that delight in war.

31 Princes shall come out of Egypt. Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out her hands to God.

32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the Lord! Selah.

33 To him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Behold, he utters his voice, a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe strength to God! His excellency is over Israel, His strength is in the skies.

35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!


Psalms 68:1-35 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 <To the chief music-maker. Of David. A Psalm. A Song.> Let God be seen, and let his haters be put to flight; let those who are against him be turned back before him.

2 Let them be like smoke before the driving wind; as wax turning soft before the fire, so let them come to an end before the power of God.

3 But let the upright be glad; let them have delight before God; let them be full of joy.

4 Make songs to God, make songs of praise to his name; make a way for him who comes through the waste lands; his name is Jah; be glad before him.

5 A father to those who have no father, a judge of the widows, is God in his holy place.

6 Those who are without friends, God puts in families; he makes free those who are in chains; but those who are turned away from him are given a dry land.

7 O God, when you went out before your people, wandering through the waste land; (Selah.)

8 The earth was shaking and the heavens were streaming, because God was present; even Sinai itself was moved before God, the God of Israel.

9 You, O God, did freely send the rain, giving strength to the weariness of your heritage.

10 Those whose resting-place was there, even the poor, were comforted by your good things, O God.

11 The Lord gives the word; great is the number of the women who make it public.

12 Kings of armies quickly go in flight: and the women in the houses make a division of their goods.

13 Will you take your rest among the flocks? like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and its feathers with yellow gold.

14 When the Most High put the kings to flight, it was as white as snow in Salmon.

15 A hill of God is the hill of Bashan; a hill with high tops is the hill of Bashan.

16 Why are you looking with envy, you high hills, on the hill desired by God as his resting-place? truly, God will make it his house for ever.

17 The war-carriage of God is among Israel's thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai to the holy place.

18 You have gone up on high, taking your prisoners with you; you have taken offerings from men; the Lord God has taken his place on the seat of his power.

19 Praise be to the Lord, who is our support day by day, even the God of our salvation. (Selah.)

20 Our God is for us a God of salvation; his are the ways out of death.

21 The heads of the haters of God will be crushed; even the head of him who still goes on in his evil ways.

22 The Lord said, I will make them come back from Bashan, and from the deep parts of the sea;

23 So that your foot may be red with blood, and the tongues of your dogs with the same.

24 We see your going, O God: even the going of my God, my King, into the holy place.

25 The makers of songs go before, the players of music come after, among the young girls playing on brass instruments.

26 Give praise to God in the great meeting; even the Lord, you who come from the fountain of Israel.

27 There is little Benjamin ruling them, the chiefs of Judah and their army, the rulers of Zebulun and the rulers of Naphtali.

28 O God, send out your strength; the strength, O God, with which you have done great things for us,

29 Out of your Temple in Jerusalem.

30 Say sharp words to the beast among the water-plants, the band of strong ones, with the lords of the peoples, put an end to the people whose delight is in war.

31 Kings will give you offerings, they will come out of Egypt; from Pathros will come offerings of silver; Ethiopia will be stretching out her hands to God.

32 Make songs to God, you kingdoms of the earth; O make songs of praise to the Lord; (Selah.)

33 To him who goes or the clouds of heaven, the heaven which was from earliest times; he sends out his voice of power.

34 Make clear that strength is God's: he is lifted up over Israel, and his power is in the clouds.

35 O God, you are to be feared in your holy place: the God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God.

Commentary on Psalms 68 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 68

Ps 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on Ps 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in highly poetical terms. Hence the writer intimates an expectation of equal and even greater triumphs and summons all nations to unite in praises of the God of Israel. The Psalm is evidently typical of the relation which God, in the person of His Son, sustains to the Church (compare Ps 68:18).

1-3. Compare Nu 10:35; Ps 1:4; 22:14, on the figures here used.

before him—as in Ps 68:2, from His presence, as dreaded; but in Ps 68:3, in His presence, as under His protection (Ps 61:7).

3. the righteous—all truly pious, whether of Israel or not.

4. extol him … heavens—literally, "cast up for Him who rideth in the deserts," or "wilderness" (compare Ps 68:7), alluding to the poetical representation of His leading His people in the wilderness as a conqueror, before whom a way is to be prepared, or "cast up" (compare Isa 40:3; 62:10).

by his name JAH—or, "Jehovah," of which it is a contraction (Ex 15:3; Isa 12:2) (Hebrew).

name—or, "perfections" (Ps 9:10; 20:1), which—

5, 6. are illustrated by the protection to the helpless, vindication of the innocent, and punishment of rebels, ascribed to Him.

6. setteth the solitary in families—literally, "settleth the lonely" (as wanderers) "at home." Though a general truth, there is perhaps allusion to the wandering and settlement of the Israelites.

rebellious dwell in a dry land—removed from all the comforts of home.

7, 8. (Compare Ex 19:16-18).

thou wentest—in the pillar of fire.

thou didst march—literally, "in Thy tread," Thy majestic movement.

8. even Sinai itself—literally, "that Sinai," as in Jud 5:5.

9, 10. a plentiful rain—a rain of gifts, as manna and quails.

10. Thy congregation—literally, "troop," as in 2Sa 23:11, 13—the military aspect of the people being prominent, according to the figures of the context.

therein—that is, in the land of promise.

the poor—Thy humble people (Ps 68:9; compare Ps 10:17; 12:5).

11. gave the word—that is, of triumph.

company—or, choir of females, celebrating victory (Ex 15:20).

12. Kings of armies—that is, with their armies.

she that … at home—Mostly women so remained, and the ease of victory appears in that such, without danger, quietly enjoyed the spoils.

13. Some translate this, "When ye shall lie between the borders, ye shall," &c., comparing the peaceful rest in the borders or limits of the promised land to the proverbial beauty of a gentle dove. Others understand by the word rendered "pots," the smoked sides of caves, in which the Israelites took refuge from enemies in the times of the judges; or, taking the whole figuratively, the rows of stones on which cooking vessels were hung; and thus that a contrast is drawn between their former low and afflicted state and their succeeding prosperity. In either case, a state of quiet and peace is described by a beautiful figure.

14. Their enemies dispersed, the contrast of their prosperity with their former distress is represented by that of the snow with the dark and somber shades of Salmon.

15, 16. Mountains are often symbols of nations (Ps 46:2; 65:6). That of Bashan, northeast of Palestine, denotes a heathen nation, which is described as a "hill of God," or a great hill. Such are represented as envious of the hill (Zion) on which God resides;

17. and, to the assertion of God's purpose to make it His dwelling, is added evidence of His protecting care. He is described as in the midst of His heavenly armies—

thousands of angels—literally, "thousands of repetitions," or, "thousands of thousands"—that is, of chariots. The word "angels" was perhaps introduced in our version, from De 33:2, and Ga 3:19. They are, of course, implied as conductors of the chariots.

as … Sinai, in the holy place—that is, He has appeared in Zion as once in Sinai.

18. From the scene of conquest He ascends to His throne, leading—

captivity captive—or, "many captives captive" (Jud 5:12).

received gifts for men—accepting their homage, even when forced, as that of rebels.

that the Lord God might dwell—or literally, "to dwell, O Lord God" (compare Ps 68:16)—that is, to make this hill, His people or Church, His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the conquests of the Church under her divine leader, Christ. He, indeed, "who was with the Church in the wilderness" (Ac 7:38) is the Lord, described in this ideal ascension. Hence Paul (Eph 4:8) applies this language to describe His real ascension, when, having conquered sin, death, and hell, the Lord of glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on the throne and wield the scepter of an eternal dominion. The phrase "received gifts for (or literally, among) men" is by Paul, "gave gifts to men." Both describe the acts of a conqueror, who receives and distributes spoils. The Psalmist uses "receiving" as evincing the success, Paul "gave" as the act, of the conqueror, who, having subdued his enemies, proceeds to reward his friends. The special application of the passage by Paul was in proof of Christ's exaltation. What the Old Testament represents of His descending and ascending corresponds with His history. He who descended is the same who has ascended. As then ascension was an element of His triumph, so is it now; and He, who, in His humiliation, must be recognized as our vicarious sacrifice and the High Priest of our profession, must also be adored as Head of His Church and author of all her spiritual benefits.

19-21. God daily and fully supplies us. The issues or escapes from death are under His control, who is the God that saves us, and destroys His and our enemies.

21. wound the head—or, "violently destroy" (Nu 24:8; Ps 110:6).

goeth on still in … trespasses—perseveringly impenitent.

22. Former examples of God's deliverance are generalized: as He has done, so He will do.

from Bashan—the farthest region; and—

depths of the sea—the severest afflictions. Out of all, God will bring them. The figures of Ps 68:23 denote the completeness of the conquest, not implying any savage cruelty (compare 2Ki 9:36; Isa 63:1-6; Jer 15:3).

24-27. The triumphal procession, after the deliverance, is depicted.

They have seen—impersonally, "There have been seen."

the goings of my God—as leading the procession; the ark, the symbol of His presence, being in front. The various bands of music (Ps 68:25) follow, and all who are—

26. from—or literally, "of"

the fountain of Israel—that is, lineal descendants of Jacob, are invited to unite in the doxology. Then by one of the nearest tribes, one of the most eminent, and two of the most remote, are represented the whole nation of Israel, passing forward (Nu 7:1-89).

28, 29. Thanks for the past, and confident prayer for the future victories of Zion are mingled in a song of praise.

29. thy temple—literally, "over"

Jerusalem—His palace or residence (Ps 5:7) symbolized His protecting presence among His people, and hence is the object of homage on the part of others.

30. The strongest nations are represented by the strongest beasts (compare Margin).

31. Princes—or, literally, "fat ones," the most eminent from the most wealthy, and the most distant nation, represent the universal subjection.

stretch out her hands—or, "make to run her hands," denoting haste.

32-36. To Him who is presented as riding in triumph through His ancient heavens and proclaiming His presence—to Him who, in nature, and still more in the wonders of His spiritual government, out of His holy place (Ps 43:3), is terrible, who rules His Church, and, by His Church, rules the world in righteousness—let all nations and kingdoms give honor and power and dominion evermore.