11 The Lord H136 gave H5414 the word: H562 great H7227 was the company H6635 of those that published H1319 it.
And Moses H4872 said H559 unto Joshua, H3091 Choose us out H977 men, H582 and go out, H3318 fight H3898 with Amalek: H6002 to morrow H4279 I will stand H5324 on the top H7218 of the hill H1389 with the rod H4294 of God H430 in mine hand. H3027 So Joshua H3091 did H6213 as Moses H4872 had said H559 to him, and fought H3898 with Amalek: H6002 and Moses, H4872 Aaron, H175 and Hur H2354 went up H5927 to the top H7218 of the hill. H1389 And it came to pass, when Moses H4872 held up H7311 his hand, H3027 that Israel H3478 prevailed: H1396 and when he let down H5117 his hand, H3027 Amalek H6002 prevailed. H1396 But Moses' H4872 hands H3027 were heavy; H3515 and they took H3947 a stone, H68 and put H7760 it under him, and he sat H3427 thereon; and Aaron H175 and Hur H2354 stayed up H8551 his hands, H3027 the one on the one side, H259 and the other on the other side; H259 and his hands H3027 were steady H530 until the going down H935 of the sun. H8121 And Joshua H3091 discomfited H2522 Amalek H6002 and his people H5971 with the edge H6310 of the sword. H2719 And the LORD H3068 said H559 unto Moses, H4872 Write H3789 this for a memorial H2146 in a book, H5612 and rehearse H7760 it in the ears H241 of Joshua: H3091 for I will utterly H4229 put out H4229 the remembrance H2143 of Amalek H6002 from under heaven. H8064 And Moses H4872 built H1129 an altar, H4196 and called H7121 the name H8034 of it Jehovahnissi: H3071 For he said, H559 Because the LORD H3050 hath sworn H3027 H3676 that the LORD H3068 will have war H4421 with Amalek H6002 from generation H1755 to generation. H1755
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 68
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.