“THE PSALMIST’S EXHORTATION TO PRAISE GOD” PSALM 66:1-20; PSALM 67:1-7

The superscription of this grand psalm reads, “To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David.” Psalm 68, ascribed to David, celebrates one of his military victories as Israel captured the spoils of an enemy nation. This psalm is a song full of praises to God for His triumphant victory.

In verses 1-3, David calls upon God to manifest His power against His enemies, “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.” (v. 1). As Israel ventured in their wanderings in the wilderness, Moses would call on God to manifest His presence as Israel marched in the wilderness (Numbers 10:35). As God manifested His presence in driving out His enemies, Israel will rejoice, “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice” (v. 2).

David summons the people to praise God in song for His triumphant work of deliverance (vv.4-6). God is known as “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation” (v. 5). While God’s people were going through the wilderness in route to Zion, God in His goodness provided for them (vv.7-10). David continued to unfold God’s triumphant work in behalf of Israel in their possession of the land of Canaan (vv. 11-14).

As a triumphant conqueror, God made His entry into Zion (vv. 15-18). Prophetically, verse 18 which reads, “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” foreshadowed the ascension of Christ after His death. Psalm 68:18 was referred to by Paul in Ephesians 4:8 that applied to Christ’s ascension after His death and resurrection when He took the spoils (O.T. Saints) into God’s presence. Similarly, Ephesians 4:8 reads, “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

Because of God’s entry into Zion, David praises God because He will conquer Israel’s enemies (vv. 19-27). David begins in verses 19 and 20 by saying, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.” Even other nations will pay homage to God as He demonstrates His power (vv. 28-31). As this psalm closes in verses 32-35, the psalmist calls on nations to recognize the awesome power of God by singing and rendering praise to Him – “Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. 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” (vv. 34-35).

May God Bless!