Psalms 68:28. Thy God hath commanded thy strength— i.e. The great power of the Israelites, and the height of glory and strength to which the kingdom of David had arisen, was the work of God; which naturally makes way for the petition following, Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. "Let the foundation of our present happiness be firm and durable." read more
Psalms 68:30. Rebuke the company of spearmen— So our translators, though they have placed in the margin the beast of the reeds. The beast of the reeds is the crocodile or river-horse, which both lay among the reeds that grew on the banks of the Nile: and as it is a very proper description of the Egyptian tyrant, the meaning will be, that God would repress his power, and preserve his own people from being overrun and destroyed by it. See Boch. Hieroz. lib. 3: p. 985 and Lowth's Prelections, p.... read more
Psalms 68:31. Princes shall come out of Egypt, &c.— Rather, Let princes come;—Let Ethiopia stretch, &c. The word חשׁמנים chashmanniim, rendered princes, signifies a princely person, accompanied by a numerous attendance; Parkhurst thinks it signifies persons in great haste. By Ethiopia many understand the country properly so called, and I see no reason to depart from this sense: the country is put for the inhabitants of it. The words may be rendered Let Ethiopia exercise her hands, or... read more
28, 29. Thanks for the past, and confident prayer for the future victories of Zion are mingled in a song of praise. read more
29. thy temple—literally, "over" Jerusalem—His palace or residence (Psalms 5:7) symbolized His protecting presence among His people, and hence is the object of homage on the part of others. read more
30. The strongest nations are represented by the strongest beasts (compare Margin). read more
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. read more
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 ( :-), 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. read more
Psalms 68David reviewed God’s dealings with Israel to memorialize God’s faithfulness to His people (cf. Judges 5). He traced Israel’s history from the wilderness wanderings to his own capture of Jerusalem. As a mighty commander, God had led His oppressed people into the glorious future He had promised them. In the process He overcame many strong foes."The theme of this magnificent Psalm is the march of God to victory. It traces the establishment of His kingdom in the past; it looks forward to... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 68:32
PRAISE THE POWERFUL AND TERRIBLE GOD OF ISRAEL"Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth;O Sing praises unto the Lord; (Selah)To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old;Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.Ascribe ye strength unto God:His excellency is over Israel,And his strength is in the skies.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.""To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens"... read more