Introduction
Psalm 68:1–18: Today we begin reading the first half of Psalm 68, a psalm that focuses on praising God. It includes a historical recollection of God’s constant presence and care for the Israelites in the desert after they left Egypt, and victories in battles with Canaanite kings. Unusual references in this psalm have led some scholars to surmise that this psalm includes fragments from earlier writings (like Judges 5:4–5, 16).
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 68:4
Sing to God, sing praises to his name; prepare a way for him who rides on the clouds. His name is the LORD—be glad in his presence!
Read
A National Song of Triumph[a]
68 God rises up and scatters his enemies.
Those who hate him run away in defeat.
2 As smoke is blown away, so he drives them off;
as wax melts in front of the fire,
so do the wicked perish in God’s presence.
3 But the righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence;
they are happy and shout for joy.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
prepare a way for him who rides on the clouds.[b]
His name is the Lord—be glad in his presence!
5 God, who lives in his sacred Temple,
cares for orphans and protects widows.
6 He gives the lonely a home to live in
and leads prisoners out into happy freedom,
but rebels will have to live in a desolate land.
7 O God, when you led your people,
when you marched across the desert,
8 the earth shook, and the sky poured down rain,
because of the coming of the God of Sinai,[c]
the coming of the God of Israel.
9 You caused abundant rain to fall
and restored your worn-out land;
10 your people made their home there;
in your goodness you provided for the poor.
11 The Lord gave the command,
and many women carried the news:
12 “Kings and their armies are running away!”
The women at home divided what was captured:
13 figures of doves covered with silver,
whose wings glittered with fine gold.
(Why did some of you stay among the sheep pens on the day of battle?)
14 When Almighty God scattered the kings on Mount Zalmon,
he caused snow to fall there.
15 What a mighty mountain is Bashan,
a mountain of many peaks!
16 Why from your mighty peaks do you look with scorn
on the mountain[d] on which God chose to live?
The Lord will live there forever!
17 With his many thousands of mighty chariots
the Lord comes from Sinai[e] into the holy place.
18 He goes up to the heights,
taking many captives with him;
he receives gifts from rebellious people.
The Lord God will live there.
Reflect
How is God described in the opening verses (1–6)? Verses 7–18 have been likened to a procession, beginning with the departure in Egypt and concluding with entry into the Jerusalem Temple. When reading these verses, see if you are able to follow the Israelites’ journey. (Look at Ephesians 4:8 for the apostle Paul’s use of this psalm.)
Pray
Almighty God, I sing your praises. You are holy, and I rejoice in your presence. Lead me and guide me each day as I grow in knowledge of your ways. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 68:19–35: A song of triumph
