God With Us
Psalm 68 (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.
God With Us
A good song writer is a great story teller. In Psalm 68, David expertly interweaves two stories together, the historic time of Moses and the nation of Israel’s travels with the ark of the covenant with his own similar experiences as he led God’s people to the resting place of the ark in Jerusalem. This psalm begins with a shout of praise for the victorious God of battle. “Let God arise and his enemies be scattered” (68:1). It starts with the triumphant image of God driving away His enemies, as smoke is driven away. All enemies will perish at the presence of God. The righteous will rejoice before God, seeing his power and might. Moses said “Rise up, O Lord. Let your enemies be scattered” (Numbers 10:35). So here, David is connecting with Numbers 10. Both Moses and David ask God to lead them as they advance and protect them from enemies. They are marching toward unknown territory and are putting their trust in God who they know is with them.
After witnessing the glory of God, inevitably His people rise up to sing praise unto His name. They behold Him riding on the clouds; our God Jehovah is high above the heavens and from the skies watches over His people. Here, David moves from the God in battle to our more personal relationship with He who is the Father of the fatherless and defender of widows. How amazing that God is so compassionate and kind to those in need. God wants His people to be surrounded in a community who takes care of one another, like family. The wicked are surrounded by dry land, a non-nourishing environment. But God provides prosperity and health.
The next passage beautifully tells how God blessed, protected and led the Israelites through the wilderness to the promised land. Under God’s care, His people felt the earth shaking beneath their feet, the refreshing rain. He was with them, providing for their needs. Sinai itself was moved by the presence of God. Often, God reveals himself, His presence, in nature. The people looked in awe as His power touch their natural world. David proclaims the many battles God has won over the kings of this earth. God’s people enjoyed the spoils of war.
The victorious nation of Israel, blessed with wealth won from their enemies, will appear like silvery wings of doves. It will be white as snow in Salmon, which is in Israel a mountain. Again, the nation will be spiritually blessed, reaching a height like the “hill of Bashan.” The mountain of Bashan was also in Israel. But of all these other mountains, David sings that God favored Mt. Zion. God chose to make this His dwelling place. Israel depended on the might of God’s power, not on their own military arsenals. God has twenty-thousand chariots. He ascended on high and let them free from captivity. With thanks, God’s people gave Him gifts.
Now the tone changes to one of settled confidence in the God who now dwells amongst His people. He is the God of our salvation. God has brought His people triumphantly to this holy place. He has caused them to trample by foot over the blood of their enemies, even the dogs have licked their wounds. The singers and players of instruments, along with the damsels playing of timbrels all join together to bless the Lord. Bless ye God in the congregation. David brings our attention to significant members of the nation of Israel, from the tribes who joyfully bless the Lord. There is little Benjamin, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. Again, David has led us to a settled place where now other nations will come to honor the God of Israel. “Because of thy temple at Jerusalem, kings will come to thee” (68:29). God will rebuke and scatter the people that delight in war. The great procession to Jerusalem will continue. Princes shall come out of Egypt and Ethiopia will soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Now the kingdoms of the earth will sing unto God. “O sing praises unto the Lord. Selah” (68:32). David again looks to the skies and reminds us of the God of old who rideth amongst the heavens. His voice is the same now as it was then, and that is a mighty voice. His excellency is over Israel and His strength is in the clouds. The God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. David has shown that God’s presence never fails to lead, protect, deliver, strengthen and bless His people. Others see God’s powerful and significant blessings and come to fear, respect and worship Him. Blessed be our God.
In the time of Moses and King David, the nation of Israel felt the presence of God with them in the ark of the covenant. Within the ark were the ten commandments, a jar filled with manna and the rod of Aaron (Hebrews). I thank God that in the new covenant, Jesus said God’s word would be written in our hearts. He also said that God would provide all our needs so we do not have to worry each day what we will eat or wear. Jesus additionally encouraged that we would perform even greater works than He did through the power of the Holy Spirit which would dwell within us. Lord, I thank you that each day I know I carry you inside my heart. Your covenant with me, through the precious blood of Jesus, leads me through life and brings me to a place of victory and peace. Like the Israelites took the ark with them, we take the name of Jesus with us wherever we go. His name is not a vessel made with hands. It can’t be misplaced, broken, or stolen from us. As believers, Jesus is our King and Lord and Savior. We can call on Him any time and He is always there.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Elizabeth Expands:
God gave the Israelites a unique honor; a chance to have His physical presence with them. In Exodus 25, you can find the exact instructions given by God on how the ark was to be crafted and treated. Numbers 10, referenced in today’s Psalm, shows how the Ark took precedence in the procession of the Lord’s people as they made their way toward their promised land. 2nd Samuel chapters 5 and 6 recount David’s own experience with the ark, when it was rescued from the hands of the Philistines and brought back to its rightful place in the holy tabernacle of Israel. Israel lost the Ark when its people were removed to exile at the end of 2nd Kings, and it has not been found since. There are many who claim to know where it ended up or where it still is, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church foremost amongst these.
Meet Elizabeth Baber
Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the Debra Hill Sings team, working as the head Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.
When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.
Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
A series from Debra Hill: Psalms In Your Palm
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
The Psalms In Your Palm Playlist
Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
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