Psalms 68:1-35

This is one of the grandest of the Pss., but its origin and date are involved in much obscurity. It contains expressions borrowed from the Blessing of Moses (Deuteronomy 33) and the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), and presents several parallels with the exilic prophecy of Isaiah 40-66. It may be assigned with some probability to the close of the exile, in which case it is to be regarded as a triumphant anticipation of God's victory over His enemies in the restoration of His people from the Babylonian captivity. After an inspiring prelude (Psalms 68:1) the Psalmist recalls some of God's triumphs in the past—at the exodus and in the wilderness (Psalms 68:7), in the conquest of C anaan (Psalms 68:11), and. in the choice of Zion as His dwelling (Psalms 68:15). God next appears as the present Saviour of His people and as the Vanquisher of their enemies (Psalms 68:19). Then comes a picture of a triumphal procession of a reunited Israel in honour of His victory (Psalms 68:24), and of heathen kings bringing tribute to Jerusalem (Psalms 68:28). A magnificent doxology (Psalms 68:32) closes the Ps., which is another of the Pss. for Whit Sunday.