(19-23) The abrupt transition from the scene of triumph just described to the actual reality of things which the psalmist now for the first time faces, really gives the key to the intention of the poem. It is by God’s favour and might, and not by the sword, that deliverance from the enemies actually threatening the nation is to be expected. read more
The Book of Ruth Psalms 68:6 These words express in the shortest possible compass the main lesson of the book of Ruth. It is rather a matter for rejoicing that the lovely pastoral, in which Ruth the Moabitess is the principal figure, forms no part of the record of that anarchic and sanguinary era, so that we take it up as an independent whole, complete in itself. Coming to it, indeed, after the violence and disorder of which the book of Judges is full, is like passing from scenes of battle and... read more
Psalms 68:1-35THIS superb hymn is unsurpassed, if not unequalled, in grandeur, lyric fire, and sustained rush of triumphant praise. It celebrates a victory; but it is the victory of the God who enters as a conqueror into His sanctuary. To that entrance (Psalms 68:15-18) all the preceding part of the psalm leads up; and from it all the subsequent part flows down. The Exodus is recalled as the progress of a king at the head of his hosts, and old paeans re-echo. That dwelling of God in the... read more
Psalms 68:0 The Great Redemption Accomplished 1. The introduction (Psalms 68:1-3 ) 2. The proclamation of His Name and of ‘His acts (Psalms 68:4-6 ) 3. A historic review (Psalms 68:7-12 ) 4. Israel’s place of blessing and the Redeemer (Psalms 68:13-19 ) 5. His victory over the enemies (Psalms 68:20-23 ) 6. The great procession (Psalms 68:24-29 ) 7. The conversion of the nations and the kingdom (Psalms 68:30-35 ) This is one of the greatest Psalms. The Name of God is found in it... read more
Psalms 67:0 The first half dozen of these psalms form a group millennial and Messianic. The first is millennial. It is Israel who speaks; the psalm cannot be appreciated unless the word “us” in Psalms 67:1 is so applied. When God has mercy upon and blesses Israel in the latter days, His way and His saving health unto all nations (Psalms 67:2 ) will begin to be known. In other words, the present age is one of out-gathering, but the age to come (millennial) will be one of in-gathering. God is now... read more
Who that contemplates the divine love, especially as manifested in the verse going before, but must break out, with the church, in this short but sweet hymn of praise? The Lord not only gives us benefits, but loads us with them, and this not only now and then, but daily: and He that is our God now, will be our God forever. All the issues of life and death are with him. Oh! let the enemies of our Jesus tremble at these truths, and kiss the Son, lest he be angry; for if his wrath be kindled, yea,... read more
Enemies. That they may insult no longer over me, (Calmet) being converted or covered with shame, (Menochius) that they do no more hurt. (Worthington) read more
15-21 The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, Ephesians 4:8. He received as the purchase of his death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of believers. These he continually bestows, even on rebellious men, that the Lord God might dwell among them, as their Friend and Father. He gave gifts to men. Having received power to give eternal life, the Lord Jesus bestows it on as many as were given him, John 17:2. Christ came to a rebellious... read more
The Exaltation and Reign of Messiah v. 18. Thou hast ascended on high, to the height, referred by Paul to the ascension of Christ, Ephesians 4:8; for the Champion of His Church, having overcome all His enemies, now gives visible evidence of His victory by ascending in triumph to heaven; Thou hast led captivity captive, Satan and his hosts, who formerly held all mankind captive, now himself being bound with everlasting chains of darkness. Thou hast received gifts for men, among men,... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 68:19
(19) The verb, as the italics of the Authorised Version show, is of somewhat indefinite use. It appears to have both an active and passive sense, meaning to lay a burden, or to receive a burden. Here the context seems to require the latter: who daily takes our burden for us, i.e., either the burden of trial or of sin. (Comp. a somewhat similar passage, Psalms 99:8, “thou art a God who liftest for us,” i.e., as Authorised Version, “forgivest us.”) But it is quite possible to render, if any put a... read more