Psalm 68:16

EXPOSITION

Verse 16. Why leap ye, ye high hills? Why are ye moved to envy? Envy as ye may, the Lord's choice is fixed. Lift up yourselves, and even leap from your seats, ye cannot reach the sublimity which Jehovah's presence has bestowed on the little hill of Moriah.

This is the hill which God desireth to dwell in. Elohim makes Zion his abode, yea, Jehovah resides there.

Yea, the Lord will dwell in it for ever. Spiritually the Lord abides eternally in Zion, his chosen church, and it was Zion's glory to be typical thereof. What were Carmel and Sirion, with all their height, compared to Zion, the joy of the whole earth! God's election is a patent of nobility. They are choice men whom God has chosen, and that place is superlatively honoured which he honours with his presence.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 15-16: -- See Psalms on "Psalms 68:15" for further information.

Verse 16. Why leap ye? As triumphing, and making a show of your natural advantages over Sion. Or, to insult over it, and compare and equalise yourselves in honour with it; poetical kind of speeches. Others translate it, Why gaze you, as though you were ravished with admiration? John Diodati.

Verse 16. This is the hill which God desireth to dwell in. This low, little, barren hill of Zion; and God's election maketh the difference, as it did of Aaron's rod from the rest, and doth still of the church from the rest of the world. The Lamb Christ is on Mount Zion. Re 14:1. John Trapp.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 15-16. See Psalms on "Psalms 68:15" for further information.

Verse 16.

1. The church the dwelling place of God.
   1. Elected of old.
   2. Favoured for ever.
   3. Affording rest, etc., as a home for God.
   4. Receiving honour, etc., for herself.
   5. The church, therefore, envied by others.
   6. They feel their own greatness outdone.
   7. They leap with rage.
   8. They are unreasonable in so doing.