Psalm 68 Study Notes

68:18 This verse is quoted in Eph 4:8. The heights probably refers here to Mount Zion, where God would dwell in triumph. But the apostle Paul saw a greater ascent in these words.

68:19-20 These words speak of a God who continually bears our burdens and then delivers us from death.

68:21 Hairy brow may refer to the ancient practice of wearing one’s hair long as a symbol of power over others during a time of military campaigns. The biblical connections are the Nazirite vow (Nm 6:1-5) and the story of Samson (Jdg 13-16).

68:22-23 Bring them back is probably a reference to returning with enemies rather than the restoration of Israel, as some suggest. The enemies are brought to be executed (see note at 58:10).

68:24-26 This procession pictures the grand array of a king returning from battle. In this case it is the Lord, the great King of Israel.

68:27 Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob’s sons, is leading the procession. One interpretation is that this refers to Benjamin’s dominion over the other tribes during Saul’s reign, though it is difficult to say whether this psalm was written during that time. Another option is that Benjamin represents Jerusalem since it was technically in that tribe’s territory. The southern kingdom was often called “Judah and Benjamin” (2Ch 11:1), and Zebulun and Naphtali might represent the north (1Ch 12:40). Perhaps the best option is that this procession mimics an earlier military campaign when Israel went to war against Sisera (Jdg 5:14).

68:28 The first line is addressed to Israel, and the prayer echoes God’s decree.

68:29 Dominion over other peoples was often connected with the bringing of tribute to the dominant power. The dominion of God and his people over the other nations is part of the eschatological hope (see note at 22:27-31). Note also 68:31.

68:30 The beast in the reeds is perhaps a reference to Egypt (v. 31; Ezk 32:2), one of the greatest world powers of that time.

68:31 Stretching out hands is similar to spreading out one’s hands in the context of worship (see note at 44:20), but in this case it probably pertains more to paying homage than to worshiping.

68:32-35 Rides in the . . . heavens along with the reference to clouds recalls the imagery of v. 4.