Psalms 68

15, 16. Mountains are often symbols of nations ( Psalms 46:2 , 65:6 ). That of Bashan, northeast of Palestine, denotes a heathen nation, which is described as a "hill of God," or a great hill. Such are represented as envious of the hill (Zion) on which God resides;

17. and, to the assertion of God's purpose to make it His dwelling, is added evidence of His protecting care. He is described as in the midst of His heavenly armies--
thousands of angels--literally, "thousands of repetitions," or, "thousands of thousands"--that is, of chariots. The word "angels" was perhaps introduced in our version, from Deuteronomy 33:2 , and Galatians 3:19 . They are, of course, implied as conductors of the chariots.
as . . . Sinai, in the holy place--that is, He has appeared in Zion as once in Sinai.

18. From the scene of conquest He ascends to His throne, leading--
captivity captive--or, "many captives captive" ( Judges 5:12 ).
received gifts for men--accepting their homage, even when forced, as that of rebels.
that the Lord God might dwell--or literally, "to dwell, O Lord God" (compare Psalms 68:16 )--that is, to make this hill, His people or Church, His dwelling. This Psalm typifies the conquests of the Church under her divine leader, Christ. He, indeed, "who was with the Church in the wilderness" ( Acts 7:38 ) is the Lord, described in this ideal ascension. Hence Paul ( Ephesians 4:8 ) applies this language to describe His real ascension, when, having conquered sin, death, and hell, the Lord of glory triumphantly entered heaven, attended by throngs of adoring angels, to sit on the throne and wield the scepter of an eternal dominion. The phrase "received gifts for (or literally, among) men" is by Paul, "gave gifts to men" ( Ephesians 4:8 ). Both describe the acts of a conqueror, who receives and distributes spoils. The Psalmist uses "receiving" as evincing the success, Paul "gave" as the act, of the conqueror, who, having subdued his enemies, proceeds to reward his friends. The special application of the passage by Paul was in proof of Christ's exaltation. What the Old Testament represents of His descending and ascending corresponds with His history. He who descended is the same who has ascended. As then ascension was an element of His triumph, so is it now; and He, who, in His humiliation, must be recognized as our vicarious sacrifice and the High Priest of our profession, must also be adored as Head of His Church and author of all her spiritual benefits.

19-21. God daily and fully supplies us. The issues or escapes from death are under His control, who is the God that saves us, and destroys His and our enemies.

21. wound the head--or, "violently destroy" ( Numbers 24:8 , Psalms 110:6 ).
goeth on still in . . . trespasses--perseveringly impenitent.

22. Former examples of God's deliverance are generalized: as He has done, so He will do.
from Bashan--the farthest region; and--
depths of the sea--the severest afflictions. Out of all, God will bring them. The figures of Psalms 68:23 denote the completeness of the conquest, not implying any savage cruelty (compare 2 Kings 9:36 , Isaiah 63:1-6 , Jeremiah 15:3 ).

24-27. The triumphal procession, after the deliverance, is depicted.
They have seen--impersonally, "There have been seen."
the goings of my God--as leading the procession; the ark, the symbol of His presence, being in front. The various bands of music ( Psalms 68:25 ) follow, and all who are--

26. from--or literally, "of"
the fountain of Israel--that is, lineal descendants of Jacob, are invited to unite in the doxology. Then by one of the nearest tribes, one of the most eminent, and two of the most remote, are represented the whole nation of Israel, passing forward ( Numbers 7:1-89 ).

28, 29. Thanks for the past, and confident prayer for the future victories of Zion are mingled in a song of praise.

29. thy temple--literally, "over"
Jerusalem--His palace or residence ( Psalms 5:7 ) symbolized His protecting presence among His people, and hence is the object of homage on the part of others.

30. The strongest nations are represented by the strongest beasts (compare Margin).

31. Princes--or, literally, "fat ones," the most eminent from the most wealthy, and the most distant nation, represent the universal subjection.
stretch out her hands--or, "make to run her hands," denoting haste.

32-36. To Him who is presented as riding in triumph through His ancient heavens and proclaiming His presence--to Him who, in nature, and still more in the wonders of His spiritual government, out of His holy place ( Psalms 43:3 ), is terrible, who rules His Church, and, by His Church, rules the world in righteousness--let all nations and kingdoms give honor and power and dominion evermore.