Psalm 68:7

EXPOSITION

Verse 7. O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people. What a sweetly suitable association, "thou" and "thy people;" -- thou before, and thy people following! The Lord went before, and, therefore, whether the Red Sea or burning sand lay in the way, it mattered not; the pillar of cloud and fire always led them by a right way.

When thou didst march through the wilderness. He was the Commander in chief of Israel, from whom they received all orders, and the march was therefore his march. "His stately step the region drear beheld." We may speak, if we will, of the "wanderings of the children of Israel," but we must not think them purposeless strayings, they were in reality a well arranged and well considered march.

SELAH. This seems an odd place for a musical pause or direction, but it is better to break a sentence than spoil praise. The sense is about to be superlatively grand, and, therefore, the selah intimates the fact to the players and singers, that they may with suitable solemnity perform their parts. It is never untimely to remind a congregation that the worship of God should be thoughtfully and heartily presented.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

None.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 7-8.

1. God has his seasons for delivering his people from
   their troubles: When thou, etc.

1. His deliverance is complete: The earth shook, etc.;
   all things gave way before him.

The deliverance is greater for the delay.

1. It is so in itself.
2. It is more prized: as in the case of Job, Abraham, Israel at the Red Sea, Daniel, his three companions, etc. G. R.

Verse 7-9.

1. The presence of God in his church.
   1. His preeminence: "before."
   2. As covenant God of Israel.
   3. As active and making active.
   4. His rule within: they follow.
   5. His design without: marching for war.
   6. The blessed consequences.
   7. The most stolid shake.
   8. The lofty bow.
   9. Difficulties removed: "Sinai."
   10. Blessings plenteous.
   11. Church revived.