Psalms 68 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

This Psalm is generally thought to have been composed by David, to be sung, with some others, on that festive and joyful occasion, the removal of the ark from the house of Obed-edom to the tent pitched for it in Zion. Accordingly the first words of it are the same that Moses appointed to be used on such occasions, Numbers 10:35; and the following verses are supposed to pursue the same subject, and the several parts of it to be suited to the several divisions of the march, while the whole of it is well adapted to so sacred and joyful a solemnity, as will appear by a careful perusal and examination of it. But because David knew that both himself and the ark were types of Christ, and that the church of Israel was a type of the catholic church, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, and that the legal administrations were types of those of the gospel; he, therefore, by the Spirit of prophecy, looked through the types to the great mysteries of Christ's resurrection and ascension, to the special privileges of the Christian Church, and the conversion of the Gentiles; and he intermixes passages which immediately belong to these things; although the words be so ordered, that they carry a manifest allusion to the present actions, and may be applied to them, in a secondary sense. He first prays against God's enemies, and for his people, Psalms 68:1. Then praises God for his greatness and goodness, Psalms 68:4. For his wonderful works, Psalms 68:7. For his special presence in his church, Psalms 68:15. The ascension of Christ, and the salvation of his people, Psalms 68:18. His victories over his enemies, and favours to his church, Psalms 68:21. The accession of the Gentiles to the church, Psalms 68:29. An awful acknowledgment of the glory and grace of God, Psalms 68:32.