Psalm 68 and the Darkness Before the Dawn
Imagine watching the victory procession of a king from a bird’s eye view. That’s a good way of thinking about Psalm 68. Only it proclaims God’s victory. This psalm points to the last days when God will defeat all of His enemies, enter Israel and Jerusalem in victory, and rule from His throne over all. As the procession enters northern Israel the singers sing of the King’s great character and conquering prowess (v1-6) recalling how God’s presence made the earth quake, rain fall, and the armies flee (v7-13). The procession continues south through the northern hill country passing the mighty mountains of Bashan (v14-15), which envy much smaller Mount Zion where God has chosen to establish His throne (v16). Next, the parade ascends into the hill country of Judah as the song turns to the King’s accomplishments. He has captivity captive; He’s delivered His people and shattered the head of His enemies (v17-24). As the procession enters Jerusalem we zoom in to see the rest of the conquering party (v25-27). Benjamin and the princes of Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali are mentioned. And as the King is enthroned, the song sings of what’s changed (v28-35): kings with gifts, creation in submission, end to war, and praise and worship to God.
“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him. . . . But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; Yes let them rejoice with gladness.”
Ps 68:1, 4 NASB
We also look forward to this. The psalmist confidently sings about these future realities as though they had already happened because He has seen God faithfully keep His Word. We must share that confidence, but with even greater certainty. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8 equating Christ’s resurrection with these conquering works of God. Even the psalmist alludes to this spiritual dimension in v19-20. God’s victory isn’t over only physical enemies, but He also conquers spiritual enemies like death and sin. The resurrection foreshadows the ultimate victory that God will win. In Psalm 68 God is telling us, “You’ve seen me do this once, trust me; I’ll do it again.” This is good news when things are dark. God will win; He will march victoriously into Jerusalem and claim His throne, and we will follow Him rejoicing in His victory. These days are just the dark before the dawn.
