Bible Commentary

Psalms 68:11-23

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:11-23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

From God's mercies to his people at Sinai and in the wilderness, the psalmist goes on to consider those connected with the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of David's widespread rule. The passage is difficult and obscure, perhaps from its embodying fragments of the earlier Hebrew poetry.

It is also full of curious transitions, and of ellipses which make the meaning doubtful.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:1-35The ark and Christ. It is said that "the testimony of [or, 'concerning'] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). This is specially true of this psalm, it might be called a song of the ark. As Moses spake of…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:1-35EXPOSITION THIS psalm is one of triumphant praise and jubilation, the crown and gem of the Second Book. Professor Cheyne calls it "a patriotic and religious ode of wondrous range and compass, and in the grandest style."…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 68:7-14Fresh mercies should put us in mind of former mercies. If God bring his people into a wilderness, he will be sure to go before them in it, and to bring them out of it. He provided for them, both in the wilderness and in…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:11The Lord gave the word. The reader naturally asks—What word? Commentators answer variously: "the watchword" (Cheyne); "promise of victory" (Kay); "the word of command" (Dean Johnson); "announcement of an actual victory…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:12Kings of armies did flee apace; literally, did flee—did flee; i.e. fled repeatedly before Israel (see Joshua 8:19-22; Joshua 10:19, Joshua 10:20; Joshua 11:8, Joshua 11:9; 3:10, 3:29; 4:14-16; 7:19-25; 8:11, 8:12; 11:29…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:13Though ye have lien among the pots; rather, Will ye lie down among the sheepfolds? Will ye, O ye laggarts of Israel, like the Reubenites in the war against Sisera, instead of going out to war with your brethren, "abide…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 68:14When the Almighty scattered kings in it; i.e. "in the land" (comp. Psalms 68:10). Most of the defeats of kings, referred to above (see the comment on Psalms 68:12), took place within the limits of Palestine. It was whit…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 68:15-21The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto it is applied, Eph 4:8. He received as the purchase of his death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the salvation of believers. These he continu…Matthew Henry