Christian Art | Prayer With Jesus | Psalms | Praise And Thanksgiving | King David As A Boy | Audio KJV | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | King James Audio Bible
Psalm 68 | King James Audio Bible
YouTube: Psalm 68 | KJV | King James Version | Audio Bible | Word Aloud
Psalm 68 expresses divine triumph, blessing, and glorious manifestation of God’s presence among His people. The psalm is a compelling and resonant exhortation to God, a celebration of God’s sovereignty, and an exploration of God’s redemptive and providential actions in the world.
Psalm 68 is a psalm of triumph, evoking the image of a victorious God arising to scatter His enemies and dispel those who harbour hatred in their hearts. The psalm’s opening lines resound with an urgent call for God’s intervention: ‘Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.’ This fervent invocation is a frequent motif in the Psalms, emphasizing God’s power to conquer adversity and vanquish foes.
Imagery employed in the psalm is vivid and striking. The psalmist likens God’s enemies to smoke and wax, driven away and consumed by God’s divine presence, evoking a vivid portrayal of God’s power to eradicate wickedness. In contrast, the righteous are called to rejoice in God’s presence, demonstrating the profound joy that faith in God’s triumph can bring. ‘But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice,’ the psalmist proclaims, setting the stage for a jubilant outpouring of praise.
The psalmist invites the people to sing and praise God’s name, extolling Him as the one who rides upon the heavens, a name synonymous with Jah, which we know as Yahweh, and who reigns supreme. This image of God’s celestial authority reflects the prevailing theme of divine supremacy woven throughout the psalm.
Psalm 68 underscores the compassionate and just nature of God. He is portrayed as ‘a father of the fatherless’ and ‘a judge of the widows,’ offering solace and justice to the vulnerable. God transforms the solitary into families, liberates the bound, and provides for the needy, illustrating His role as a benevolent and caring deity.
The psalmist’s language then transitions to evoke memories of God’s presence in history, particularly during the exodus. The verses describe God’s awe-inspiring power, His role in delivering His people from bondage, and His presence at Mount Sinai, where the earth shook and the heavens dropped in His presence.
The psalm praises God’s bountiful provision of rain and confirms His inheritance in the land, emphasizing God’s role as the provider for His people.
The psalmist celebrates the giving of the word by the Lord and victorious battles waged by the people with divine support. The imagery of God ascending on high, leading captivity captive, and receiving gifts for men speaks of God as the triumphant, generous sovereign.
As the psalm progresses, it extols the God of salvation, acknowledging His role in granting strength and power to His people. God’s capability to wound the heads of His enemies is acknowledged, and His promise to bring His people from various lands and seas is celebrated.
Psalm 68 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:
The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.
The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.
Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the Lord will dwell in it for ever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.
But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.
The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea.
That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.
They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.
Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.
Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Key Themes Of The Psalm For Reflection | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
- Divine Triumph: The psalm celebrates the divine triumph of God over His enemies and the scattering of those who oppose Him.
- God’s Presence And Power: The psalm vividly portrays God’s presence and power, likening His enemies to smoke and wax, driven away by His might.
- Rejoicing In Righteousness: The psalm calls for the righteous to rejoice and praise God, emphasizing the profound joy that faith in God’s triumph brings.
- Divine Sovereignty: The psalm extols God as the One who rides upon the heavens, representing His supreme authority and reign.
- Compassion And Justice: The psalm underscores God’s compassionate and just nature, describing Him as a father to the fatherless and a judge of widows, providing solace and justice to the vulnerable.
- Historical Recollection: The psalm recalls God’s presence during significant historical events, such as the exodus, where the earth shook and the heavens dropped at His presence.
- Provision and Inheritance: The psalm praises God for providing rain and securing His inheritance in the land, highlighting His role as the provider for His people.
- Divine Support In Battles: The psalm acknowledges God’s role in providing support in battles and ascribing victories to the divine word.
- Triumphant God of Salvation: The psalm extols God as the God of salvation, acknowledging His strength and power and His ability to conquer His enemies.
- Blessing And Generosity: The psalm celebrates God’s generosity, His ascension on high, and the gifts received for men, underscoring His role as a triumphant and generous sovereign.
- Deliverance And Redemption: The psalm emphasizes God’s promise to deliver His people from various lands and seas, signifying His role as their redeemer.
The Sadducees deny the resurrection, because they are rich and so proclaim the false belief that the Messianic Kingdom has already arrived, their riches being their reward for living according to the Law. In order to challenge Jesus, they present him with a fictional case of a widow passed from brother to brother, according to the Levirate Law, hoping to make the resurrection look ridiculous [ … ]
Psalm 98 is a celebratory composition, urging everyone to sing a new song and rejoice in the remarkable things the Lord has done. The psalm is like a lively tune that encourages believers to express joy for the Lord’s strength and victory over challenges. Throughout its verses, the psalm invites worshippers to participate in a universal celebration that applauds God’s triumph, making it a psalm of joyful praise and thoughtful reflection [ … ]
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
