Psalm 68
God's Triumph and Provision for His People
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Intro: In Psalm 68, the psalmist praises God for His triumph, power, and provision for His people. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate conqueror and provider for His followers. We will explore the themes of God's victory, His care for the needy, and His provision for His people.
Section 1: God's Victory and Triumph (vs 1-6)
"May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's call for God's triumph and the scattering of His enemies.
The contrasting destinies of the wicked, who perish before God, and the righteous, who rejoice and find joy in Him.
The recognition of God's compassion for the fatherless, widows, and the lonely, as He provides for and protects them.
Harmony: Romans 8:37 (NIV), "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's confidence in God's victory challenge you to trust in His power to overcome your enemies and the challenges you face?
In what ways can we rejoice and find joy in God's triumph, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate conqueror and provider, inspire us to trust in His power, find joy in His presence, and extend His care to the marginalized and vulnerable?
Section 2: God's Care for the Needy (vs 7-10)
"When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor."
Talking Points:
The psalmist recounts God's faithfulness and provision for His people during their wilderness journey.
The description of God's powerful presence, causing the earth to shake and the heavens to pour down rain.
The recognition of God's provision and care for His weary inheritance and the poor.
Harmony: Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV), "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's remembrance of God's provision in the wilderness challenge you to trust in His faithfulness and care for your needs?
In what ways can we seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that He will provide for our physical and spiritual needs?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate provider and sustainer, inspire us to rely on God's provision and extend His care to those in need?
Section 3: God's Provision for His People (vs 32-35)
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!"
Talking Points:
The psalmist's call for all the kingdoms of the earth to sing praises to God.
The recognition of God's power and majesty over Israel and the heavens.
The declaration of God's awesome power and the provision of power and strength to His people.
Harmony: Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV), "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's call for all the kingdoms of the earth to sing praises challenge you to proclaim God's power and majesty to the world?
In what ways can we recognize and celebrate God's awesome power in our lives and in His sanctuary, the church?
How does Jesus, as the one who empowers and strengthens His people through His Holy Spirit, inspire us to praise and glorify God for His immeasurable power and provision?
Summary
Psalm 68 is a majestic hymn of praise celebrating God's victory, His provision, and His care for His people, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's exultation of God as the One who rides through the deserts and the heavens points to Jesus as the triumphant King who ascended to heaven and will return in glory (Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 19:11-16).
The psalmist's depiction of God as a Father to the fatherless reflects Jesus' role as the advocate for the marginalized and His revelation of God's fatherly love (John 14:9, James 1:27).
The psalmist's description of God as the One who daily bears us up and provides salvation prefigures Jesus' care and intercession for His followers (Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1).
The psalmist's praise for God's victories over His enemies aligns with Jesus' triumph over sin, death, and Satan through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
The psalmist's exhortation to sing praises to God emphasizes our response of worship and gratitude to Jesus, who is the object of our adoration and devotion (Colossians 3:16, Revelation 5:12).
Psalm 68 leads us to Jesus as the victorious King, the compassionate Savior, and the object of our worship, inviting us to rejoice in His triumph and find refuge and strength in His unfailing love.