Psalms

Psalms 68: God rises to save and strengthen

Begin in prayer

Before we hear the victory song, let us remember the weak and lonely people this mighty King cares for. Let us come through Jesus to the mighty King who cares for the weak, asking for trust in His saving strength.

“Hear, you kings! Give ear, you princes! I, even I, will sing to Yahweh. I will sing praise to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Judges 5:3

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God is mighty to save, caring for the weak and giving His people strength. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David calls for God to arise, scattering His enemies and giving the righteous joy in His presence. This mighty King cares for the fatherless, widows, lonely people and prisoners, while rebels remain in a dry land. His march through the wilderness brings trembling earth, rain for the weary and victory over fleeing kings. He chooses His dwelling, ascends in triumph with captives and gifts, bears His people's burdens and holds escape from death. His judgment reaches enemies wherever they hide, and the tribes join a procession of singers and musicians into His sanctuary. The prayer asks for continuing strength and the submission of nations, looking for Egypt and Ethiopia to turn toward God. Every kingdom is called to praise the Lord whose mighty voice resounds and whose power strengthens His people.

As you read Psalms 68, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God scatters His enemies, cares for the weak and gives His people saving strength that deserves worldwide praise.

David's call for God to arise recalls the prayer Moses spoke when the ark set out in Numbers 10 verse 35. His presence scatters the wicked like smoke and melting wax, while the righteous rejoice before the same holy King. His care reaches the fatherless and widows, making homes for lonely people and bringing prisoners out with singing while judging rebellion. The trembling of Sinai and plentiful rain recall His powerful provision for the weary people He led through the wilderness. When kings flee, those at home share the plunder, with silver and gold pictured as the splendour of dove wings. Majestic Bashan is pictured envying the mountain God freely chose for His dwelling, where His innumerable chariots surround Him. The victorious ascent with captives and received gifts is applied to Jesus in Ephesians 4 verses 8 to 11. Paul describes the ascended Christ giving gifts to His church, including those who teach and shepherd His people. The Lord who daily bears burdens and saves from death deserves the whole procession's praise and every kingdom's reverent submission.

How does Psalm 68 show us that God scatters His enemies, cares for the weak and gives His people saving strength that deserves worldwide praise?

God's mighty presence brings joy and care to His people.

The wicked cannot stand before God, while the righteous rejoice near Him. His greatness includes defending widows and fatherless children and giving the lonely a home. The rebellious face the barrenness of a life set against Him.

God provides for the weary and chooses His dwelling.

Sinai trembles and rain refreshes the inheritance that belongs to God. Kings flee before His power, and His people share the victory's gifts. Zion's honour depends on His choice, beyond anything the taller mountains can claim.

God saves from death and brings His enemies to justice.

The Lord bears His people's burdens and holds their escape from death. Persistent guilt meets judgment, and neither high Bashan nor the sea can hide His enemies. The battlefield language about blood and dogs pictures complete defeat, with vengeance entrusted to the holy Judge.

God strengthens His people and deserves every nation's praise.

Singers, musicians and tribes join in praising their King at His sanctuary. They ask Him to strengthen the work He has done. Nations that love war must submit, and Egypt and Ethiopia are pictured turning to the God every kingdom should praise.

Memorise

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation.

Psalm 68:19

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what burden am I trying to carry without seeking help from Jesus?

David blesses “the Lord, who daily bears our burdens”. His mighty presence scatters enemies and stoops to care for the weak. The God who holds escape from death gives His people strength and calls the kingdoms to praise.

Our deepest burden is the guilt of rebellion against that holy King. Jesus died for His people, carrying the punishment their sins deserved to bring them out of condemnation. He rose from death and reigns in heaven. The Saviour has accomplished His people's pardon, giving them everything needed for lasting life in the presence of God.

Turn from your rebellion and place your faith in Jesus. The victorious King welcomes the guilty with forgiveness when they turn from sin and trust His saving work. Bring Him the guilt and weakness you cannot carry, asking for His help in today's burdens. Their strong and merciful King deserves His people's praise and moves them to care for the lonely people He places nearby.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God is mighty to save, caring for the weak and giving His people strength. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His mighty rule includes care for the weak and strength for His people. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

John 6:62

Mighty and merciful God, please bring us to Jesus for the forgiveness of our rebellion. Thank You for bearing Your people's burdens and giving them strength. Care for the fatherless, widows, prisoners and lonely people, and teach us to serve them. Overturn evil, turn the nations toward Your salvation and fill Your church with thankful praise. Amen.