This command of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:4 easily serves as the vibrant theme of Psalm 68. David’s joyous confidence in God’s victory over his enemies begins this exuberant song: “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (vv. 1-2). How easily Jehovah vanquishes the chaff of the wicked, “but let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly” (v. 3).
David’s joyful anthem crescendos into “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a dry land” (vv. 4-6).
The remainder of the psalm describes Jehovah’s praiseworthiness:
- His past is praiseworthy (vv. 7-18). He delivered His people (vv. 7-10), provided the conquest of Canaan (vv. 11-14), and selected Zion in Jerusalem to be His dwelling place (vv. 15-18).
- His present is praiseworthy (vv. 19-23). He daily loads His children with blessings (v. 19) and protects His people from the murderous designs of His enemies (vv. 20-23).
- His universal sovereignty is praiseworthy (vv. 24-35). Israel (vv. 24-30), Egypt and Ethiopia (v. 31), and all the kingdoms of the earth (vv. 32-33) ought to ascribe strength to God, the God of Israel who gives strength and power to His people (vv. 34-35).
“Blessed be God!” Therefore, “rejoice in the Lord always!”
