An Awesome God
There are pivotal times in our lives when it is good to think about the importance of the moment that we are in and remember how we got to that point. David is at one of those junctures in his life, and the nation of Israel’s as a whole. This psalm speaks about the Ark of the Covenant entering the city of Zion, the place that God had chosen to have His presence dwell among His people. At this pivotal moment that David calls upon the righteous to praise God form his past faithfulness (1-6). Considering God’s mighty works and saving nature, the righteous should “exult,” “be glad,” and “rejoice” as they praise the name of their God (68:3-6).
David next pictures God as a mighty warrior leading His people out of the wilderness and providing for them (7-10). He destroyed the kingdoms of the Canaanites in the land promised to Israel (11-23). God alone is Israel’s help and salvation (19-20). Brethren, we, the church, can rejoice not at physical deliverance, but at the salvation we have in Jesus Christ. He has led us out of the dark wilderness of sin, and into the light of His presence (John 3:19-21).
After reflecting on God’s past dealings with Israel, he pictures the Ark of the Covenant moving into the city making its way to Mt Moriah (24). It is a time of rejoicing for the people of Israel, as they remember that the Creator God has chose to tabernacle in their midst (68:24-27). David calls all nations to praise God and brings tribute to the King of Kings (68:29-32). Brethren, David ends this psalm with a call to praise God, for truly He is “awesome” (68:33-35)!