They have seen thy goings, O God; i . e . men have seen—friends and foes alike—even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary . God is at once both Israel's God and Israel's King. The monarchy has not wholly destroyed the theocracy. read more
Again we find a transition. The conquest of Canaan is complete—God is gone up into his sanctuary. The nations are led captive or put to tribute Rebels are crushed; the last remnants of them sought out, brought back, and delivered into the hands of Israel. Now we have a description of God's "goings in the sanctuary" ( Psalms 68:24 ). Some critics suppose a particular occasion to be pointed at; but the expression "goings" rather indicates something habitual, or, at any rate, recurring. God is... read more
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after . In Assyrian musical processions the players on instruments precede the singers. Among them were the damsels playing with timbrels; rather, in the midst of the damsels, etc. The damsels are represented, not as intermixed with the (male) singers and players on instruments, but as encircling them. (On the use of "timbrels" (tambourines) by Israelite maidens, see Exodus 15:20 ; 11:34 .) read more
Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. This is probably the refrain of the hymn sung (comp. Exodus 15:21 ; 2 Chronicles 5:13 ; Ezra 3:11 ). By "the fountain of Israel" is no doubt meant the sanctuary on Mount Zion—"the ever-living fountain of praise" (Kay). read more
They have seen thy goings, O God - That is, the lookers on in the solemn procession referred to in Psalms 68:25; or, in other words, Thy goings have been attended by pomp and magnificence, and have been witnessed by multitudes. The word “goings” here refers to the solemn triumphal processions which celebrated the victories achieved by God.Even the goings of my God, my King - The psalmist here speaks of God as “his” God and “his” King. The idea seems to have suddenly crossed his mind that this... read more
The singers went before - That is, in the removal of the ark; in the solemn procession referred to in the previous verse. “In” that procession those who sang preceded those who performed on instruments of music. Compare 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Chronicles 15:16. “The players on instruments followed after.” The different classes of performers would naturally be ranged together. In 1 Chronicles 13:8, the following instruments of music are mentioned as having been employed on a similar occasion, if... read more
Bless ye God in the congregations - In the assemblages of the people; not only as individuals, but in solemn precessions; in triumphal marches; when the people are assembled together. In this public manner acknowledge God as the true God, and render him praise.Even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel - Margin, “Ye that are of;” that is, “of the fountain of Israel.” The margin has undoubtedly expressed the correct idea. The appeal is to the Hebrew people represented as descending from a common... read more
Psalms 68:24 . They, &c. When the ark was safely deposited, the sacrifices offered, the solemnity well nigh concluded, and the whole assembly about to return back, Dr. Chandler supposes the singers struck up and joined in the remaining part of this noble anthem. They have seen Men saw and observed, thy goings, O God The procession of the ark to Zion, the solemnity whereof is particularly described in the following verses. The word, goings, הליכותיךְ , halichotheicha, means, thy... read more
Psalms 68:25-26. The singers went before David had ordered the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren for singers, by lifting up the voice with joy, 1 Chronicles 15:16; the players on instruments followed after Of which see 2 Samuel 16:15; 1 Chronicles 13:8. Among them were the damsels According to the usage; playing on timbrels And with their voices celebrating the praises of God. Bless ye God in the congregation This verse contains what they sang on this occasion, in... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 68:1-35
The ark and Christ. It is said that "the testimony of [or, 'concerning'] Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" ( Revelation 19:10 ). This is specially true of this psalm, it might be called a song of the ark. As Moses spake of the setting forward and resting of the ark ( Numbers 10:35 , Numbers 10:36 ), so the psalmist sings of the glorious march of Messiah at the head of his Church—onward from victory to victory—to the final rest. We may bring out much of its spiritual significance by... read more