Calling The Nation to Praise
July 3, 2021
Commentary
In the concluding verses of this Psalm, God’s triumphal entrance into Zion and the sanctuary is again described (vv. 24-27). It is pictured like a victory parade with singers and other musicians. The tribes of Benjamin and Judah, one small and one large, represent the southern portion of the kingdom. Zebulan and Naphtali represent the northern portion. When the Ark of the Covenant was taken up to Mount Zion, all the people watched the procession. The writer asked God to demonstrate His power (vv. 28-31). He called the nations to sing praise in recognition of His power and the majesty He has displayed in Israel and in the skies.
The historical victories of Israel, past, and present, only point to the coming mighty victory at Armageddon and the establishment of the kingdom of God on this earth with the center of government in Jerusalem (Isa. 2:2-4). At the Lord’s return He is going to put an end to the strife and turmoil which has marked this earth since Cain killed Abel. There will be no more false religions to lead men astray. The nations will come up year by year to Jerusalem to worship the true and living God in the temple. This will be one of the major factors of universal peace during the millennium.
The psalmist called the nations to sing praise to the Rider of the skies in recognition of His power and majesty (vv 32-35). The nations will not only come to worship; they will come to pay homage to Christ as King. He will scatter the people that delight in war, make an utter end of war, and reign as Prince of Peace.
Application
When I consider all God has done for me, I should feel an overwhelming sense of awe. How privileged I am that God cares so much for me (2 Peter 3:9).
Psalms 68:24– 35 (NET)
24 They see your processions, O God— the processions of my God, my king, who marches along in holy splendor.
25 Singers walk in front; musicians follow playing their stringed instruments, in the midst of young women playing tambourines.
26 In your large assemblies praise God, the Lord, in the assemblies of Israel.
27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler, and the princes of Judah in their robes, along with the princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.
28 God has decreed that you will be powerful. O God, you who have acted on our behalf, demonstrate your power.
29 Because of your temple in Jerusalem, kings bring tribute to you.
30 Sound your battle cry against the wild beast of the reeds, and the nations that assemble like a herd of calves led by bulls. They humble themselves and offer gold and silver as tribute. God scatters the nations that like to do battle.
31 They come with red cloth from Egypt. Ethiopia voluntarily offers tribute to God.
32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God. Sing praises to the Lord, (Selah)
33 to the one who rides through the sky from ancient times. Look! He thunders loudly.
34 Acknowledge God’s power, his sovereignty over Israel, and the power he reveals in the skies.
35 You are awe-inspiring, O God, as you emerge from your holy temple. It is the God of Israel who gives the people power and strength. God deserves praise!