Psalm 68 is an amazing poem written by David that gives insight into the character and qualities of God as sovereign king of both Israel and the world. What is more, the psalm bounces back and forth from speaking to God; using personal pronouns such as ‘you,’ and at the same time David is telling the reader about God. Both of these methods lend well for worship. In addition, David was a king, so his perspective of God as king and the role of the king for his people threads all the way through the entire psalm. Psalm 68 lists specific qualities of God as king, shows his primary activities on behalf of his people and parallels to how King Jesus lived while on earth. First of all, the major theme of God’s qualities and character throughout the entire psalm is one of power—specifically his power over his enemies. For example, verses one through four show God’s power and ability to “blow away” his enemies and to make “melt like wax” (Psalm 68:2). In addition, verse twenty-one talks of smashing and crushing his enemies. Similarly, verses 28-31 is David asking God to show his might and “display his power” so that all the nations will know God’s power. Another aspect of God’s qualities and character as king over Israel is his compassion. Verses five and six tell of a king who cares for orphans and widows as well as giving the lonely a family to be part of. Therefore, God as king over Israel is one who rules with power and compassion. Secondly, David proclaims the activities of his God king throughout Psalm 68. For instance, God provides for his people as seen verses seven through ten in which God provided rain to produce an abundant crop for his people including the needy. Another activity of God in Psalm 68 is his continual presence among the people. For example, verse eighteen says, “Now the Lord God will live among us there.” Yet the greatest activity of God is his rescuing of his people as in verses nineteen and twenty where God ‘carries, saves and rescues’ the people. In essence, the King of Israel has the power and is filled with compassion in order to actively provide for his people, be present among them and rescue them from all their enemies. Thirdly, this psalm draws distinct parallels to Jesus life and ministry on earth. For example, Jesus displays his power over the elements by calming the storms (Mark 4:39) and displayed his power over death in his resurrection and Lazarus’ (Matthew 28:6,
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In addition, there are direct similarities between the God king of Psalm 68 and the life of Jesus in the way he displayed his power and compassion. In essence David was prophesying about the day when Jesus would come and rule on earth as in heaven. Kings have come and gone, both around the world and in the United States. If more of America’s leaders would lead like Jesus, the world would indeed be a better place to live. Yet most kings rule for themselves, but both Jesus and David’s writing of his King of kings only serve to benefit their people. The world needs more kings like who use their power with compassion and provide for freedom. Perhaps it is up to every follower of Jesus to lead like
In addition, there are direct similarities between the God king of Psalm 68 and the life of Jesus in the way he displayed his power and compassion. In essence David was prophesying about the day when Jesus would come and rule on earth as in heaven. Kings have come and gone, both around the world and in the United States. If more of America’s leaders would lead like Jesus, the world would indeed be a better place to live. Yet most kings rule for themselves, but both Jesus and David’s writing of his King of kings only serve to benefit their people. The world needs more kings like who use their power with compassion and provide for freedom. Perhaps it is up to every follower of Jesus to lead like