Psalms 68

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Celebrating Israel’s Travels; Anticipating the Lord’s Ascension and Second Coming

(Transcript not available - coming soon)

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Psalm 68 celebrates the travel and arrival of the Ark of the Covenant.

  2. Psalm 68 anticipates the ascension and Second Advent of the Lord of Glory.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s use God’s names in worship.

QUESTIONS

  1. What type of psalm is Psalm 68?

  2. For what special occasion was Psalm 68 possibly written?

  3. Psalm 68:1 refers to what other Old Testament verse?

  4. Explain verses 15-18.

  5. How do we know that Psalm 68 has prophetic and Messianic implications?

ANSWERS

  1. Psalm 8 is a victory marching song, which would be sung on the occasion of Israel’s special celebrations of triumph.

  2. There is a good possibility that David composed this psalm for the occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem.

  3. This is almost certainly a reference to the words of Moses in Numbers 10:35 when the Ark of the Covenant set out from Mount Sinai with the Children of Israel.

  4. These verses describe the capture of Jerusalem by David. In highly figurative language the mountain range of Bashan that is majestic Mt. Hermon, looks with jealousy on Mt. Zion of Jerusalem. The Lord has chosen this mountain for His dwelling place. With the capture of Jerusalem, the march of God from Sinai to Zion is complete.

  5. Because the Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8 in reference to the ascension of Christ

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Reread Psalm 68:28-35. Discuss how these verses of praise not only celebrate the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem in David’s day, but also anticipate the Second Advent of Christ.

  2. Seven names of God are woven into the fabric of Psalm 68. Read the psalm looking for these names and discuss the significance of each. Elohim Yahweh or Jehovah Yah El Shaddai Yah Elohim Adonai Yahweh Adonai

CHALLENGE

  1. In Psalm 68:18 the Lord is seen ascending Mt Zion to dwell in the midst of His people in Jerusalem. What a mighty God we serve!

KEY VERSES

  • “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him.” Psalm 68:4

  • “You have ascended on high; You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men.” Psalm 68:18

  • “O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:35

Old Testament, Psalms, TalksDeb HarmsPsalms 68