Psalms 68

David penned by inspiration this Psalme; It seemes; after his victories over the Philistines, and other neighbouring enemies; and upon the occasion of that publick joyful solemnity in bringing the Arke into the Citie of David, 2 Sam. VI. 1 Chron. XIII. XIV. XV. chapters. It consists most of Praises, and Prophesies.

Psalms 68:1

Let God] These words Moses used, Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Arke and Tabernacle from Mount Sinai. And may be taken as a Prayer, or a Prediction; or an assertion of what is done when God thus ariseth.

arise] To help his: to scatter his enemies. See Psal. III. 7. and X. 12. and LIX. 5.

Psalms 68:4

extol him that rideth upon the heavens] Verse 33. Psal. XVIII. 10. Deut. XXXIII. 26. Esay 19. 1. some translate thus, make an highway for him; prepare it, as Esay XL. 3, 4. Matth. III. 2. Luke I. 76. as Matth. XXI. 8. And thus was done. Or thus, him that rideth in the Deserts; that is, as he did in the Wildernesse of Arabia before his Arke and people, verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concernment.

Jah] Some would have it the contract of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, if not of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to signifie the strong God. Jah is used again, ver. 18. God is called also by the Heathens 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Jove or Jupiter, that is Iah-father; deemed by Varro to be the God of the Jewes. This is the proper name of God, Esay XLII. 8. Exod. VI. 3. 2 Chron. VI. 33. Acts XVII. 23, 25, 28. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. See more in the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4.

Psalms 68:5

habitation] Of heaven; and of his Sanctuary, 1. ings VIII. 30, 38, 39.

Psalms 68:6

solitarie in families] Senselesse here is the Popish text; throughout the verse: and foolish is Bellarmines interpretation, and application. See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII. 9. Ruth IV. 11.

a dry land] Without fountains of waters, or showers of raine. A special judgement in those hot countries.

Psalms 68:7

when thou wentest forth] Iudg. V. 4, 5. Gods praise in bringing his people out of Egypt; in giving them the possession of Canaan; in destroying the Kings their enemies, verse 7—13.

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook] Ezod. XIX. 18. Iudg. V. 4. Psal. CXIV. and CIV. 32. Heb. XII. 18.

Sinai] An hill of a great height. Of Sinai see more in the Observations on Exod. II. 11. and on XIX. 3.

Psalms 68:9

a plentiful raine] God did blesse his inheritance of the Land of Canaan which he gave to them, with raine, and all temporal blessings; which was an argument for their praising of him: And specially, as the inheritance of Canaan, and all temporal promises, and earthly blessings to them were shadowes and types, intimations, and pledges of spiritual blessings, and eternal life in heaven; Heb. XI. 13,—16 and 26. Iohn V. 39.

Psalms 68:11

gave the word] The occasion; it was his doing; he ministred the matter and speech unto them, in the glad tidings of victories. As Psal. CXVIII. 23.

of those that published it] The word here is of the feminine gender; and so may be understood of maids and women, entertaining, and publishing these good newes of victories with Songs and melody. As Exod. XV. 20. Judg. V. 11. and XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 6. Or of men, as the feminine is used for a masculine, in Koheleth, Eccl. I. 1. Such publishers, as 2 Sam. XVIII. 19.

Psalms 68:12

did flee] Deut. XXVIII. 7. As Exod. XIV. 25, 27. Josh. X. 11, 16. Judg. V. 19, 22. and VIII. 12. 2 Sam. V. 25. And in this verse again, the Popish text scarce bears any sense; and their interpretations are suitable.

Psalms 68:13

though ye have lien among the pots] A promise and consolation for the future: ministring more arguments of praising God. Though in the times of Heli and Saul ye have lien in black darknesse of afflictions, as a Skullion lies in a Campe or Leaguer among pots.

as the wings of a Dove] Shining and bright.

Psalms 68:14

When the Almighty] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the alsufficient.

scattered] Dispersed, discomfited, vanquished the Kings by his powerful presence, that they did flee apace, verse 12. Or, when he shall so do: so continuing and amplifying the former Promise.

Kings] His, and their enemies, in Canaan.

in it] In thy inheritance, wherein thy Congregation did dwell.

it was white] An embleme of prosperity and joy; shall be black no more, as verse 13. but joyous and prosperous: or, white with the dead bones of the scattered slaughtered enemies.

Salmon] Judg. IX. 48. A Mountain nigh Shechem, and Samaria, in the tribe of Ephraim, not farre from Iordan: likely snow was much upon it.

Psalms 68:15

as the hill of Bashan] Of Bashan, see the Annotations on Micah VII. 14. The hill of Sion doth equal, yea excell it; by reason of all its spiritual prerogatives and priviledges; as verse 16. Or thus, the Hill of Bashan is an hill of God, i. e. a most excellent hill; for so the Hebrews expresse the most excellent things. See the Observations on Ionah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15. It is an high hill. All this is true: yet falls short of the hill of Sion; as it is in the next verse.

Psalms 68:16

Why leap ye] Insult proudly, vaunt it above the hill of Sion.

dwell] Psal. LXXXVII. 1, 2. and CXXXII. 13, 14. This doth infinitely advance this humble hill of Sion above you.

for ever] And not flit with his Ark and Tabernacle from place to place, as formerly.

Psalms 68:17

The Chariots] Gods glory in Sion by the multitudes of his ministring Angels, Heb. XII. 22. as it was in Sinai, when he gave the fiery Law, Deut. XXXIII. 2. Gal. III. 19. Acts VII. 53.

Or rather these words may have a direct relation to the glorious maner of Christs Ascention, with the attendance of infinite Angels. Angels appeared and ministred at his Incarnation, Luke II. 9, 13. Heb. I. 6. And why not so, or more, at his Ascention into the highest heavens? See Acts I. 10. well might the Angels then sing that song, Apoc.

V. 11, 12. We read of a Charet of fire, and horses of fire at the rapture of Elias. And of a mountain full of horses and Charets of fire round about Eliseus in his defense. And why not these Angels here to attend our Saviours triumphant Ascention, set down in the next verse.

Psalms 68:18

Thou hast ascended] Literaly and typicaly true, after a sort, in Gods dealing with David. But without any type, it is Mysticaly most tre, and most verified in Christ, and his Ascention into Heaven. And so David here turns his speech to Christ himself. Whereunto the Apostle doth apply it, Ephes. IV. 8. Ascended in his humane nature properly.

In Eph. IV. 8, 9, 10. He is said to descend; which being understood of his Divine nature, is spoken improperly. But Christ being God and Man in one person, That one Person without dissolving it, by reason of the Union of both natures in it, admits properly and truly of such speeches as containe the Proprieties of either Nature; the natures themselvs, & their properties, neverthelesse remaining ever realy distinguished. The person then of Christ, without the conversion of the one Nature into the other, in proper speech did ascend in his Humanity, by the power of his Deity; localy from mount Olivet, into that third heaven of Paul, which our Saviour cals his Fathers house, Iohn XIV. 2. above these visible heavens, Eph. IV. 10.

Our Saviours humane Nature then is contained in Heaven, Acts III. 21. is not in the Popish hoasts; and much lesse every where, according to the Ubiquitarian fancie. Though a time was, when Christ in his body was in the grave; in his soul in Paradise, in his Divine nature or Deity every where; yet without dissolving the Unity of his Person.

captivity captive] Lead and taken them captives; or a multitude of captives; subdued thine enemies unto thee, made them thy captives Judg. V. 12. Not leading the Fathers out of Limbus Patrum; but captiving the World, and the Flesh, Sinne, and Satan, Death, and Damnation, which otherwise held Gods people in captivity and slavery. Col. I. 15.

received gifts for men] Taken gifts for them i. e. receiving, gave; as the phrase is, Exod. XXV. 2. And in divers other places taking is used for giving, 1 King III. 24 and XVII. 10. Judg. XIV. 2. And giving is sometimes used for taking, as Gen. XLII. 30. What the chief of the Gifts were, are specified, Ephes. IV. 11, 12.

rebellious also] Even the most aand rebellious of them, that God might dwell in them; as Soul made a Paul, Tit. III. 3, 4, 5.

dwell in them] Jah in them; not they dwell in the Church.

Psalms 68:19

Blessed] David blesseth God, as it may seeme, for the fruits and benefits of Christs Ascention, which do follow.

loadeth us] With those gifts and blessings which Christ received for us, verse 18.

Psalms 68:20

and unto God the Lord] Here 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath the points of Elohim, not of Adonai And so still when 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and Adonai are joyned together, lest otherwise Adonai should be twise read. But where Adonai is not conjoyned, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath the pricks of Adonai more often then of Elohim. Or, Jehovi here may be used as a more pathetical kinde of expression; as in Gen. XV. 2, 8. Deut. III. 24.

Issues from death] As 1 Cor. X. 13.

Psalms 68:21

But God] This seemes to be the fruit and powerful effect of Christs Ascention, upon his enemies.

Psalms 68:22

The Lord said] Num. XXI. 34. and Exod. XIV. 13, 14. i. e. as I did from Og, King of Bashan; and from Pharaoh at the red sea. Thus he recals to their memories these two great victories: and to strengthen their faith for like victories over their enemies in Davids dayes, or in times of future extremities.

Psalms 68:23

thy foot may be dipped] So great should the slaughter of them be. When God takes publike vengeance, and executes his judgements upon his enemies, the godly who execute the same, may therein rejoyce, and say as Jehu did, 2 Kings IX. 10, 36.

Psalms 68:24

thy goings] In the procedure of the verse, the Prophet goeth from the second person, to the third person. So Gen. XLIX. 9. And it is very frequent with the Hebrews to passe from one person to another. Thy goings then and thy doings, thy wayes and administrations, i. e. when God marched out of Egypt, through the Wildernesse before his people: or when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem.

Psalms 68:25

The singers] All sorts, in their rancks, praised God.

damzels] As Exod. XV. 20, 21. Iudg. V. 1. and Chap. XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 9, 7.

Psalms 68:26

Blesse ye God] The beginning of their song, or part of their praise. from the fountain of Israel] Ye that flow from that fountain, are of that progeny, Esay XLVIII. 2. Deut. XXXIII. 28. Deut. V. 15, 18.

Psalms 68:27

There is] Both those near, and those a farre off, meet and joyne in this praising of God. See Psal. LX. 9.

little Benjamin] The youngest sonne of Iacob; and least Tribe, since their fatal blow, Iudg. XX. and contesting most for Sauls house against David. Yet he here one, if not first among them. And all the rest likewisejoyne.

ruler] Of the enemies; or rather, of the Benjamites; but no way of the other Tribes.

Psalms 68:28

Thy God] He petitions for strength and growth of blessings; as God had formerly begun to work for them.

hath commanded] So Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXXI. 3. See Psal. XXXIII. 9. Matth. VIII. 8, 9.

thy strength] The strength of the King, and of the people.

Psalms 68:29

Because of thy Temple] Because of thy Promises made to thy Church, and thy presence at thy Temple, Ark, and Tabernacle; therefore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition.

Shall Kings] David, and his successors shall therefore with all grateful and thankful acknowledgement worship thee.

Psalms 68:30

Rebuke] He petitions against the adversaries of the Church, proud, cruel, and malitious Rebuke them in word, and deed. The meaning is contained in the last words of the verse.

the company of spear-men] Of enemies armed with Lances and Spears; or Reeds fitted and used for Spears; or arrowes, as the maner of those times was.

buls with the calves] The robustick and strong enemies; with the rest of the rude and Epicurish multitude, Psal. XXII. 12. Amos. IV. 1.

submit himself with pieces of silver] Though hypocriticaly. Or rather, that glories and vaunts himself in his brave attire embroydered with pieces of silver and out-braves and tramples upon others; or is so rich, as he seemes to tread silver under foot, yet indeed trusts in it, and boast himself of it. And such usually, though unprovoked, delight to break forth into warre and wrong-doing: such enemies of thy people rebuke and break.

Psalms 68:31

Princes] Prophesying of the calling of the Gentiles to Christ, he exhorteth them to praise God, Ephes. III. 5, 6. Esay XLIX. 6. and LXVI. 19.

stretch out her hands] In prayer, in offerings, in way of subjection.

Psalms 68:33

a mighty voice] Psal. XXIX. His thunder, Heb. IV. 11.

Psalms 68:34

Ascribe] Adds arguments for Gods praise.

Psalms 68:35

terrible] To be had in reverence in the assembly of his Saints; and dreadful to his enemies.