Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.68 / 150 Ch.s
PS:68
* A prayer-- The greatness and goodness of God. (1-6) The
wonderful works God wrought for his people. (7-14) The presence
of God in his church. (15-21) The victories of Christ. (22-28)
Enlargement of the church. (29-31) The glory and grace of God.
(32-35)
#1-6 None ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered.
God is the joy of his people, then let them rejoice when they
come before him. He who derives his being from none, but gives
being to all, is engaged by promise and covenant to bless his
people. He is to be praised as a God of mercy and tender
compassion. He ever careth for the afflicted and oppressed:
repenting sinners, who are helpless and exposed more than any
fatherless children, are admitted into his family, and share all
their blessings.
#7-14 Fresh mercies should put us in mind of former mercies. If
God bring his people into a wilderness, he will be sure to go
before them in it, and to bring them out of it. He provided for
them, both in the wilderness and in Canaan. The daily manna
seems here meant. And it looks to the spiritual provision for
God's Israel. The Spirit of grace and the gospel of grace are
the plentiful rain, with which God confirms his inheritance, and
from which their fruit is found. Christ shall come as showers
that water the earth. The account of Israel's victories is to be
applied to the victories over death and hell, by the exalted
Redeemer, for those that are his. Israel in Egypt among the
kilns appeared wretched, but possessed of Canaan, during the
reigns of David and Solomon, appeared glorious. Thus the slaves
of Satan, when converted to Christ, when justified and
sanctified by him, look honourable. When they reach heaven, all
remains of their sinful state disappear, they shall be as the
wings of the dove, covered with silver, and her feathers as
gold. Full salvation will render those white as snow, who were
vile and loathsome through the guilt and defilement of sin.
#15-21 The ascension of Christ must here be meant, and thereto
it is applied, #Eph 4:8|. He received as the purchase of his
death, the gifts needful for the conversion of sinners, and the
salvation of believers. These he continually bestows, even on
rebellious men, that the Lord God might dwell among them, as
their Friend and Father. He gave gifts to men. Having received
power to give eternal life, the Lord Jesus bestows it on as many
as were given him, #Joh 17:2|. Christ came to a rebellious
world, not to condemn it, but that through him it might be
saved. The glory of Zion's King is, that he is a Saviour and
Benefactor to all his willing people, and a consuming fire to
all that persist in rebellion against him. So many, so weighty
are the gifts of God's bounty, that he may be truly said to load
us with them. He will not put us off with present things for a
portion, but will be the God of our salvation. The Lord Jesus
has authority and power to rescue his people from the dominion
of death, by taking away the sting of it from them when they
die, and giving them complete victory over it when they rise
again. The crown of the head, the chief pride and glory of the
enemy, shall be smitten; Christ shall crush the head of the
serpent.
#22-28 The victories with which God blessed David over the
enemies of Israel, are types of Christ's victory, for himself
and for all believers. Those who take him for theirs, may see
him acting as their God, as their King, for their good, and in
answer to their prayers; especially in and by his word and
ordinances. The kingdom of the Messiah shall be submitted to by
all the rulers and learned in the world. The people seem to
address the king, ver. #28|. But the words are applicable to the
Redeemer, to his church, and every true believer. We pray, that
thou, O God the Son, wilt complete thine undertaking for us, by
finishing thy good work in us.
#29-31 A powerful invitation is given to those that are without,
to join the church. Some shall submit from fear; overcome by
their consciences, and the checks of Providence, they are
brought to make peace with the church. Others will submit
willingly, ver. #29,31|. There is that beauty and benefit in the
service of God, and in the gospel of Christ which went forth
from Jerusalem, which is enough to invite sinners out of all
nations.
#32-35 God is to be admired and adored with reverence and godly
fear, by all that attend in his holy places. The God of Israel
gives strength and power unto his people. Through Christ
strengthening us we can do all things, not otherwise; therefore
he must have the glory of all we do, with our humble thanks for
enabling us to do it, and for accepting the work of his hands in
us.