<or Song of David.>> Let God {a} arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

(a) The prophet shows that even though God permits the wicked tyrants to oppress his Church for a time, yet eventually he will take revenge on them.

King James Translators' Notes

before...: Heb. from his face

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] Let God arise

The entire Psalm is pervaded by the joy of Israel in the kingdom, but a stricter order of events begins with verse 18. This is quoted Eph 4:7-16 of Christ's ascension ministry. Verses 21-23 refer to the regathering of Israel, and the destruction of the Beast and his armies.

(See "Beast," See Scofield Note: "Dan 7:8")

(See "Beast," See Scofield Note: "Rev 19:20).

(See "Armageddon" See Scofield Note: "Rev 16:16", Rev 19:17-19.

Verses 24-35 are descriptive of full and universal kingdom blessing.

(See "Kingdom" (O.T.), See Scofield Note: "Gen 1:26"

See Scofield Note: "Zech 12:8".

See Psalm 69., next in order of the Messianic Psalms.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 68

Ps 68:1-35. This is a Psalm-song (see on [604]Ps 30:1, title), perhaps suggested by David's victories, which secured his throne and gave rest to the nation. In general terms, the judgment of God on the wicked, and the equity and goodness of His government to the pious, are celebrated. The sentiment is illustrated by examples of God's dealings, cited from the Jewish history and related in highly poetical terms. Hence the writer intimates an expectation of equal and even greater triumphs and summons all nations to unite in praises of the God of Israel. The Psalm is evidently typical of the relation which God, in the person of His Son, sustains to the Church (compare Ps 68:18).

1-3. Compare Nu 10:35; Ps 1:4; 22:14, on the figures here used.

before him-as in Ps 68:2, from His presence, as dreaded; but in Ps 68:3, in His presence, as under His protection (Ps 61:7).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

68:1-6 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.