Psalm 68:1

Psalm 68:1

We're marching to Zion!

This is a Psalm to relish, for it glorifies the Lord God in nationalistic and universal terms and therefore it is quite unique. David penned these words when he was at the very zenith of his composing powers, and it is a celebration of his faith in the victorious ways of God. The song is unique because it describes the journey that God Himself completed, with Israel, from Sinai to the Promised Land and then to the Holy Place on Mount Zion. We tend to view the “exodus” as a human undertaking, with Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness, and then Joshua and Samuel and David and others fulfilling their destiny which ultimately led to the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. Psalm 68 is so special because it declares that these were not just human endeavours, this was the Lord Adonai, going before His Chosen People in a triumphant procession, to ultimately rule and reign over the earth. As such, it foreshadows the resurrection, ascension and rule and reign of Christ and His ultimate triumph when all hostile forces will be overcome, and his people will reign with Him. What a journey we are about to embark upon. I’m genuinely excited and I hope you are too!

 

v1        In Numbers 10:33-36 we have the account of the Israelites leaving Mount Sinai and beginning the next stage of their journey to the Promised Land. The Law and Commandments had all been given. The ritual requirements of the priesthood and the sacrificial system had all been set out. The Lord had given precise instructions for the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy days that were to be celebrated. The fine details had all been spelled out and written down and various appointments had been made, particularly from the tribe of Levi. Now the people were ready to move on and the journey would take them ever closer to the land that God had appointed for them. This is how Moses describes those eventful first days of their pilgrimage.

“So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and travelled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.””

We can now see that the opening verse of Psalm 68 is a repetition of the words, spoken by Moses to the Lord, whenever the camp of Israel packed up their tents and moved onwards. This is a prayer for God’s protection and care but also an acknowledgement that the Lord God travelled with His people. This was God’s march too! Hallelujah, He walks with us! He covers us with His wings and He protects us from our enemies. May our spiritual foes flee before us this day for the Lord God Almighty marches with His people. 

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