📅 February 6: Psalm 68: The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

Daily Bible Readings February
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:date: February 6: Psalm 68: The God of Sinai and of the Sanctuary

:earth_africa: Introduction:

Psalm 68 offers a poetic narrative of how God led His people through difficulties, representing triumph and deliverance. The heartfelt Psalm poses as a hymn of praise, celebrating His ultimate dominion over earthly and heavenly affairs, making the abstract divine reality feel tangible and immediate to us.

:mount_fuji: God’s Majestic Power:

Psalm 68 opens up with God displaying His might, scattering His enemies. David, the author, invites us to join in the jubilant procession celebrating God’s victories, reminding us of a powerful, victorious, Militant God.

:scroll: Key Verse: Psalm 68:1 - “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.”

:sun_behind_rain_cloud: God, the Caretaker Of The Weak:

The Psalmist then morphs into describing God’s caring, nurturing character, with particular emphasis on His provision for the lonely, the fatherless, and the prisoners.

:scroll: Key Verse: Psalm 68:5 - “A father to the fatherless, defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

:sparkles: Key Themes and Reflections:

  1. God’s power and might: This Psalm serves as a refreshing reminder that our God is not passive but active, strong, and militant when it comes to protecting His people.

  2. God’s Love and Compassion: God is depicted as a parent, a defender, and a comforter of the weak, signifying His concern and care for all humanity.

:bulb: Today’s Application:

Understanding God’s dual nature - strength and compassion - can bring comfort during difficult times. When facing struggles, remember - our God is both a powerful combatant of our enemies and a tender, compassionate comforter.

:mag: Hidden Gem:

Psalm 68 is rich with historical and cultural reflections, making it one of the most complicated Psalms to interpret but in its complexity lies its beauty.

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A:

:question: How can we echo Psalm 68 in our life?
A: By acknowledging and praising God’s dual nature - His power in our battles and His compassion during our struggles.

:question: What comfort does Psalm 68 bring in difficult times?
A: Understanding that our God is actively involved, fighting our battles and comforting us, can bring great peace and comfort.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion:

Consider God’s victories in your life; how can you turn these into hymns and praises? Share your thoughts and reflections here!

:date: See You Tomorrow in Psalm 69!
Let’s continue our journey through the Psalms, exploring God’s unending love and justice. May today’s reflections on God’s power and compassion strengthen and inspire your faith.

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Psalm 68
Historically this psalm was written to commemorate the journey of the Ark from its exile to the city of Jerusalem, accompanied by the joy and rejoicing of both king and people. It was based on the past, in that joyous day when Moses brought his people out of the exile of Egypt, and journeyed through the wilderness. It is also a prophecy of the future, when the fulness of the Messianic Ark will be brought into the great temple on Zion, to the acclamation and admiration of the whole world, who will then understand the purpose of the divine Will. Thus the Psalm is typical of the victorious march of the glorified Elohim when they are formed out of the experiences of the judgment of Sinai, and proceed northward to their grand destiny. The Psalm is set in three sections: [1] The victorious march of the Elohim: vv. 1-6. The Hebrew for the opening phrase is more definite: “God shall arise,” and so the future tense continues to the end of verse 3. The words “before” (v. 1), “presence” (v. 2) and “before” (v. 3) are all from the same Hebrew, ‘paniy,’ signifying “to the faces” (plural). This relates to the manifestation of Yahweh’s angel of His Presence (Exo. 33:14; Isa. 63:9), to be fulfilled in Yahshua and glorified in his saints (2Thes. 1:9-10). The Elohim of the future will bring dismay and destruction to the wicked, but relief and joy to the righteous. [2] Illustrations from past history: vv. 7-18, and [3] The certainty of future deliverance and glory: vv. 19-35. It reveals the shining glory that will burst forth out of the dark womb of the present experiences of the saints. The subscription of the Psalm (which incorrectly appears under the title of the next psalm) is to Shoshannim, a Hebrew word meaning Lilies, and illustrative of the springtime, the day of resurrection and the evidence of Yahweh’s overshadowing care through the winters of life. It is thus a Passover psalm, for the Passover commences the springtime and the new age of the millennium. What wonderful expressions are found in the concluding verse, with finally the glorious acclamation: “Blessed be Elohim,” the mighty Ones of Strength. The Great Power of the universe alone is worthy of worship. He is the source of true wisdom, holiness and strength. His mercy matches His majesty, for both are infinite. As He delivered in the past, so He does today, and will do tomorrow. He shapes the course of individuals and nations to ultimately fill the earth with His glory as the aerial waters overshadow the seas. — Logos.