the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
David composed this psalm to celebrate victories God granted him over his enemies, most likely after his triumph over the Ammonites and Syrians when the ark returned to Jerusalem. The ark's ascent to the holy mountain prefigures Christ's far more glorious ascension to heaven after He conquered His enemies and ours. Though the psalm rises to great heights of sublimity, its interpretation presents considerable difficulty at many points.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 68:1-35
The earth shook. Beneath the sublime tread the solid ground trembled. The heavens also dropped at the presence of God, as if they bowed before their God, the clouds descended, and "a few dark shower drops stole abroad." Even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God.
Fresh mercies ought to revive our grateful sense of former ones. God Himself went before Israel through the wilderness as their guide and leader; if He brings His people into a desert, He will march ahead of them and bring them safely out of it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 68:7-14