The poem that is before us at this time begins and ends with strong and joyful praise to God.  This praise is well founded, according to the author (David), because of the past, present, and future.  In other words, since JAH has done certain things, since JAH can do certain things, and since JAH shall do certain things—JAH deserves the joyful praise of all who are in heaven and on earth.

The introduction of the psalm is in the first four verses.  The overall idea here is that “our gladness is in His name.”  In verses 1-3, the word “let” appears seven times (NKJV).  This verb is used to teach us what God can do to His enemies and to teach us what we should do in light of this great power of His.  There is a powerful, but simple, picture in the first phrase of the psalm: “LET GOD ARISE.”  Then, as He does what He needs to do to His enemies (68:1,2), we are to respond accordingly (68:3).  Verse 4 brings the name of God before us as the ground of our joy.  This name is JAH (KJV) or YAH (NKJV).  Kirkpatrick has this to say about the name:

“JAH is a shortened form of Jehovah (Jahveh), chosen here perhaps with allusion to its use in Ex.xv.2 (upon which are based Is.xii. 2; Ps. cxviii. 4), to recall the memories of the Exodus.  It is peculiar to poetry, and outside the book of Psalms, where it occurs most frequently in the familiar Hallelujah=’Praise ye Jah,’ it is found only in Ex.xv.2, xvii. 16; Is. xii. 2, xxvi. 4, xxxviii. 11.”  (Commentary on Psalms, p. 380).
 

• HE HAS  (68:5-14).

In these verses, David speaks of the things that God has done by noting Him as a father (68:5,6), a provider (68:7-10), and a leader (68:11-14).  He has been a father to the orphans and a defender of widows because He is the God Who has a holy habitation.  The place to which He can invite them is exactly what they need as a result of the empty place in their own lives.  His past actions in this regard are in verse 6, where He sets those who are alone in families, provides for the needs of the “bound” (as slaves), and allows the rebellious to stay in their miserable place.  He has been a provider for His people by going out before them through the difficult places of their pilgrim wanderings.  In these places, He has shown total control over all earthly elements, including the wilderness, earth and heaven, Sinai, and the rain.  This providential care is a confirmation to His inheritance (Israel) of their place in His plan.  We, as the true Israel of God today, should learn this lesson, too (Galatians 6:16; Matthew 6:25-34).  He has been a leader in the presence of those who posed a threat.  This lesson is taught in the psalm by noting His leadership in view of enemy kings.  Terry Hightower made these comments in his notes on Psalm 68: 11,12: 

“Though God’s faithful followers have suffered the indignity of slavery and the nomadic life of a shepherd, they are in his sight like the beautiful silver-covered wings of a dove and having gold-covered pinfeathers (perhaps an allusion to some precious plunder taken from the Canaanites).  There is no possible resistance to the looting since Almighty God scatters the kings like snowflakes on Mount Zalmon.  Praise the God of Israel’s history as triumphant Savior!” (The Book of Psalms – I, p. 408).

Thus, the truths of the past are constant reminders of the fact that since God has done these things—and since He is the same God today—He still can…
 

• HE CAN (68:15-20).

In this part of the poem, we learn three things that He can do right now.  The first is that He can dwell where He pleases (68:15,16).  The second is that He can overcome (68:17,18).  The third is that He can save every day (68:19,20).  When we humble ourselves and learn something about Who God is, we will learn that if God desires to live in the mountain of Bashan, then that is where He will live.  Too bad that the people of Bashan did not humble themselves and learn this—right?  The ability of God to overcome is not only stated in verses 17,18; it is quoted in Ephesians 4 to remind us that this power was exercised in the first century when God used His power to give miraculous gifts to the early Christians for their use.  As they went everywhere preaching the word, they needed these gifts until all of the New Testament was revealed and confirmed (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10).  Thus, God’s power for “now” was demonstrated among them.   Verses 19,20 give praise to Him for daily “benefits.”  These benefits are “loaded” upon us, they provide salvation, and they even allow us to “escape” death.
 

• HE WILL (68:21-31).

In this part of the poem, David does three more things.  As he encourages us to face the future, he affirms that God will “bring back” (68:21-23); He will be noticed (68:24-27); and He will be acknowledged (68:28-31).  The bringing back helps us to remember that even when we are in trouble (of our own making, or otherwise), He can do what needs to be done—when we comply with His will.  There are about 66 words for “bring” in Hebrew.  This one has the idea of “bringing home again.”  Are you in need of this?  He will do it if you will… (See Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Romans 10:9,10; Acts 22:16; and/or 1 John 1:6-10).  God will also “be noticed.”  David describes the fact that the tribes of Israel have noticed Him—and it is true that all will notice Him at some time, even if they foolishly put it off until the judgment (Romans 14:10-12).  And it is also true that He will be acknowledged by all of us.  Everyone ought to submit himself to JAH.  Everyone ought to say “Hallelujah.”  And the best time for us to do this is now (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The psalm ends with the praise that is due to Him.  What a God He is!  How good it is that He is God!  How marvelous it is that there is no other!  The goal of God is in verse 32:

The praise He deserves is given in phrase after phrase in verses 33-35:

SICK LIST:  Lucy Jerrolds, Julie Lanier, Alan Carlyle, and Nell McClain have been ill.  Mary Jones’ sister, Jessie, has been having tests.  Robbie Davis’ sister-in-law has been diagnosed with cancer.  Ernest Burnette’s mother is home after another stay in the hospital.

SYMPATHY:  Dennis Clark’s uncle passed away last week.  Let’s remember this family in our prayers.
BAPTISM:  Clarence Donley, III, was baptized into Christ October 1.  We rejoice with him for his decision to serve Christ and pray that he will always be faithful.
GROUPS:  Group 2 is in charge of the services at Plantation South at 1:30.  Also, please meet up front following evening services for visitation assignments.  Group 4 is in charge of the service at Gwinnett Extended Care at 2:00.
COVERED DISH DINNER:  There will be a fellowship meal following morning services Sunday.  Everyone is encouraged to stay.  Group 1 will host.
SIMPLE ENGLISH BIBLE CLASS:  Our first class will meet at 3:00 Sunday afternoon for the Bible class offered to those whose second language is English.  Let’s be sure to pass out the announcements at restaurants and businesses so we can invite as many as possible.
CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 today.
LADIES’ CLASS:  No class this week.
FOR THE RECORD:   10/1 10/8
AM Class                     142         97
AM Worship                167       139
PM Worship                120         90
Wednesday Class         121      119
Contribution                 $7338   $24643
Budget                         $6500   $6500