Psalm 68's Imagery

[Sam Jer]

There is much in psalm 68 that I do not understand, and I suspect that some of it has to do with some sort of typical imagery.

In particular, I am not sure how to understand:

• v. 4 him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah
• v. 11 great was the company of those that published it [the word]. (the Hebrew is a feminine noun)
• v. 12 Kings of armies did flee apace:
• v. 12 and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
• v. 13 the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
• v. 14 it was white as snow in Salmon
• the Hill of Bashan
• v. 22 from the depths of the sea
• v. 23 and the tongue of thy dogs
• v. 24 thy goings, O God / the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary
• v. 25 "The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels."
• v. 26 the fountain of Israel
• v. 30 the company of spearmen
• v. 30 the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people
• v. 30 till every one submit himself with pieces of silver
• v. 33 him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old
• v. 34 his strength is in the clouds

Can anyone offer some help with this? What do these things refer to?

 

[MW]

The "divine warrior" theme is foremost. It was occasioned by the procession of the ark and its coming to "rest" in 2 Samuel. In general it picks up on ideas and statements from Numbers where God was at the head of the Israelite nation in a "march" through the wilderness. There are allusions to the different victories obtained in Israel's history over the enemies of the Lord. If you keep the main idea in mind it will help guide you through the different expressions. The commentaries on biblehub should be useful.

 

[Sam Jer]

The "divine warrior" theme is foremost. It was occasioned by the procession of the ark and its coming to "rest" in 2 Samuel. In general it picks up on ideas and statements from Numbers where God was at the head of the Israelite nation in a "march" through the wilderness. There are allusions to the different victories obtained in Israel's history over the enemies of the Lord. If you keep the main idea in mind it will help guide you through the different expressions. The commentaries on biblehub should be useful.

What's the significance of Bashan hill? It seems to be the most consistantly recurring unclear referance in the Psalm. Does it maybe have something to do with God's victory over Og?

 

[Contra_Mundum]

What's the significance of Bashan hill? It seems to be the most consistantly recurring unclear referance in the Psalm. Does it maybe have something to do with God's victory over Og?

The mountains of Bashan are, in a sense, rival "mountain of God" to Zion, the true mountain of the LORD. They have the earthly advantages, but lack the heavenly.

If the people of God are captured by Bashan or it's nation in the east, or if the sea to the west swallows them and kills, yet will the LORD save his own.

 

[LilyG]

One of my favorite psalms! Because "It is a celebration of Christ’s triumph over his enemies and a promise of final justice to God’s enemies, among them death itself. "

Saturday Psalm Series: The Psalm I Want Sung At My Graveside - The Heidelblog

To my friends, no I am not, as far as I know, in imminent danger of death. My enemies shall have to wait a bit longer. My reflections this morning are inspired by a series of posts at TGC including “The Song Scott Swain Wants Played At His Funeral.” As a…

heidelblog.net

 

[MW]

What's the significance of Bashan hill? It seems to be the most consistantly recurring unclear referance in the Psalm. Does it maybe have something to do with God's victory over Og?

I agree with Rev. Buchanan about the rivalry. Heights give a military advantage. That is expressed in the words of the Psalm. But the idealism also has a historical root. So I think you are on to something by tracing back to Og, who will be mentioned in Pss 135-6. It is hard to tell at this stage whether there is tension with the half tribe of Manasseh's lot of Bashan. According to later history, the two and a half tribes are pointed out for their idolatry and exile under the Assyrians. I'm not sure how much of their "separation" can be read back earlier in the history.