Question 1

What does “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line is a prayer for God to act openly in power. It pictures God rising up like a warrior or a leader stepping forward, so His enemies have to run. The enemies here are people who hate God and fight against His ways and His people. The images of smoke driven away and wax melting show how weak they really are when God shows Himself. This verse gives comfort that evil will not last forever and that God will, in His time, put things right and protect His people.

Question 2

How can God be a “father of the fatherless and a judge of the widows”?

Accepted Answer

Calling God a father to the fatherless and a judge of the widows shows His special care for people who are weak or forgotten. In that culture, orphans and widows often had no one to provide or speak for them. This psalm says God Himself steps in. He cares like a loving father, and He judges like a fair court, making sure they are defended and helped. It reminds us that God notices those who feel alone or unprotected and that His people should reflect this same care.

Question 3

What does it mean that God “setteth the solitary in families”?

Accepted Answer

“Setteth the solitary in families” means God does not leave lonely people by themselves forever. He gives them a place to belong. In the history behind this psalm, God gathered His people out of slavery and shaped them into a nation, like a big family. Spiritually, He keeps doing this by drawing isolated people into His people and caring communities. It shows His kindness in giving not only food and safety, but also companionship, shared worship, and a sense of home among His people.

Question 4

What is meant by “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive”?

Accepted Answer

This verse pictures a king returning from battle up to a high place, bringing home prisoners and treasures. It can point to God’s victories for Israel, where He broke the power of their enemies and received gifts and offerings. Many readers also see here a picture of Christ rising from the dead and going up to heaven, having defeated sin, death, and Satan. “Led captivity captive” means He has taken what held His people in chains and turned it into a defeated, captive power under His rule.

Question 5

How does this passage describe God’s care for the poor and needy?

Accepted Answer

The psalm says God sends plentiful rain to refresh His weary people, prepares goodness for the poor, gives homes to the lonely, and frees those bound with chains. He is called the father of the fatherless and judge of the widows. All this shows God does not only fight enemies but also gently provides for those who have little strength. He meets physical needs like land and rain, and social needs like family and protection. His people are meant to trust this care and echo it toward others.

Question 6

Why does the psalm talk about God scattering kings and dipping feet in blood?

Accepted Answer

These strong images describe God’s serious judgment against stubborn enemies who keep on in their sins. When God defends His people, powerful kings and armies cannot stand. “Thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies” pictures complete victory after a hard battle. In that time, such language showed that the threat was truly removed. It reminds us that God is patient, but He is also holy, and those who continually resist Him and attack His people will face real judgment.

Question 7

What is the meaning of all nations, like Egypt and Ethiopia, stretching out their hands to God?

Accepted Answer

When this song speaks of princes coming from Egypt and Ethiopia stretching out their hands to God, it points beyond Israel to other peoples who once were far from Him. Lifting hands is a picture of prayer or worship. So this looks ahead to a time when not only Israel, but many nations, will come to honor the true God. It shows God’s plan is bigger than one people or land. His strength and goodness are meant to be known and praised by the whole earth.

Question 8

Why does this passage say God’s people should sing and bless God together?

Accepted Answer

Throughout the psalm, God’s people are called to sing, play instruments, and bless God in the congregation. This is because God has acted in clear ways: rescuing from enemies, leading through the wilderness, giving rain, caring for the weak, and giving strength. When God saves and provides, the right response is shared praise, not silent thanks only in private. Singing together helps the community remember His works, encourage each other’s faith, and honor God openly for who He is and what He has done.

Question 9

What does this psalm teach about God’s strength and our weakness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows a clear contrast. God rides on the heavens with countless chariots, shakes the earth, scatters kings, and has “issues from death,” meaning many ways to rescue. People, even mighty rulers, are like smoke or melting wax in His presence. Yet the same strong God gently lifts the poor, the lonely, and the broken. It teaches that we are not as strong as we think, and we should not fear human power more than God. Our hope and help must rest in His strength, not our own.

Question 10

How can I apply the message of this passage to my life today?

Accepted Answer

You can take this psalm as a call to trust God’s power and His kindness at the same time. When facing opposition or fear, remember that enemies are small before Him, even if they feel huge to you. When you feel lonely, poor in spirit, or overlooked, remember that He is a father to the fatherless and sets the solitary in families. Let this move you to worship with others, sing honestly to God, and also look around for people who are weak or alone, so you can share His care with them.

Psalm 68:1

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

God’s Enemies Are Scattered

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

God’s Enemies Are Scattered

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

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Psalm 68:1

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

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God’s Enemies Are Scattered

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

God’s Enemies Are Scattered

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song.

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