“You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold” (Ps 68:13).
As noted in our overview of Psalm 68, Stanza 1 (vv 1-6) portrays the God of heaven riding forth on His great rescue mission. “Let God arise,” and let no one stand in His way (v 1). Defeat is not an option. “As smoke is driven away,…as wax melts before the fire” (v 2), those who oppose His plans must perish, the only other option to receiving Him. But those who join in His vanguard—“the righteous”—will “rejoice exceedingly” (v 3). Look at this One “who rides on the clouds” (v 4)! But is He like the many cruel tyrants who have gone forth to conquer through the ages? No! He is out to conquer hearts: “A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows” (v 5), He wants to dwell among the people “in His holy habitation.” He loves to set “the solitary in families” and to liberate and prosper “those who are bound” (v 6). God’s friendship. God’s family. God’s freedom. It sounds wonderful! But what will be His strategy to accomplish this rescue mission? Stanza 2 (vv 7-10) explains His plan to redeem Abraham’s family, a fledgling nation, from Egypt. “You went out before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness” (v 7). He supernaturally provided for them and manifested Himself to them: “Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel” (v 8). Ah, now He’s the God of Israel! He made a covenant with them regarding a seed and a land. “You confirmed Your inheritance” (v 9). Stanza 3 (vv 11-14) describes the conquest of Canaan, and of God entrusting to them His communications (v 11). “Kings of armies flee” (v 12) because the Lord is giving Israel the victory, and they—though a little flock amidst the mighty nations—dwell in safety and prosperity as long as their trust is in the Lord (v 13).