Psalm 68. This psalm opens with what Moses said in Numbers 10, when Israel were to set forward with the ark in their journeys. “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.” Faith now sees that the time is come when the land is to be cleared of these enemies. The righteous are to be glad and rejoice. Then it is cited how God did march through the wilderness before His people and gave them their inheritance. Though Israel had now been in contempt, though they had lain among the pots in wretchedness, yet they were to be in the place of blessing and glory. God’s ways in the deliverance of His people of old are then recounted. They are called upon to ascribe strength unto God. His excellency is over Israel and His strength is not confined to the earth. It is above the clouds.
Psalm 69. In this psalm we have the exercises of the Messiah in connection with His sufferings from the hand of man, and also those of the remnant. While this psalm, as quotations in the New Testament show, takes in His sufferings on the cross, yet they do not take in the atoning sufferings which were from the hand of God, dung those three hours of darkness.
We see that verse 4 is quoted in John 15:2525But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. (John 15:25) which refers to His life before the cross. John 2:1717And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. (John 2:17) refers back to verse 9. Then verse 21 is quoted in Matthew 27:3434They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. (Matthew 27:34) as applying to man’s treatment of Him on the cross. But verse 22 is quoted in Romans 11:99And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: (Romans 11:9) as applying to the judgment on the guilty nation. Verse 25 is quoted in Acts 1:2020For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. (Acts 1:20) as applying to Judas’ fall in betraying the Lord. It also will apply to those in the future, who will betray the faithful remnant. The psalm closes with faith looking on to the time when God will save Zion and will build again the cities of Judah. This does not, however, refer to the present attempt of the Jews to populate the land, for they have not been passed through the great tribulation in the land (Matthew 24:2121For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)), to bring them to the acknowledgment of their guilt in rejecting the Messiah.
Psalm 70. The title of this psalm describes it as a psalm of David to bring to remembrance. And truly the Lord would have His people remember their deliverances. It was at the Passover supper that the Lord instituted the Lord’s supper, the same night in which He was betrayed. Though He was to be forsaken of all His disciples, yet He brought forth the emblems, signifying His death, and asked them to remember it in partaking of them.
“And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.... And He took bread and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them. saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:2020Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20). “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Cor. 11:2626For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:26).
David in this psalm gives the deep exercises which he passed through, which led Him to cry out as he did. The psalm mentions those who cried out at his sufferings, Aha, Aha. There were those at the cross who in spirit answer to this mocking. In the future, the remnant will be taunted in much the same way.
ML 01/08/1961