Welcome to Day 2633 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2633 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:15-20 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2633
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2633 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of the majestic Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation.
We’ve already witnessed God as the powerful Divine Warrior, scattering His enemies and bringing joy to the godly. We’ve journeyed with the Israelites through the wilderness, marveling at God’s leadership and provision. Now, as we reach verses 15 through 20, the psalm shifts its focus to God’s chosen dwelling place, His triumphant ascension, and His ultimate power over death itself.
This section brings together the historical narrative of God’s dealings with Israel and a powerful preview of God’s ultimate victory and the blessings He bestows upon His people. It’s a passage that resonated deeply with the Israelites and holds profound meaning for us today.
Let’s pick up our trek in Psalm 68, reading verses 15 through 17:
(Reads Psalm 68:15-17 NLT)
The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode? The Lord will dwell there forever! God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai.
Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins by referencing the “mountains of Bashan.” Bashan was a region known for its imposing, majestic mountains. They were geographically significant and perhaps viewed with a sense of awe or even pride by other nations. The psalmist acknowledges their grandeur but immediately contrasts them with another mountain – the one “God desired for his abode.”
This mountain is, of course, Mount Zion in Jerusalem. From an ancient Israelite perspective, Mount Zion wasn’t as physically imposing as some other mountains in the region, including those in Bashan. Yet, its significance far surpassed any other peak because God had chosen it as His dwelling place. The psalmist’s question, “Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode?” is a rhetorical one, highlighting the supreme honor and importance of Zion, not because of its natural features, but because of God’s presence there.
In the ancient world, the dwelling place of a deity was central to the identity and security of a people. For the Israelites, the Temple on Mount Zion represented God’s tangible presence among them. It was the place where they could come to meet with Him, offer sacrifices, and seek His face. The declaration, “The Lord will dwell there forever!” underscored the permanence of God’s presence in Zion, offering a sense of stability and assurance in a world of shifting powers and temporary kingdoms. It was a powerful statement of God’s faithfulness to remain with His people.
The psalmist then describes God’s arrival at His sanctuary in Zion in magnificent terms: “God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai.” This is a picture of a divine procession, a grand and powerful entrance. Chariots in ancient warfare symbolized military might and swiftness. To speak of God’s chariots in such vast numbers – “tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands” – conveys the overwhelming power and countless celestial beings that accompany Him.
The comparison to Sinai is crucial. As we saw in the earlier verses, God’s appearance at Mount Sinai was accompanied by trembling earth, thunder, and lightning – a fearsome display of His power and holiness. The psalmist suggests that God’s presence in the sanctuary in Zion, though perhaps manifested differently, is equally real and powerful. The same God who descended upon Sinai is present among His people in His chosen dwelling place. This connection reinforces the continuity of God’s relationship with Israel and the sacredness of Zion as the place of His presence.
Now, let’s move on to the next verses, 18 through 20, which offer a glimpse of God’s triumphant ascension and His role as the God of salvation:
(Reads Psalm 68:18-20 NLT)
You have ascended on high, leading a crowd of captives. You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might live among them. Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Verse 18 is a pivotal verse, often interpreted as a prophecy of Christ’s ascension, as quoted by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:8. “You have ascended on high, leading a crowd of captives.” This imagery is drawn from the practice of ancient conquerors who, after a decisive victory, would return to their capital in a triumphal procession, leading their defeated enemies as captives.
The psalmist here depicts God as the ultimate conqueror, ascending to His lofty dwelling place (heaven or Zion) after His victories. The “crowd of captives” represents the enemies that God has defeated – not just earthly foes, but ultimately, the powers of sin, death, and the devil. God’s ascension signifies His supreme authority and His triumph over all that opposes Him.
The phrase, “You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might live among them,” is particularly intriguing. In ancient triumphs, the conquering king would often receive tribute or gifts from the defeated or from those who sought his favor. The psalmist says God received gifts not only from “people” in general but specifically from “the rebellious.” This is a remarkable picture of God’s power to bring even those who were formerly His adversaries to a place of submission and perhaps even a transformed relationship where they offer Him gifts.
The purpose of receiving these gifts, even from the rebellious, is profound: “that the Lord God might live among them.” God’s ultimate desire is not just to defeat His enemies but to dwell among humanity, to have a relationship with them. This act of receiving gifts, even from those who were once rebellious, symbolizes the possibility of reconciliation and the establishment of God’s presence among a people who were formerly estranged from Him.
Verse 19 shifts to a declaration of praise for God’s ongoing care: “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” This moves from the grand historical and redemptive acts to the personal, daily experience of God’s faithfulness. The psalmist praises God as “our savior,” acknowledging His role in delivering His people. The beautiful image of God “carrying us in his arms each day” speaks to His tender care, His constant support, and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It’s a picture of a loving parent carrying a child, providing security, comfort, and protection through every step of the journey.
The “Interlude” again provides a moment to ponder this profound truth: the God who conquers and ascends also personally carries His people day by day.
The final verse in this section reiterates God’s fundamental character and His ultimate power: “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” This is a powerful affirmation. God is not merely capable of saving; saving is intrinsic to His nature. He is “a God who saves.” This salvation encompasses not just deliverance from earthly dangers but also the ultimate rescue from death.
The title “Sovereign Lord” (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God’s supreme authority and His covenant relationship with His people. It is from this God, the ultimate authority, that “escape from death” comes. In the ancient world, death was a powerful and often feared unknown. The idea of escaping death, of being rescued from its finality, spoke to a deep human longing. The psalmist boldly declares that this ultimate deliverance is found in God alone. This points forward to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, through whom death has been conquered and eternal life is offered.
Psalm 68:15-20 beautifully brings together the themes of God’s chosen dwelling place, His triumphant authority demonstrated in His ascension and receiving gifts from all, and His intimate, daily care for His people, culminating in His ultimate power as the God of salvation who rescues from death.
What wisdom can we take from this passage for our trek today?
Firstly, it reminds us that God has a chosen place for His presence, a place of holiness and dwelling among His people. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the concept of God dwelling among His people continues in the church and ultimately in the new heaven and new earth. We are called to be mindful of God’s presence with us.
Secondly, it highlights God’s triumphant authority over all opposition, even to the point of receiving gifts from those who were once rebellious. This offers hope for the most challenging situations and for individuals who seem far from God – His power can conquer all, and His desire is for relationship.
Thirdly, the image of God carrying us each day is a powerful reminder of His personal care and constant support in our lives. We are not alone on our journey; He is with us, bearing our burdens.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, these verses point to God as the ultimate source of salvation and escape from death. In Him, we find not only deliverance in this life but also the promise of eternal life and victory over the grave.
Let us find confidence and comfort in the God whose dwelling is holy, whose triumph is complete, who carries us daily, and from whom comes our ultimate rescue from death.
(Outro Music: Upbeat, adventurous theme fades in)
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this powerful trek through Psalm 68:15-20. I trust that contemplating God’s presence, His triumph, and His saving power has enriched your journey today. Join me again next time for another segment of Wisdom-Trek, where we continue to seek and apply the enduring wisdom of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
- Live Abundantly (Fully)
- Love Unconditionally
- Listen Intentionally
- Learn Continuously
- Lend to others Generously
- Lead with Integrity
- Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
Transcript
Welcome to Day 2633 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2633 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 68:15-20 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2633
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2633 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of the majestic Psalm 68 in the New Living Translation.
We’ve already witnessed God as the powerful Divine Warrior, scattering His enemies and bringing joy to the godly. We’ve journeyed with the Israelites through the wilderness, marveling at God’s leadership and provision. Now, as we reach verses 15 through 20, the psalm shifts its focus to God’s chosen dwelling place, His triumphant ascension, and His ultimate power over death itself.
This section brings together the historical narrative of God’s dealings with Israel and a powerful preview of God’s ultimate victory and the blessings He bestows upon His people. It’s a passage that resonated deeply with the Israelites and holds profound meaning for us today.
Let’s pick up our trek in Psalm 68, reading verses 15 through 17:
(Reads Psalm 68:15-17 NLT)
The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode? The Lord will dwell there forever! God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai.
Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins by referencing the “mountains of Bashan.” Bashan was a region known for its imposing, majestic mountains. They were geographically significant and perhaps viewed with a sense of awe or even pride by other nations. The psalmist acknowledges their grandeur but immediately contrasts them with another mountain – the one “God desired for his abode.”
This mountain is, of course, Mount Zion in Jerusalem. From an ancient Israelite perspective, Mount Zion wasn’t as physically imposing as some other mountains in the region, including those in Bashan. Yet, its significance far surpassed any other peak because God had chosen it as His dwelling place. The psalmist’s question, “Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain God desired for his abode?” is a rhetorical one, highlighting the supreme honor and importance of Zion, not because of its natural features, but because of God’s presence there.
In the ancient world, the dwelling place of a deity was central to the identity and security of a people. For the Israelites, the Temple on Mount Zion represented God’s tangible presence among them. It was the place where they could come to meet with Him, offer sacrifices, and seek His face. The declaration, “The Lord will dwell there forever!” underscored the permanence of God’s presence in Zion, offering a sense of stability and assurance in a world of shifting powers and temporary kingdoms. It was a powerful statement of God’s faithfulness to remain with His people.
The psalmist then describes God’s arrival at His sanctuary in Zion in magnificent terms: “God’s chariots are tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai.” This is a picture of a divine procession, a grand and powerful entrance. Chariots in ancient warfare symbolized military might and swiftness. To speak of God’s chariots in such vast numbers – “tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands” – conveys the overwhelming power and countless celestial beings that accompany Him.
The comparison to Sinai is crucial. As we saw in the earlier verses, God’s appearance at Mount Sinai was accompanied by trembling earth, thunder, and lightning – a fearsome display of His power and holiness. The psalmist suggests that God’s presence in the sanctuary in Zion, though perhaps manifested differently, is equally real and powerful. The same God who descended upon Sinai is present among His people in His chosen dwelling place. This connection reinforces the continuity of God’s relationship with Israel and the sacredness of Zion as the place of His presence.
Now, let’s move on to the next verses, 18 through 20, which offer a glimpse of God’s triumphant ascension and His role as the God of salvation:
(Reads Psalm 68:18-20 NLT)
You have ascended on high, leading a crowd of captives. You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might live among them. Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Verse 18 is a pivotal verse, often interpreted as a prophecy of Christ’s ascension, as quoted by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:8. “You have ascended on high, leading a crowd of captives.” This imagery is drawn from the practice of ancient conquerors who, after a decisive victory, would return to their capital in a triumphal procession, leading their defeated enemies as captives.
The psalmist here depicts God as the ultimate conqueror, ascending to His lofty dwelling place (heaven or Zion) after His victories. The “crowd of captives” represents the enemies that God has defeated – not just earthly foes, but ultimately, the powers of sin, death, and the devil. God’s ascension signifies His supreme authority and His triumph over all that opposes Him.
The phrase, “You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might live among them,” is particularly intriguing. In ancient triumphs, the conquering king would often receive tribute or gifts from the defeated or from those who sought his favor. The psalmist says God received gifts not only from “people” in general but specifically from “the rebellious.” This is a remarkable picture of God’s power to bring even those who were formerly His adversaries to a place of submission and perhaps even a transformed relationship where they offer Him gifts.
The purpose of receiving these gifts, even from the rebellious, is profound: “that the Lord God might live among them.” God’s ultimate desire is not just to defeat His enemies but to dwell among humanity, to have a relationship with them. This act of receiving gifts, even from those who were once rebellious, symbolizes the possibility of reconciliation and the establishment of God’s presence among a people who were formerly estranged from Him.
Verse 19 shifts to a declaration of praise for God’s ongoing care: “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” This moves from the grand historical and redemptive acts to the personal, daily experience of God’s faithfulness. The psalmist praises God as “our savior,” acknowledging His role in delivering His people. The beautiful image of God “carrying us in his arms each day” speaks to His tender care, His constant support, and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It’s a picture of a loving parent carrying a child, providing security, comfort, and protection through every step of the journey.
The “Interlude” again provides a moment to ponder this profound truth: the God who conquers and ascends also personally carries His people day by day.
The final verse in this section reiterates God’s fundamental character and His ultimate power: “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” This is a powerful affirmation. God is not merely capable of saving; saving is intrinsic to His nature. He is “a God who saves.” This salvation encompasses not just deliverance from earthly dangers but also the ultimate rescue from death.
The title “Sovereign Lord” (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God’s supreme authority and His covenant relationship with His people. It is from this God, the ultimate authority, that “escape from death” comes. In the ancient world, death was a powerful and often feared unknown. The idea of escaping death, of being rescued from its finality, spoke to a deep human longing. The psalmist boldly declares that this ultimate deliverance is found in God alone. This points forward to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, through whom death has been conquered and eternal life is offered.
Psalm 68:15-20 beautifully brings together the themes of God’s chosen dwelling place, His triumphant authority demonstrated in His ascension and receiving gifts from all, and His intimate, daily care for His people, culminating in His ultimate power as the God of salvation who rescues from death.
What wisdom can we take from this passage for our trek today?
Firstly, it reminds us that God has a chosen place for His presence, a place of holiness and dwelling among His people. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the concept of God dwelling among His people continues in the church and ultimately in the new heaven and new earth. We are called to be mindful of God’s presence with us.
Secondly, it highlights God’s triumphant authority over all opposition, even to the point of receiving gifts from those who were once rebellious. This offers hope for the most challenging situations and for individuals who seem far from God – His power can conquer all, and His desire is for relationship.
Thirdly, the image of God carrying us each day is a powerful reminder of His personal care and constant support in our lives. We are not alone on our journey; He is with us, bearing our burdens.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, these verses point to God as the ultimate source of salvation and escape from death. In Him, we find not only deliverance in this life but also the promise of eternal life and victory over the grave.
Let us find confidence and comfort in the God whose dwelling is holy, whose triumph is complete, who carries us daily, and from whom comes our ultimate rescue from death.
(Outro Music: Upbeat, adventurous theme fades in)
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this powerful trek through Psalm 68:15-20. I trust that contemplating God’s presence, His triumph, and His saving power has enriched your journey today. Join me again next time for another segment of Wisdom-Trek, where we continue to seek and apply the enduring wisdom of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
Leave a Reply