Psalms 68: The victorious king makes room for the vulnerable

Psalm 68 is crowded with movement: enemies scatter, God marches through the wilderness, rain falls, kings flee, a victorious ruler ascends, a procession enters the sanctuary, foreign powers bring tribute, and earth's kingdoms are called to sing. Yet its most revealing details concern the people divine strength makes room for. The heavenly rider is immediately named as father of the fatherless, defender of widows, giver of families to the solitary, and liberator of prisoners. The march that shakes Sinai also refreshes a weary inheritance and prepares goodness for the poor. Difficult images remain difficult, especially the dove, snow in Salmon, and some lines of judgment, but the psalm's larger architecture is clear. Strength belongs to God, past victory does not make the people independent, and the power they are told to ascribe to him is finally the power he gives back to them.