Psalms 68:7-23

O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people, leading them through the wasteland. Pause in his presence The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. So there your people settled. And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance. God Almighty declares the word of the gospel with power, and the warring women of Zion deliver its message: “The conquering legions have themselves been conquered. Look at them flee!” Now Zion’s women are left to gather the spoils. When you sleep between sharpened stakes, I see you sparkling like silver and glistening like gold, covered by the beautiful wings of a dove! When the Almighty found a king for himself, it became white as snow in his shade. O huge, magnificent mountain, you are the mighty kingdom of God! All the other peaks, though impressive and imposing, look with envy on you, Mount Zion! For Zion is the mountain where God has chosen to live forever. Look! The mighty chariots of God! Ten thousands upon ten thousands, more than anyone could ever number. God is at the front, leading them all from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary with the radiance of holiness upon him. He ascends into the heavenly heights, taking his many captured ones with him, leading them in triumphal procession. And gifts were given to men, even the once rebellious, so that they may dwell with Yah. What a glorious God! He gives us salvation over and over, then daily he carries our burdens! Pause in his presence Our God is a mighty God who saves us over and over! For the Lord, YAHWEH, rescues us from the ways of death many times. But he will crush every enemy, shattering their strength. He will make heads roll for they refuse to repent of their stubborn, sinful ways. I hear the Lord God saying to all the enemies of his people, “You’d better come out of your hiding places, all of you who are doing your best to stay far away from me. Don’t you know there’s no place to hide? For my people will be the conquerors; they will soon have you under their feet. They will crush you until there is nothing left!”