Verse 1
"To the choirmaster, of David, a Psalm, a Song."
The recurring opening, sung at the head of this part too — "of David," a work of praise, from which the chapter goes out to the procession.
Verse 28
"There is Benjamin, the little one, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali."
The procession of the tribes: Benjamin, the smallest tribe, leads (rodem = ruling them — the small one at the head; from Benjamin came Saul); the princes of Judah in their throng (rigmatam = dense company), with Zebulun and Naphtali of the north. All Israel in one journey.
Verse 29
"Your God has commanded your strength; show Your strength, O God, You who have acted for us."
God has decreed your strength; the plea: "Show Your strength, O God" — confirm what You have already done for us. The strength is all from Him.
Verse 30
"Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to You."
From the Temple in Jerusalem, kings bring You gifts (shai = a tribute of honor) — even the nations' kings acknowledge Him.
Verse 31
"Rebuke the beast of the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples; scatter the peoples who delight in war."
A difficult verse: rebuke "the beast of the reeds" (the marsh creature, traditionally a name for Egypt — the Nile crocodile), the bulls and calves (strong and lesser nations); scatter the peoples who delight in war — that pride and violence end.
Verse 32
"Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God."
Nobles (chashmanim = envoys, dignitaries) come from Egypt; Cush — ancient Nubia, the region of modern Ethiopia and Sudan — hastens to stretch out her hands to God in prayer. Even the most distant kingdoms turn to Him.
Verse 33
"O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah"
Not Israel, but all the kingdoms of the world, the gentile nations: they too are invited to sing to the God of Israel — not in Israel's place, but joining it in recognizing Him.
Verse 34
"to Him who rides in the ancient heaven of heavens; behold, He sends out His voice, His mighty voice."
To God who rides the most ancient, highest heavens; "He sends out His voice, a mighty voice," like thunder. His greatness fills all the expanse.
Verse 35
"Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies."
The heart of this part. "His majesty" — His glory and exaltation — rests over Israel; "His power is in the skies" (shechakim = the clouds, the heavens). The power above and the nearness to the people are one.
Verse 36
"Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God."
Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength (ta'atzumot = abundant might) to His people. "Blessed be God" — not power taken, but power given to the people from above.
Part 4 seals Psalm 68: all kingdoms sing, the nations turn to God. The climax is not dominion but gift — "He gives power and strength to His people." So this great psalm closes in "Blessed be God."