Meditation
THE CHARIOTS OF GOD
Text: Psalm 68:17-18
9 June 2019
THE LORD OF HOSTS
This was a term that was used to describe the Lord and His army (2 Samuel 5:10). The word “host” may be literally translated as “army” (Joshua 5:14). We have a glimpse of the army of God in this text.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
Even thousands of thousands;
The LORD is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.
You have ascended on high,
You have led captivity captive;
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious,
That the LORD God might dwell there. Psalm 68:17-18
- Armies of the ancient days
a) Infantry (sword)
b) Archers (Bow and arrow)
c) Cavalry (Horses)
d) Chariots (most feared of all)
- The chariots of God:
a) Twenty thousand chariots would be a lot
b) The phrase “even thousands of thousands”
c) It means “countless chariots”
d) Not limited to the already staggering number of “twenty thousand”
- The LORD is among them as in Sinai, the Holy Place
a) He will make His presence known and felt
b) As He did when He descended on Mount Sinai to speak to ancient Israel
c) The Lord’s place is that of “Commander of the army of God” Joshua 5:14
VICTORY DESCRIBED
We have a description of the Lord being victorious:
- You have ascended on high
a) This is a description of victory.
- You have led captivity captive
a) The enemy used to make people captive
b) The enemy is now himself captive
- You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious
a) The vanquished offer gifts of tribute
b) Even the rebellious had to pay tribute
- That the LORD might dwell there
a) This describes the presence of God in the conquered land
b) His presence makes all the difference
Let us never take the presence of the LORD of hosts for granted! Let us celebrate the fact that He is victorious!