A Great Company: Psalm 68

“A Great Company”

Introduction

In Psalm 68: 1, the Psalmist, David is echoing the cry of Moses in the wilderness.  “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered!  Let them flee before you!” This cry was to prepare the Israelites to move with the cloud and was shouted when the Ark set out.  Number 10:35 (New Living Translation)

This Psalm is about movement; movement from one place to another, from bondage to freedom, from good to best, from glory to glory. We are moving toward another great awakening; toward the glory of the Lord.

Psalm 68:11 says, “The Lord gave the word: and great was the company of those that published it.”  The word company, in the Hebrew implies a female company.  In fact, several sources state that this Psalm was based in part on Deborah’s song in Judges 5.  A woman’s voice has amazing power.  At every 500 year transformation, women seem to be in the forefront.  Through this prayer journey, you will experience God and his glory in a new dimension. The cloud is moving.  I am so glad we are on this journey together.

About four years ago, I had an unusual dream.  Several months prior to the dream, I felt the Holy Spirit dealing with me to rise up early, before daybreak to be with the Lord.  I was hit and miss.  One particular morning, I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.  I dreamed that I had done just that, turned the alarm off and went back to sleep.  In my dream, when I awoke, I was lamenting to my husband about my failure to get up earlier.  He responded, “Well, you know what Leonard Ravenhill says, don’t you? ‘What are you doing again speaking to the daylight?’”

When I awoke from the dream, I knew the dream was significant because, first of all, Ravenhill’s comment was not stated in my normal vernacular.  Secondly, I knew Ravenhill was a 20th century prophet for prayer and for revival.   Also, Harry had been a student of Ravenhill’s writings for many years.  I sensed the Holy Spirit was trying to tell me something.

For some time, I have been intrigued with dreams and their meanings.  I have come to learn that dreams are like parables.  When Jesus taught in parables, he seemed to do so to hide the wealth of understanding from those not interested enough to search for the treasure of meaning. (Matthew 13:11)

“What are you doing again speaking to the daylight?”  As women, we are physically made to conceive, contain, carry, and bring forth life.  Life, inside us, is formed in darkness (Psalm 139:15).  We speak to things that are not yet formed.  Even so, in the Spirit realm, we are to speak to things that are yet unseen.  We need not spend our time complaining, worrying, and lamenting over what is seen in the daylight, let us give ourselves to speaking to the darkness.  In Genesis 1: 2, God spoke to the darkness and said, “Let there be light, and there was light.”

I later shared this dream with Lou Engle, co-founder of The Call, and he suggested that the Lord may be leading me to start a women’s prayer movement.  It was not until a few months ago while sitting in a meeting with Dutch Sheets, author and speaker for cultural transformation that I began to think of the strategy of praying through Psalm 68.

We are to speak to the darkness before the daylight is formed.

While the idea of getting up before daybreak is symbolic, it is also scriptural.  It is said to be the time for divine judgment and deliverance.  Jacob’s wrestling with the Angel of the Lord occurred during the fourth watch, Israel was released from Egypt during the fourth watch.  It was probably during the fourth watch that Gideon pulled down the altars of idol worship in Judges 6:27.  According to Job 38:12, it “bring(s) an end to the night’s wickedness” and during the fourth watch is when Jesus came to his disciples walking on the water to save them from the storm. Therefore, I am suggesting this be a once a week, predawn prayer journey.  I have chosen Tuesdays, anytime during the ‘fourth watch,’ which is between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m.  You will personally choose the amount of time you will devote each Tuesday.  And remember, with a contemplative study, the focus is to digest small portions of scripture, ruminating on them all week.  Some days you may spend only a few minutes, while other mornings, longer.  Try not to be rigid, but fluid.  It makes the journey so much more enjoyable!  And just know that every Tuesday morning there are many other women along side you, all part of “A Great Company,” changing their world!  I would love to add your name to the enlistment so email me at sandra.saylor@yahoo.com.

This devotion is intentionally short to incite your own conversation with the Lord.  It is vital to get a notebook and actually write out your answers to the questions.  Jesus was and is the great question asker.  It’s amazing at what we will hear if we take the time to listen and write.

I can hardly wait to hear what God does IN YOU, FOR YOU, and THROUGH YOU!

” A Great Company: A six month prayer journey through Psalm 68″

 Devo 1  Psalm 68: 1-2

1 Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies.
      Let those who hate God run for their lives.
 2 Blow them away like smoke.
      Melt them like wax in a fire.
      Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.

Use this scripture today & next Tuesday for personal repentance.  Ask God to arise in your heart, allowing Him to show you the hidden things that are not like Him.  Allow Him to blow them away like smoke in the wind, leading you to a place of unhindered prayers.  Use a journal to confess and release the things that the Holy Spirit shows you.  And remember, conviction is a ‘trigger’ that should always point us to Jesus, His sacrifice and our imputed righteousness, not condemnation, despair and self-effort.   We don’t need to ‘try’ harder, we need to ‘trust’ harder!

(Hebrews 3:19 & Hebrews 4:10-16)

Devo 2 Psalm 68: 1-2

Revisit last week’s passage, taking an extra look at the Hebrews’ references.   Record your thoughts.

Devo 3 Psalm 68: 3-4

3 But let the godly rejoice.
      Let them be glad in God’s presence.
      Let them be filled with joy.
 4 Sing praises to God and to his name!
      Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
   His name is the Lord—
      rejoice in his presence!

The Amplified Bible states verse four like this, “Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—be in high spirits and glory before Him! (Italics mine)  Our praises erect a highway for the Lord to invade our deserts!

Today, meditate on these verses and sometime during the day, follow the directions found in these scriptures (no matter how silly you may feel!)  Record your plan.

Devo 4 Psalm 68: 5-6

5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—
      this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
 6 God places the lonely in families;
      he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
   But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

For today and next Tuesday, mediate on these verses and pray for the fatherless, the widows, and the lonely.  Pray that the Father of all Fathers would place them in a community of love and encouragement.  Remember those who are in bondage, pray what you think you’re hearing the Holy Spirit say.  Don’t forget to pray for any areas of personal bondages, isolation, or rebellion.

Devo 5 Psalm 68: 5-6

Revisit these scriptures, taking a look at verse four in the Amplified Bible.  “…He leads the prisoners out to prosperity…”   Record a synopsis of your prayers over the past two weeks.

Devo 6  Psalm 68:7-10

7 O God, when you led your people out from Egypt,
 when you marched through the dry wasteland,
 8 the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain
 before you, the God of Sinai,
  before God, the God of Israel.
 9 You sent abundant rain, O God,
 to refresh the weary land.
 10 There your people finally settled,
 and with a bountiful harvest, O God,
 you provided for your needy people.

Remember and record some of the things God has done for you.  In verse 10, receive, in new measure, what God desires to give you in your ‘bountiful harvest.’  Record your thoughts.

Devo 7 Psalm 68: 11-14

11 The Lord gives the word,
      and a great army brings the good news.
 12 Enemy kings and their armies flee,
  while the women of Israel divide the plunder.
 13 Even they lived among the sheepfolds, 
now they are covered with silver and gold,
 as a dove is covered by its wings.
 14 The Almighty scattered the enemy kings
  like a blowing snowstorm on Mount Zalmon.

The King James Version says, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.”  In the Hebrew, the word ‘company’ is in the feminine, which means you and me, have the amazing ability to announce God’s victory and witness Kings and their armies scatter like blowing snowflakes!  Oh, the power of a woman’s voice!

Find a promise from God’s Word concerning the issues that concern you and proceed to proclaim that victory and watch the ‘Kings’ of what oppresses you flee and scatter.  Proclaim His victory and divide the spoil: gifts of blessing, favor, peace, prosperity and wholeness for you, your  family and those in your sphere of influence.  Pray as if all your prayers will be answered!    Record what you hear.

Devo 8 Psalm 68:15-16

15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic,
  with many peaks stretching high into the sky.
 16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains,
 at Mount Zion, where God has chosen to live,
  where the Lord himself will live forever?

Apply these scriptures to areas of insecurity and inadequacy in your life.  The majestic Bashan Mountains could not understand why God would choose the lesser Zion Mountains in which to dwell. ‘Zion’ means conspicuousness; in the sense of a solitary place or wilderness, monument, or guiding pillar.   
Are you conspicuously unqualified? Then, through Christ, YOU QUALIFY to house HIS GLORY.  God chose YOU!  Record what you hear.

Devo 9 Psalm 68:17-18

17 Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots,
 the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary.
 18 When you ascended to the heights,
 you led a crowd of captives.
   You received gifts from the people,
  even from those who rebelled against you.
  Now the Lord God will live among us there.

Many translations say, “He gave gifts to men,” which is repeated in Ephesians 4: 8: “When He (Jesus) ascended the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”  Most theologians believe this refers to Christ, when after being crucified, went to hell and won our freedom along with the ‘rights’ to all things. 
 Today think about the ‘crowd of captives’ you know, even those who are yet rebellious and pray that they will be found in the Lord’s procession, crowned with gifts.  Ephesians 4: 11 says, “He (Jesus) is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, and the pastors and the teachers.”   Record who you ‘see’ in God’s parade.

Devo 10  Psalm 68:17-18

Revisit these scriptures from last week and record your thoughts.

Devo 11  Psalm 68:19

19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
  For each day he carries us in his arms.

The King James Version says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”          
Wow!    Selah that!        
How does that change your day?    Journal your thoughts.

Devo 12 Psalm 68:19

Meditate on this verse again today.  Journal your thoughts.

Devo 13 
Psalm 68: 20-23

20 Our God is a God who saves!
    The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.
 21 But God will smash the heads of his enemies,
      crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways.
 22 The Lord says, “I will bring my enemies down from Bashan;
  I will bring them up from the depths of the sea.
 23 You, my people, will wash your feet in their blood,
  and even your dogs will get their share!”

The Old Testament is a testament of ‘types and shadows’, taking the practices in the O.T. and applying N.T. principles.  In these scriptures, see the enemy, not as people, but as the principalities and powers of the unseen world of darkness. Ephesians 6: 12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.”  
Today, notice the juxtaposition of what God wants to do for you, his child, and what he will do to the enemies of your soul, your household, and  your friends.  He is that passionate about you! Record your responses.

Devo 14 Psalm 68: 20-23

Revisit these scriptures, but today, notice that the Psalmist again mentions  ‘Bashan.’  The Nelson’s Bible Dictionary says of Bashan, “A rich, fertile tableland about 1600 to 2300 feet above sea level, with abundant rainfall and volcanic soil, Bashan became the breadbasket of the region.  Wheat fields and livestock were abundant.  But in the Old Testament, the prosperity of Bashan became a symbol of selfish indulgence and arrogant pride.  The pampered, pleasure-seeking women of Samaria were called ‘cows of Bashan.’ (Amos 4:1)”

Repent of any areas of pride and indulgence.  In addition to the obvious, make note of more subtle indulgences, such as gossip, self-pity, an offended spirit, or areas of unforgivenss.  Record your thoughts.

Devo 15 
Psalm 68: 20-23

Visit these scriptures one more day, using this as an opportunity to pray for your enemies; those real life people with flesh and blood.   Also, pray for those with whom you have conflict, realizing, that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers…” Eph 4: 1
 Please reference Luke 6: 35-36.  “Love your enemies! Do good to them!  Lend to them!  And don’t be concerned that they might not repay.  Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked.  You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”    Record your thoughts and if you’re like me, your confessions!

Devo 16 
Psalm 68: 24-27

24 Your procession has come into view, O God—
      the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary.
 25 Singers are in front, musicians behind;
      between them are young women playing tambourines.
 26 Praise God, all you people of Israel;
      praise the Lord, the source of Israel’s life.
 27 Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way.
      Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah
      and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Notice the progression in Psalm 68.  In verses 1 and 2, we see God ridding us of things that hinder us from enjoying His best.  In verses 3 and 4, we see the effects of repentance: jubilation and rejoicing.   In verses 5 and 6, God is transforming the community.  In verses 7 through 10, God sends abundance to the land and its inhabitance.  In verses 11 through 14, our enemies are defeated and the women are covered with jewels of silver and gold.  (Silver symbolized redemption and gold symbolizes holiness, purity, and God’s glory)  In verses 15 and 16, God publicly claims us for His own dwelling place.  In verses 17 through 18, the captives are set free and given gifts of ministry.  In verse 19, God asks us to pause and think about his gracious generosity toward us.  In verses 20 through 23, God gives us a glimpse of his anger toward our adversary. 
 In today’s verses, we see the great procession of the Lord; a celebration of His salvation.  Imagine yourself in His parade. How will you celebrate His greatness.   Record and act out your thoughts!

Devo 17 Psalm 68: 27

Revisit verse 27 from last week’s meditation.  Notice how the ‘little’ tribe leads the way.  What does this mean to you?  Record your thoughts.

Devo 18 
Psalm 68: 28-30

28 Summon your might, O God.
  Display your power, O God, as you have in the past.
 29 The kings of the earth are bringing tribute
  to your Temple in Jerusalem.
 30 Rebuke these enemy nations—
these wild animals lurking in the reeds,
 this herd of bulls among the weaker calves.
   Make them bring bars of silver in humble tribute.
    Scatter the nations that delight in war.

In this passage, the psalmist is proclaiming that all nations must ultimately come under the rule of Jehovah God.  Today, go beyond your immediate sphere of relationships and pray for the nations.  Record what nations come to your mind.  Pray these scriptures over those nations.

Devo 19 
Psalm 68: 28-30

Again, like last week, meditate on these scriptures, paying close attention to verse 30.  Remembering that the Old Testament is a book of types and shadows, apply the meanings of the nations mentioned to relevant  circumstances in your life. Nelson’s Bible Dictionary states that the enemy nations sited here may mean Egypt, Assyria, and Canaan.  The Hebrew meaning of Egypt is stronghold; to confine, assault, or bind. Assyria means successful.  Canaan means to humiliate or bring into subjection.  
Do you feel the enemy has been successful in keeping you subjected to humiliations, bondages, and strongholds? Today, ask the Lord to display His strength and rebuke your enemy nations.  And don’t stop there!  Ask for double mercies for every woe.  Zechariah 9:11-12 “Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death in a waterless dungeon.  Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners, for there is yet hope! I promise this very day that I will repay you two mercies for each of your woes!”  Make the enemy pay tribute!  Record what you hear the Holy Spirit saying to you.

Devo 20 
Psalm 68: 31-32

31 Let Egypt come with gifts of precious metals;
   let Ethiopia bow in submission to God.
 32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth.
  Sing praises to the Lord.

Today, pray for Egypt and its surrounding nations to come to know the Messiah.  Jesus loves Ishmael’s seed and promised Hagar that her seed would dwell in the presence of all his brothers (Genesis 16:12.) Pray for Isaac’s seed and Ishmael’s seed to be united under the banner of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Devo 21 Psalm 68: 33

33 Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens,
 his mighty voice thundering from the sky.

Today, as you meditate on this verse, listen for the song of the Lord; your song to Him and His song to you.  Chronicle what you sense.  Sing.

Devo 22 
Psalm 68: 34


34 Tell everyone about God’s power.
  His majesty shines down on Israel;
  his strength is mighty in the heavens.

Today’s meditation is two-fold: 
1) Think of someone to whom you would like to testify of God’s great power.   Spend some time praying for them.
2) Pray for the Peace of Israel.
Record and act on what you hear.

Devo 22 Psalm 68: 35

35 God is awesome in his sanctuary.
 The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
 Praise be to God!

Today, celebrate God living in your ‘sanctuary.’  He is awesome there! Rejoice in and embrace His power and strength, his friendship.  Pray for your Christian brothers and sisters, in whom he also dwells.
 Journal your thoughts.

Devo 23

Spend this morning looking back over your favorite passages.  What is the Holy Spirit wanting to communicate to you?  Record your responses.

Devo 24

Be quite and listen.  What do you hear?

Devo 25

Look back over these last six months.  What were your major learnings?  Are there areas in your life in which you can see movement?
 Rejoice in any progress!
I want to hear your testimony.      sandra.saylor@yahoo.com