Psalms 68:13

“The Lord also thundered in the heavens, etc.] By his apostles and ministers, some of which were Boanergeses, sons of thunder, whose ministry was useful to shake the consciences of men, and bring them to a sense of themselves, (<410317>Mark 3:17); and the Highest gave his voice; the same with thunder; for thunder is often called the voice of the Lord, (<183705>Job 37:5 40:9 <192903>Psalm 29:3-9); compare with this (<196811>Psalm 68:11); the Targum interprets it, “he lifted up his word”; the same effects as before follow, hail [stones] and coals of fire; (see Gill on “<191812>Psalm 18:12”).”

“Some translate this, "When ye shall lie between the borders, ye shall," &c., comparing the peaceful rest in the borders or limits of the promised land to the proverbial beauty of a gentle dove. Others understand by the word rendered "pots," the smoked sides of caves, in which the Israelites took refuge from enemies in the times of the judges; or, taking the whole figuratively, the rows of stones on which cooking vessels were hung; and thus that a contrast is drawn between their former low and afflicted state and their succeeding prosperity. In either case, a state of quiet and peace is described by a beautiful figure.”

“Though ye have lien among the pots - There are few passages in the Bible more difficult of interpretation than this verse and the following. Our translators seem to have supposed that the whole refers to the ark, considered as having been neglected, or as having been suffered to remain among the common vessels of the tabernacle, until it became like those vessels in appearance - that is, until its brilliancy had become tarnished by neglect, or by want of being cleaned and furbished - yet that it would be again like the wings of a dove covered with silver, as it had been formerly, and pure like the whitest snow. But it is not certain, if it is probable, that this is the meaning. Prof.…”

“Ye - Ye Israelites. Ye are - Tho' you have formerly been exposed to great reproach and misery, yet God hath changed your condition. Gold - Beautiful and glorious, like the feathers of a dove, which according to the variety of its postures, and of the light shining upon it, look like silver and gold. Psalms 68:14”

“68:13 The seminomadic pastoral people who lived among the sheepfolds were surprised to receive silver and gold carvings from the battle.”

“Though: That is, probably, "Though ye have laboured and lain down between the brick-kilns in Egypt - a poor, enslaved, and oppressed people, yet ye shall gradually rise to dignity, prosperity, and splendour; as a dove, which has been defiled with dirt, disordered, and dejected, by washing herself in a running stream, and trimming her plumage, gradually recovers the serenity of her disposition, the purity of colour, and the richness and varied elegance of her appearance." ye have: Psa 81:6; Exo 1:14; Co1 6:9-11, Co1 12:2; Eph 2:1-3; Tit 3:3 the wings: Psa 74:19, Psa 105:37, Psa 149:4; Kg1 4:20, Kg1 4:21; Eze 16:6-14; Luk 15:16, Luk 15:22; Eph 5:26, Eph 5:27; Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6 Psalms 68:14”