Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 68:9-10

"Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor." — Psalms 68:9-10 (ASV)

You, O God ... —The text of these two verses literally reads: A rain of gifts you shake out, O God, on your inheritance, and when exhausted you refreshed it. Your living creatures dwell in it; you make provision of your goodness for the afflicted, O God.

The rain of gifts has been variously explained as actual showers, blessings of prosperity, or outpourings of the Holy Spirit. While the latter two might certainly be implied in the expression, some particular material blessing seems indicated. In connection with the desert wanderings, the rain of manna suggests itself.

By your inheritance, we understand God’s people, as in Deuteronomy 4:20, Psalms 28:9, and other passages. The “living creatures” in the next verse are then likely the quails.

A slight emendation, recently suggested, carries conviction with it. It consists in bringing “your living creatures” into Psalms 68:9 and, by inserting a letter, reading instead of “they dwell in it”: they are satisfied with it . This gives the rendering: and when it was exhausted you refreshed it with your living creatures; they are satisfied with it. (Burgess.)