Psalms 68:10
Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
Original Language Analysis
חַיָּתְךָ֥
Thy congregation
H2416
חַיָּתְךָ֥
Thy congregation
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
1 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יָֽשְׁבוּ
hath dwelt
H3427
יָֽשְׁבוּ
hath dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
תָּ֤כִ֥ין
hast prepared
H3559
תָּ֤כִ֥ין
hast prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בְּטוֹבָתְךָ֖
of thy goodness
H2896
בְּטוֹבָתְךָ֖
of thy goodness
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 7
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Historical Context
Israel began as enslaved foreigners with no homeland, repeatedly described as insignificant among nations. God's choice and provision highlighted that salvation rests on grace alone, foreshadowing justification by faith in the New Covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that you're spiritually 'poor' affect your appreciation of God's grace?
- What has God 'prepared of his goodness' for you that you did nothing to deserve or earn?
- In what ways does God's preferential option for the poor challenge worldly values of status and achievement?
Analysis & Commentary
God's 'congregation' (assembly of Israel) dwelt in the land He provided. 'Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor' emphasizes divine initiative—God's provision flows from His character, not human merit. The word 'poor' (ani) often means afflicted or humble, referring to Israel's status in Egypt and the wilderness. God's goodness to the poor reveals His gracious election—He chose Israel not for their greatness but to demonstrate His love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).