Psalms 68:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

Original Language Analysis

מַלְכֵ֣י Kings H4428
מַלְכֵ֣י Kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 1 of 8
a king
צְ֭בָאוֹת of armies H6635
צְ֭בָאוֹת of armies
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 2 of 8
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יִדֹּד֑וּן apace H5074
יִדֹּד֑וּן apace
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
יִדֹּד֑וּן apace H5074
יִדֹּד֑וּן apace
Strong's: H5074
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
וּנְוַת and she that tarried H5116
וּנְוַת and she that tarried
Strong's: H5116
Word #: 5 of 8
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
בַּ֝֗יִת at home H1004
בַּ֝֗יִת at home
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 6 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
תְּחַלֵּ֥ק divided H2505
תְּחַלֵּ֥ק divided
Strong's: H2505
Word #: 7 of 8
to be smooth (figuratively)
שָׁלָֽל׃ the spoil H7998
שָׁלָֽל׃ the spoil
Strong's: H7998
Word #: 8 of 8
booty

Analysis & Commentary

Kings of armies fleeing before God's power depicts divine victory over overwhelming opposition. 'She that tarried at home divided the spoil' means even those who didn't fight share in the victory—God's triumph benefits all His people, not just frontline warriors. This democratization of blessing reflects grace: salvation's benefits flow to all believers through Christ's victory, not our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Historical Context

After military victories, plunder was distributed among all Israelites, including non-combatants (Numbers 31:27, 1 Samuel 30:24). This ensured God's entire community benefited from His deliverance, not just the strong or brave.

Questions for Reflection