Psalms 68:12

Authorized King James Version

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

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

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection