Psalms 68:17
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
Original Language Analysis
רֶ֤כֶב
The chariots
H7393
רֶ֤כֶב
The chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
1 of 9
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
רִבֹּתַ֣יִם
are twenty thousand
H7239
רִבֹּתַ֣יִם
are twenty thousand
Strong's:
H7239
Word #:
3 of 9
a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number
אַלְפֵ֣י
even thousands
H505
אַלְפֵ֣י
even thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:2And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.Daniel 7:10A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.Revelation 9:16And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.Revelation 5:11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;Matthew 26:53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?Habakkuk 3:8Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation?
Historical Context
Angels repeatedly intervened in Israel's history—destroying Sodom, smiting Assyria's army (2 Kings 19:35), and protecting God's people. This vast angelic host demonstrates God's unlimited resources for accomplishing His will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of God's angelic armies shape your confidence in spiritual warfare?
- What does it mean that 'the Lord is among them'—how does God's presence make the difference?
- How should knowing Christ commands heavenly hosts affect your prayers and trust in difficult circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels'—divine military force vastly outnumbers earthly armies. 'The Lord is among them, as in Sinai' connects God's ongoing presence with the theophany where He gave the law. God's angelic hosts serve His purposes, protecting His people and executing judgment. This celestial army guarantees victory, as Elisha's servant witnessed (2 Kings 6:17). Christ commands these legions (Matthew 26:53).