Psalms 68:6
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 11
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
מ֘וֹשִׁ֤יב
setteth
H3427
מ֘וֹשִׁ֤יב
setteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יְחִידִ֨ים׀
the solitary
H3173
יְחִידִ֨ים׀
the solitary
Strong's:
H3173
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)
בַּ֗יְתָה
in families
H1004
בַּ֗יְתָה
in families
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מוֹצִ֣יא
he bringeth out
H3318
מוֹצִ֣יא
he bringeth out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אַ֥ךְ
H389
ס֝וֹרֲרִ֗ים
but the rebellious
H5637
ס֝וֹרֲרִ֗ים
but the rebellious
Strong's:
H5637
Word #:
9 of 11
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
Cross References
Psalms 113:9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 69:33For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.Psalms 107:10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;Psalms 107:14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Psalms 146:7Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:Galatians 4:27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.1 Samuel 2:5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.Acts 16:26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Historical Context
Mosaic law repeatedly commanded care for orphans, widows, and foreigners (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). God's character as defender of the vulnerable established the ethical foundation for Israel's social justice laws.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's special concern for the vulnerable challenge your priorities and resource allocation?
- In what practical ways can the church function as 'family' for the solitary and marginalized?
- What warning does the image of rebels dwelling in 'dry land' convey about life apart from God?
Analysis & Commentary
God's care for society's most vulnerable—the fatherless, widows, and prisoners—reveals His character as defender of the powerless. 'Father of the fatherless' shows God's personal involvement, not merely distant compassion. 'Judge of the widows' indicates His role as protector and advocate in legal matters. 'Setteth the solitary in families' demonstrates restorative justice, bringing the isolated into community. Yet 'the rebellious dwell in a dry land' warns that rejecting God means forfeiting His provision and blessing.