Psalms 68:10

KJV

Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy congregation {H2416} hath dwelt {H3427}{H8804)} therein: thou, O God {H430}, hast prepared {H3559}{H8686)} of thy goodness {H2896} for the poor {H6041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your flock settled in it; in your goodness, God, you provided for the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

Your flock settled therein; O God, from Your bounty You provided for the poor.

American Standard Version

Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:10 celebrates God's profound faithfulness and benevolent provision for His people, the congregation of Israel, as they settled securely in the promised land. It specifically highlights His inherent goodness as the source of His deliberate and abundant provision, particularly directed towards the vulnerable and afflicted within His community. The verse underscores God's active role as a compassionate Provider who establishes a secure dwelling and generously sustains those in need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a magnificent triumphal hymn, often associated with a grand procession, perhaps the ark's journey to Zion or a celebration of military victory. It recounts God's powerful acts throughout Israel's history, from His dramatic appearance at Sinai and leading His people through the wilderness, to His ultimate establishment of a dwelling place on Mount Zion. Verse 10 fits within this narrative flow, transitioning from God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment against His enemies (e.g., [Psalms 68:1-9](/psalms/68-1 "Psalms 68:1-9 - God's Triumphant March")) to His compassionate care for His people once they are settled in the land. It emphasizes the secure dwelling God provides and His ongoing sustenance for the community He has brought into His presence, setting the stage for the establishment of His sanctuary and the gathering of His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse resonates deeply with Israel's post-Exodus experience. After generations of wandering and conquest, God brought His "congregation" into the land of Canaan, a land promised to their forefathers. This settlement was not merely a geographical relocation but the fulfillment of a divine covenant, establishing Israel as God's unique people in their own land. Culturally, the concept of "the poor" (עָנִי, _ʿānî_) in ancient Israel was multifaceted, encompassing not only the economically disadvantaged but also the oppressed, the humble, and those without a strong social safety net. God's Law, as seen in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - Laws Concerning the Poor and Slavery"), consistently mandated special care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, making their well-being a test of the community's faithfulness to God's covenant. Thus, God's direct provision for the poor in this verse reflects a foundational principle of Israelite society and divine justice.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 68:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Goodness**, portraying God as the ultimate source of all blessings, actively preparing and providing for His people out of His inherent nature. This is not a reactive provision but a proactive act of His boundless generosity. Secondly, it underscores **God's Care for the Vulnerable**, demonstrating His particular concern for "the poor" and marginalized within His community, a theme consistently woven throughout Scripture from the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner")) to the Prophets (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6-7 - Judgment Against Israel")). Lastly, the verse speaks to **God's Faithful Presence and Covenant Keeping**. "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein" testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised land and establishing them securely, fulfilling His covenant promises and demonstrating His abiding presence among them. This secure dwelling is a direct result of God's power and benevolent will, ensuring a stable environment where His people, including the most vulnerable, can thrive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _ʿēdâ_):** This term refers to the assembly or community of Israel, emphasizing their collective identity as God's chosen people gathered for a specific purpose, often for worship or in the presence of God. It highlights the corporate nature of God's relationship with His people, not merely individuals.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _ḵûn_):** Derived from a root meaning "to establish," "to make firm," or "to set up," this word implies a deliberate, intentional, and stable arrangement. It suggests that God's provision is not accidental or temporary but a foundational and secure act, ensuring the lasting well-being of His people.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word encompasses more than just moral uprightness; it signifies what is pleasant, beneficial, prosperous, and abundant. When attributed to God, it speaks of His inherent nature as the source of all blessing, well-being, and flourishing, from which His provision flows.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _ʿānî_):** This term describes the afflicted, humble, needy, or oppressed. While often referring to economic destitution, it also carries connotations of social vulnerability and spiritual humility. God's particular concern for the _ʿānî_ throughout Scripture underscores His justice and compassion for those who are marginalized or unable to help themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy congregation hath dwelt therein:"**: This clause affirms God's faithful action in settling His people, Israel, in the promised land. The "therein" refers to the secure dwelling place God provided, a land flowing with milk and honey, where His chosen assembly could reside under His protection. It speaks to the fulfillment of His covenant promises to bring them out of bondage and establish them securely in their own territory.
* **"thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor."**: This second clause reveals the source and object of God's continued care. It emphasizes God's active, intentional, and benevolent provision ("prepared") which springs directly from His very nature ("of thy goodness"). Crucially, this provision is specifically directed towards "the poor" (the _ʿānî_) within the congregation, highlighting God's profound compassion and commitment to ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of His community are sustained and cared for.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, "thou, O God," immediately establishes the divine subject and emphasizes God's personal and active involvement. There is a strong sense of **Divine Agency**, with verbs like "dwelt" (implying God's role in settling them) and "prepared" attributing direct action to God, underscoring His sovereignty and active care. The phrase "of thy goodness" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "goodness" represents God's benevolent character and abundant nature as the source of His provision. Furthermore, the specific mention of "the poor" creates a powerful **Contrast** between God's infinite power and the vulnerability of humanity, highlighting His compassionate condescension. The overall structure, moving from the congregation's secure dwelling to God's specific provision for the poor within it, demonstrates a **Cause and Effect** relationship, where the congregation's stability is directly linked to God's ongoing, good provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 68:10 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character: He is not only a mighty warrior and sovereign King but also a tender, compassionate Provider, especially for the vulnerable. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. His "goodness" is not an abstract concept but a tangible force that actively "prepares" for the well-being of His people, particularly those who are marginalized. This divine concern for the poor is a consistent theme throughout the Law and Prophets, where Israel is repeatedly called to imitate God's character by caring for the needy in their midst, recognizing that their own prosperity is a gift from God intended to foster a just and equitable society. The secure dwelling of the congregation is thus intrinsically linked to God's provision for all its members, especially the weakest, reflecting His desire for a community where no one is left wanting.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Helping the Poor")
* [Isaiah 25:4](/isiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - God, a Refuge for the Poor and Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:10 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God's character is eternally good and that His provision is not merely historical but ongoing. Just as He faithfully settled and sustained His ancient congregation, He continues to provide for His people, the Church, in every generation. This truth should cultivate deep trust in His ability and willingness to meet our needs, both individually and corporately. Moreover, the verse challenges us to embody God's goodness in our own lives and communities. If God, in His boundless goodness, actively prepares for the poor, then His congregation today is likewise called to reflect that same compassionate heart. We are to be instruments of His provision, extending care, justice, and practical help to the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the needy around us. Our secure dwelling in Christ should inspire us to create environments where all, especially the poor, can experience God's goodness through our hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen your trust in God's provision for your life and community?**
* **In what practical ways can "the congregation" (the church) today reflect God's goodness by preparing for and caring for "the poor" in its midst and beyond?**
* **How does recognizing God's intentional care for the vulnerable shape your understanding of justice and compassion as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Thy congregation" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Psalm 68, "Thy congregation" refers to the nation of Israel, the assembly of God's chosen people whom He delivered from Egypt, led through the wilderness, and established in the promised land. They are the community that dwells under His direct care and provision. The psalm celebrates God's relationship with this specific corporate body.

**What does "prepared of thy goodness" imply about God's character?**

Answer: This phrase implies that God's provision is not a reluctant act or a mere obligation, but flows directly from His inherent nature. "Goodness" (Hebrew: _ṭôḇ_) signifies His benevolent, abundant, and beneficial character. Therefore, "prepared of thy goodness" means that God's provision is intentional, generous, and perfectly aligned with His loving and righteous character, ensuring the well-being and flourishing of His people, especially the vulnerable. It speaks to His proactive and stable care.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalm 68?**

Answer: Psalm 68 is a grand processional psalm celebrating God's triumphant march and establishment of His dwelling place on Mount Zion. Verse 10 serves as a crucial transition and culmination of this narrative. While the preceding verses highlight God's power in battle and His judgment against His enemies (e.g., [Psalms 68:1-6](/psalms/68-1 "Psalms 68:1-6 - God's Triumphant March")), verse 10 shifts focus to the peaceful and benevolent outcome of His victory: the secure dwelling of His people and His compassionate provision for them, particularly the poor. It demonstrates that God's ultimate purpose in His mighty acts is the flourishing and well-being of His covenant community, establishing a place where His goodness can be experienced by all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's "goodness" (cf. [Mark 10:18](/mark/10-18 "Mark 10:18 - No One is Good but God Alone")), through whom God has "prepared" the most glorious dwelling place and provision for His new "congregation," the Church. Just as God led Israel into the promised land, Christ leads His people into the abundant life of the Kingdom of God (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). Jesus Himself became poor that we, through His poverty, might become rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), identifying completely with the vulnerable and marginalized. He declared, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (cf. [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes")), and taught His followers to serve Him by serving "the least of these" (cf. [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). Through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection, Christ has established a spiritual dwelling for believers, making them "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (cf. [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), where God's goodness is continually poured out, and the "poor" in spirit find their ultimate provision and belonging in Him, the true Bread of Life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 26:9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 26:10

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

Psalms 74:19

O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude [of the wicked]: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Psalms 78:20

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

Psalms 74:1

¶ Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast [us] off for ever? [why] doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?

Psalms 74:2

Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.