Psalms 68:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Kings {H4428} of armies {H6635} did flee {H5074}{H8799)} apace {H5074}{H8799)}: and she that tarried {H5116} at home {H1004} divided {H2505}{H8762)} the spoil {H7998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kings and their armies are fleeing, fleeing, while the women at home divide the spoil.

Berean Standard Bible

“Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.

American Standard Version

Kings of armies flee, they flee; And she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:12 powerfully illustrates God's overwhelming might and the surprising beneficiaries of His decisive triumphs. It paints a vivid scene where formidable enemy kings flee in panicked disarray, while those who remained safely at home, particularly women, are depicted as joyfully dividing the rich spoils of war. This verse underscores the Lord's supreme sovereignty, His ability to achieve victory through unexpected means, and the communal nature of the abundant blessings that flow from His divine intervention on behalf of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a majestic and complex hymn of triumph, often interpreted as a processional psalm celebrating God's victorious march and the establishment of His dwelling in Zion. It recounts God's historical acts of salvation, from the dramatic Exodus through the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of Canaan and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, as described in [2 Samuel 6:12](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem"). The psalm opens with a direct echo of the wilderness march command, `"Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered!"` ([Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - The Ark Sets Out")), establishing a tone of divine judgment against foes and powerful deliverance for His people. Verse 12 fits seamlessly into this grand narrative of divine conquest, emphasizing that God's active presence guarantees absolute victory against even the most formidable adversaries, leading to a complete and astonishing reversal of fortunes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "kings of armies" fleeing and "dividing the spoil" vividly reflects ancient Near Eastern warfare practices. Victories routinely resulted in the plundering of the defeated, with the spoils distributed among the victorious army and often the wider community. The specific mention of "she that tarried at home" dividing the spoil is particularly striking and culturally significant. In ancient Israelite society, women typically did not participate in direct combat but were central to the domestic sphere. Their involvement in dividing spoils signifies a complete, secure, and undeniable victory, where even the most vulnerable members of society could safely enjoy the fruits of conquest. This theme is powerfully echoed in the victory song of Deborah and Barak, where the anticipation of spoils is described as women dividing plunder ([Judges 5:30](/judges/5-30 "Judges 5:30 - Deborah's Song of Triumph")). This detail emphasizes the totality of God's triumph and the profound peace and prosperity it brings to the entire community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Victory and the Defeat of Enemies**. God is portrayed as the ultimate Warrior who effortlessly routs even the most powerful human opposition, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all earthly powers. Secondly, it underscores the **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the mighty are brought low, and the seemingly weak or passive are elevated to a position of immense benefit and blessing. This divine reversal is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, seen in God's choice of Israel, a small nation, to defeat powerful empires, and in His consistent exalting of the humble. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Generous Provision and Communal Blessing**. The "spoil" represents the tangible blessings and resources gained through God's triumph, and its distribution to those who remained at home illustrates that God's victories benefit the entire community, not just those directly involved in the conflict. This theme resonates deeply with the broader covenantal blessings promised to Israel for obedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kings of armies (Hebrew, _melek tsâbâʼ_):** This phrase, combining `H4428 (melek)` for "king" and `H6635 (tsâbâʼ)` for "army" or "host," emphasizes the formidable nature of the enemy. "Kings" denotes sovereignty and power, while "armies" signifies vast numbers and organized military might. The combination paints a picture of a truly overwhelming and seemingly invincible opposition, making their subsequent flight all the more dramatic and indicative of God's unparalleled power to overcome any earthly force.
* **Did flee apace (Hebrew, _nâdad nâdad_):** The Hebrew verb `H5074 (nâdad)` is repeated (an infinitive absolute construction) for intense emphasis, creating a sense of panicked, headlong, and utterly chaotic flight. This reduplication intensifies the image of a desperate, swift, and unstoppable retreat, highlighting the utter rout and complete demoralization of the enemy forces. It conveys not merely flight, but a rapid, disorderly stampede away from God's presence, signifying a total and decisive defeat.
* **She that tarried at home (Hebrew, _nâveh bayith_):** This phrase, combining `H5116 (nâveh)` meaning "at home" or "dwelling," and `H1004 (bayith)` meaning "house," literally refers to the "dweller of the house," specifically women. In a patriarchal society where men went to war, this imagery is profoundly significant. It symbolizes the complete security and peace achieved through God's victory, where even the most vulnerable members of society, typically excluded from the battlefield, are not only safe but also partake in the spoils. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the widespread impact of His triumphs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kings of armies did flee apace":** This clause dramatically depicts the immediate and overwhelming effect of God's intervention. The most powerful and numerous of human adversaries are shown in a state of utter rout, fleeing in panic and disarray. The emphatic repetition of "flee apace" underscores the speed and totality of their retreat, signifying a complete and decisive victory achieved by God, not by human might alone. It sets the stage for the remarkable reversal of fortunes that follows, demonstrating God's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers.
* **"and she that tarried at home divided the spoil":** This second clause presents a striking contrast and the surprising outcome of the divine victory. While the mighty kings are in full retreat, the women who remained safely in their homes are depicted as participating in the distribution of the enemy's plunder. This signifies not only the absolute security and peace that God's victory brings to the entire community but also the unexpected beneficiaries of His triumph. It underscores that God's blessings and the fruits of His victories extend to all, even those not directly involved in the conflict, highlighting His generous provision and the communal nature of His salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 68:12 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Contrast** and **Irony** to amplify its profound message. The stark **Contrast** between the "kings of armies" in panicked flight and "she that tarried at home" calmly dividing the spoils creates a powerful and memorable image of divine reversal. This vivid juxtaposition highlights the unexpected nature of God's victories, where the mighty are humbled and the seemingly weak are exalted. The **Irony** lies in the fact that those who did not participate in the dangerous work of battle are the ones enjoying its benefits, underscoring that the victory is entirely God's doing, not human effort or strength. Furthermore, the **Imagery** of fleeing kings and domestic women handling war spoils is vivid and evocative, painting a clear picture of total conquest and the subsequent peace and prosperity for God's people. The repetition in "did flee apace" also functions as **Emphasis**, intensifying the sense of a rapid, chaotic, and complete rout, leaving no doubt about the enemy's utter defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power to defeat all opposition and His generous nature in distributing the fruits of His victory widely among His people. It teaches that God's triumphs are not limited to the battlefield but extend to the well-being and provision of the entire community, including those who might seem least involved or most vulnerable. This communal sharing of blessings from divine victory is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that salvation and provision are corporate experiences, not solely individual. It foreshadows the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work, where all who are part of His covenant community partake in the blessings secured by His mighty acts, demonstrating His faithfulness to His entire people.

* [Exodus 15:1-21](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses and Miriam")
* [Judges 5:28-31](/judges/5-28 "Judges 5:28-31 - Deborah's Song of Triumph and Victory")
* [Isaiah 33:20-24](/isaiah/33-20 "Isaiah 33:20-24 - Zion's Future Glory and Security")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 68:12 offers profound encouragement and a powerful reminder of God's character for believers today. It assures us that our God is a mighty warrior who fights on behalf of His people, capable of overcoming any "kings of armies" – be they spiritual strongholds, overwhelming circumstances, or personal struggles that seem insurmountable. This verse invites us to rest in His power, knowing that the victory is His, and that we, as His children, are the beneficiaries of His triumph. It challenges us to consider how we might be "tarrying at home" in our daily lives, faithfully stewarding our callings, yet still fully partaking in the spoils of Christ's ultimate victory. It reminds us that our worth and our blessings are not solely tied to our visible "front-line" efforts but are generously bestowed upon all who belong to Him, inviting a posture of grateful reception and communal rejoicing in God's unfailing faithfulness and comprehensive provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kings of armies" (challenges, fears, spiritual battles) in your life feel overwhelming, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God's power over them?**
* **In what ways do you feel like "she that tarried at home," and how does this verse affirm your place in God's victory and the blessings that flow from it?**
* **How does the communal sharing of spoils in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of blessing and participation in the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "she that tarried at home" dividing the spoil?**

Answer: The phrase "she that tarried at home" (נְוַת בַּיִת, _n'vat bayit_) literally refers to women, typically those who remained in the domestic sphere and did not participate in warfare. Their depiction as dividing the spoils is highly significant. It signifies the absolute totality and security of God's victory. When even the most vulnerable members of society, those not engaged in combat, are safely enjoying the benefits of conquest, it demonstrates that the peace is profound and the victory complete. This imagery underscores God's generous provision, ensuring that the blessings of His triumph extend to the entire community, not just the warriors. It also highlights the unexpected nature of God's ways, where those seemingly passive are nonetheless full beneficiaries of His mighty acts, as seen in [Judges 5:30](/judges/5-30 "Judges 5:30 - Deborah's Song of Triumph") where women are depicted sharing in the spoils.

**Does this verse imply that God's people do not need to fight their own battles?**

Answer: While Psalm 68:12 emphasizes God's sovereign power in achieving victory, it does not negate human responsibility or participation. Rather, it highlights that the ultimate power and decisive victory belong to God. In the context of Israel's history, God often commanded His people to go to battle, but He was the one who granted the victory (e.g., [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")). This verse specifically focuses on the *outcome* of God's intervention – the swift defeat of powerful enemies and the widespread distribution of blessings. For believers today, it encourages reliance on God's strength in spiritual warfare (as described in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")) and trust that He ultimately secures the victory, allowing all His people to share in the benefits of Christ's triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 68:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God routed the "kings of armies" for Israel, Christ, through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, decisively defeated the ultimate spiritual adversaries: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The "kings of armies" who fled apace are powerfully paralleled by the spiritual principalities and powers that Christ disarmed and triumphed over on the cross, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "spoil" of this cosmic victory is not material plunder but the immeasurable spiritual blessings of redemption, forgiveness, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. Crucially, "she that tarried at home" dividing the spoil beautifully illustrates how all believers, regardless of their visible "front-line" ministry or perceived spiritual strength, partake fully in the victory secured by Christ. Our salvation, justification, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) are not earned through our own combat but are freely given as the glorious spoils of Christ's triumph. We, who were once powerless and alienated, now share in His inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")) and are seated with Him in heavenly places ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")), enjoying the peace and abundance of His decisive conquest.

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

Joshua 10:16

But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

Judges 5:19

The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

Joshua 12:7

¶ And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;

Joshua 12:24

The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.

1 Samuel 30:24

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Joshua 10:42

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.