Psalms 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.

A father {H1} of the fatherless {H3490}, and a judge {H1781} of the widows {H490}, is God {H430} in his holy {H6944} habitation {H4583}.

God in his holy dwelling, is a father to orphans and defender of widows.

A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation.

Commentary

Psalms 68:5 (KJV) beautifully encapsulates a core aspect of God's character: His profound compassion and unwavering commitment to justice, especially for the most vulnerable members of society. This verse declares God as a protector and advocate from His divine dwelling place.

Context

Psalm 68 is a powerful psalm of triumph and praise, often associated with the procession of the Ark of the Covenant or a great military victory. It celebrates God's majestic power, His leadership in battle, and His providential care for His people throughout their history, from the Exodus to the establishment of His dwelling in Jerusalem. Amidst declarations of His overwhelming might and sovereignty over nations, verse 5 highlights that this powerful God is also intimately concerned with the plight of the marginalized, demonstrating His righteous character within His omnipotence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Providence: God is explicitly called "a father of the fatherless." This imagery conveys a deep, nurturing, and protective love, indicating that God personally cares for those who lack earthly protectors and providers. It speaks to His role as the ultimate caregiver.
  • Unyielding Justice: As "a judge of the widows," God actively intervenes to ensure fairness and uphold the rights of those who are often exploited or neglected. In ancient societies, widows were particularly vulnerable, lacking legal or social standing without a male head of household. God's role as their judge signifies His commitment to righteous judgment and defense of the oppressed.
  • God's Presence and Authority: The phrase "God in his holy habitation" emphasizes that these attributes of care and justice flow from His very nature and His exalted dwelling place. Whether referring to heaven or the Temple in Jerusalem, it signifies His ultimate authority and purity from which He acts, assuring that His care is not arbitrary but flows from His eternal character.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "fatherless" (yatom) and "widows" (almanah) are frequently paired throughout the Old Testament, representing the quintessential examples of society's most vulnerable. God's repeated commands in the Law to care for them (e.g., Exodus 22:22) underscore their special status in His eyes. "Holy habitation" (me'on qodsho) points to God's sacred dwelling, reinforcing that His actions are rooted in His divine holiness and sovereign power.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and hope to those who feel alone, abandoned, or oppressed. It assures us that God, though transcendent, is intimately involved in the lives of His creation, particularly those in need. For believers, Psalms 68:5 serves as a powerful reminder and call to action: just as God cares for the fatherless and widows, His followers are also called to embody His compassion and seek justice for the vulnerable in their communities. It aligns with the New Testament concept of "pure religion" being to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 10:14

    Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

  • Jeremiah 49:11

    Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve [them] alive; and let thy widows trust in me.

  • Deuteronomy 10:18

    He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

  • Psalms 82:3

    Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

  • Psalms 82:4

    Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Psalms 146:9

    The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

  • Jeremiah 5:28

    They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
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