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].

God {H430} setteth {H3427}{H8688)} the solitary {H3173} in families {H1004}: he bringeth out {H3318}{H8688)} those which are bound {H615} with chains {H3574}: but the rebellious {H5637}{H8802)} dwell {H7931}{H8804)} in a dry {H6707} land.

God gives homes to those who are alone and leads prisoners out into prosperity. But rebels must live in a parched wasteland.

God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Psalms 68:6 is a powerful verse from a triumphant psalm, revealing distinct aspects of God's character and His dealings with humanity. It paints a vivid picture of divine care, liberation, and justice, showcasing God as both a compassionate provider and a righteous judge.

Context

Psalm 68 is often attributed to King David and is a majestic hymn celebrating God's victorious leadership, particularly His presence with Israel as they marched through the wilderness and conquered the Promised Land. It depicts God as a mighty warrior who scatters His enemies (Psalm 68:1) but also as a benevolent Father to the vulnerable (Psalm 68:5). Verse 6 fits into this narrative by illustrating specific ways God acts on behalf of His people and against those who oppose Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Community: The phrase "God setteth the solitary in families" highlights God's compassionate nature. He is deeply concerned with the lonely and isolated, providing them with a sense of belonging, security, and familial support. This speaks to God's desire for humans to live in community, reflecting His own relational nature.
  • Liberation and Deliverance: "He bringeth out those which are bound with chains" emphasizes God's role as a redeemer and liberator. This refers to physical captivity, such as the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, but also encompasses spiritual and emotional chains of oppression. God actively intervenes to free those who are enslaved or entrapped, offering true freedom.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The stark contrast, "but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land]," serves as a warning. While God blesses the obedient and cares for the vulnerable, those who persist in rebellion against Him face desolation and barrenness. A "dry land" symbolizes a lack of blessing, spiritual emptiness, and separation from God's life-giving presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "solitary" (yechidim) can mean unique, only one, or isolated, underscoring a profound sense of loneliness. "Families" (baytah) literally means "into a house" or "home," emphasizing the provision of a secure and belonging place. The "dry land" (tsechichah) vividly describes a parched, desolate, and barren place, contrasting sharply with the fertile blessings promised to the obedient.

Related Scriptures

God's care for the vulnerable is consistently seen throughout Scripture, much like how He preserves the strangers and relieves the fatherless and widow. The theme of divine liberation echoes the great Exodus story and is powerfully echoed in prophetic declarations like Isaiah 61:1, speaking of liberty to captives, and ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ, who sets us free from the bondage of sin (John 8:36). Conversely, the consequences for rebellion are a consistent biblical principle, as seen in Proverbs 13:15, stating that the way of transgressors is hard, and the warnings in Deuteronomy regarding the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 68:6 offers immense comfort and profound challenge. It reminds us that God actively seeks to bring belonging and community to those who feel isolated, often working through His church to fulfill this purpose. It encourages us to trust in His power to deliver us from any form of spiritual, emotional, or physical bondage. Furthermore, it serves as a sober reminder of the importance of obedience and the desolate path that rebellion against God inevitably leads to. We are called to embrace His provision, seek His freedom, and walk in His ways to experience the fullness of His blessings.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 113:9

    He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Psalms 69:33

    For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

  • Psalms 107:14

    He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

  • Psalms 107:10

    ¶ Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, [being] bound in affliction and iron;

  • Psalms 146:7

    Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The 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 107:40

    He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.
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