Psalms 68:6

KJV

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:6 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign character, revealing His active involvement in the lives of His people and the consequences for those who oppose Him. It beautifully portrays the Lord as a compassionate provider who brings belonging to the isolated, a mighty liberator who frees the oppressed, and a righteous judge who ensures desolation for the rebellious. This verse encapsulates core aspects of divine justice and mercy, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people while demonstrating the stark reality of separation from His life-giving presence for those who choose defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 68 is a grand, triumphal procession hymn, likely composed by King David, celebrating God's majestic presence and victorious leadership over His people. It opens with an echo of the wilderness march, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered" ([Psalms 68:1](/psalms/68-1 "Psalm 68:1 - God Arises")), setting a tone of divine conquest and judgment against adversaries. Immediately preceding verse 6, the psalm highlights God's compassionate nature as "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation" ([Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God's Care for the Vulnerable")). Verse 6 naturally extends this dual portrayal of God as both a benevolent protector of the vulnerable and a formidable opponent of the wicked, seamlessly transitioning from His care for the marginalized to His decisive action against those in bondage and those in rebellion. The verse thus serves as a pivotal statement illustrating the practical outworking of God's character described earlier in the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm draws heavily on the imagery and historical memory of Israel's Exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The concept of God "bringing out those which are bound with chains" directly evokes the liberation from Egyptian slavery, a foundational event in Israelite history that defined their identity as God's redeemed people. The "solitary" could refer to individuals or groups marginalized in ancient Israelite society, such as orphans, widows, or even returning exiles, for whom family and community were the primary sources of security and identity. The "dry land" signifies the desolate, barren wilderness, a potent symbol of divine judgment and separation from God's blessing, contrasting sharply with the fertile "land flowing with milk and honey" promised to the obedient. This cultural understanding of community, freedom, and the consequences of rebellion against a covenant-keeping God would have resonated deeply with the original audience.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 68:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Providence and Community**, showcasing God's active role in establishing belonging and security for the vulnerable, reflecting His desire for humanity to thrive in relational contexts. This aligns with God's design for the family as a foundational unit of society and His care for the marginalized, as seen in the Mosaic Law's provisions for the poor and the stranger ([Deuteronomy/24-19](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19 - Care for the Poor")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Liberation and Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer who breaks the bonds of captivity, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. This theme is central to the Exodus narrative ([Exodus/12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")) and is echoed throughout prophetic literature, promising freedom to captives ([Isaiah/61-1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Consequences for Rebellion**, illustrating the stark contrast between God's blessing for the obedient and the desolation faced by those who persistently defy His will. This principle is a consistent thread throughout the Old Testament, from the curses in Deuteronomy for disobedience ([Deuteronomy/28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) to the warnings in the wisdom literature ([Proverbs/13-15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Solitary (Hebrew, _yechidim'_):** This plural noun, derived from the root meaning "to be unique" or "only one," conveys a profound sense of isolation, loneliness, or being utterly alone. It can refer to individuals without family, orphans, or those who are otherwise marginalized and lack social connection and support. The use of the plural here suggests God's concern extends to all such individuals, not just a singular case.
* **Families (Hebrew, _baytah'_):** Literally meaning "into a house" or "home," this word signifies the establishment of a secure, belonging, and nurturing environment. It implies not just a physical dwelling but the relational warmth and support found within a household or community, providing stability and identity to the isolated.
* **Dry Land (Hebrew, _tsechichah'_):** This term vividly describes a parched, desolate, and barren place. In the biblical context, a "dry land" is often a metaphor for a place devoid of life, blessing, and God's presence. It stands in stark contrast to the fertile, well-watered lands associated with God's favor and covenant blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God setteth the solitary in families":** This clause reveals God's compassionate and providential nature. He actively intervenes to alleviate loneliness and isolation, providing community, belonging, and security to those who are otherwise without support. This speaks to God's desire for human flourishing within relational structures, reflecting His own communal nature as Trinity. It suggests that God orchestrates circumstances or moves people to provide a "home" for the marginalized, whether literally or metaphorically through the community of faith.
* **"he bringeth out those which are bound with chains":** This phrase emphasizes God's role as a powerful liberator and redeemer. It points to His ability and willingness to free individuals or groups from various forms of bondage—physical captivity (like the Exodus), spiritual oppression, or even the chains of sin and despair. It highlights God's active intervention to break oppressive forces and grant true freedom, demonstrating His justice and power over all forms of enslavement.
* **"but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land]":** This final clause presents a stark contrast and a warning. It underscores God's righteous judgment against those who willfully and persistently defy His will. "Rebellious" refers to those who resist divine authority and choose a path of disobedience. The consequence—dwelling in a "dry land"—symbolizes spiritual barrenness, desolation, a lack of blessing, and separation from God's life-giving presence and provision. It signifies a self-imposed exile from the richness of God's covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, creating a sharp contrast between the fate of the solitary and the bound (who receive God's favor) and the rebellious (who face desolation). This highlights God's dual nature as both merciful provider and righteous judge. **Symbolism** is also heavily utilized; "families" symbolize belonging, security, and blessing, while "chains" represent various forms of oppression and bondage. Most notably, "dry land" is a potent symbol of spiritual barrenness, judgment, and separation from God's life-giving presence, contrasting with the fertile land of promise. The verse also uses **parallelism** in its structure, presenting two positive actions of God followed by a contrasting negative consequence for those who oppose Him, reinforcing the thematic tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 68:6 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His character as both merciful and just. Theologically, it affirms divine sovereignty over social structures, personal freedom, and the ultimate destiny of individuals based on their posture towards Him. God's initiative to place the solitary in families speaks to His heart for community and His providential care for the marginalized, echoing the New Testament emphasis on the church as God's spiritual family where no one should be solitary. His liberation of the bound points to His redemptive power, a theme that culminates in Christ's work on the cross. Conversely, the consequence for the rebellious underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where persistent defiance of God inevitably leads to spiritual desolation and separation from His blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")
* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes and Freeing Prisoners")
* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Peril of Backsliding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:6 offers a multifaceted invitation to both comfort and introspection for the contemporary believer. It assures us that God is intimately concerned with our deepest needs for belonging and freedom. If you feel solitary, isolated, or longing for community, this verse is a powerful reminder that God actively works to place you in a "family," often through the local church, where you can find support, love, and purpose. Similarly, if you are struggling with any form of bondage—whether it be addiction, fear, past trauma, or spiritual oppression—this verse declares God's mighty power to break those chains and bring you into true liberty. It calls us to trust in His liberating hand and to seek His freedom. However, the verse also serves as a sober warning. It compels us to examine our hearts and ensure we are not walking in rebellion against God's revealed will. To persist in defiance is to choose a path of spiritual barrenness and separation from the very source of life and blessing. Our response should be one of humble obedience, embracing His provision, seeking His freedom, and aligning our lives with His righteous ways to experience the fullness of His abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel solitary or isolated, and how might God be calling you to seek or create "family" connections?**
* **What "chains" (spiritual, emotional, or physical) do you need God to break in your life, and how can you actively lean into His liberating power?**
* **How does the warning about the rebellious dwelling in a "dry land" challenge your current walk with God, and what steps might you need to take to ensure you are walking in obedience?**

### FAQ
**Does "solitary" only refer to people who are literally alone, or can it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While "solitary" certainly includes those who are literally alone or without family, the Hebrew term (_yechidim_) can also encompass a broader sense of isolation or uniqueness. It can refer to individuals who feel profoundly lonely even within a crowd, or those who are marginalized, vulnerable, or lack a strong social support network. The verse highlights God's compassion for anyone experiencing a deep sense of aloneness or disconnectedness, emphasizing His desire to integrate them into a supportive "family" or community, which in a spiritual sense often refers to the church, the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians/12-27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies God's compassionate desire to bring belonging to the solitary and freedom to the bound. Jesus, through His incarnation, entered into our human isolation and loneliness, becoming "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah/53-3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - A Man of Sorrows")). He established a new family, the church, where all who believe are adopted as sons and daughters of God, no longer strangers or foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians/2-19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate liberator who breaks the most formidable chains—those of sin, death, and the power of the devil. His death on the cross and resurrection provide true freedom from spiritual bondage, enabling us to walk in newness of life ([Romans/6-4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). He declares, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" ([John/8-36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")). Conversely, for those who persistently reject His gracious offer and remain in rebellion, the "dry land" of spiritual desolation and eternal separation from God's life-giving presence remains their tragic destiny, a consequence vividly depicted in the New Testament warnings against unbelief ([John/3-36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - He Who Does Not Believe the Son")). Thus, Christ is both the compassionate provider of community and the powerful liberator, offering the only true escape from the dry land of rebellion into the abundant life found in Him.

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.