Psalm 68 6

Psalm 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.

Psalm 68:6 nkjv

God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Psalm 68:6 niv

God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68:6 esv

God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Psalm 68:6 nlt

God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 68 verses

Psalm 68 6 Meaning

Psalm 68:6 declares the righteous and just character of God, showing His compassionate care for the vulnerable while also pronouncing consequences for the disobedient. He establishes the solitary, providing them with community and belonging. He delivers captives from their bonds, bringing them into a state of freedom and flourishing. In stark contrast, those who stubbornly rebel against Him are left to experience desolation and lack, symbolized by a parched, unfruitful land. This verse highlights God as the ultimate provider, liberator, and righteous judge, revealing His distinct dealings with different responses to His sovereignty.

Psalm 68 6 Context

Psalm 68 is a grand processional hymn celebrating God's power, triumphs, and providential care for Israel. It likely evokes memories of the Ark of the Covenant's procession to Zion, David's military victories, or even the original exodus from Egypt. The Psalm emphasizes Yahweh's unique identity as the covenant-keeping God who scatters His enemies (v.1), reigns from Sinai, provides rain and sustenance for His inheritance (vv.7-9), leads captive his captives, and showers blessings upon His people. Verse 6 stands within this triumphal declaration, illustrating the nature of God's dominion: one of compassionate care for His people (even the least among them) and just judgment upon those who resist His will. It reflects a core polemic against the instability and indifference of pagan deities; Yahweh, the God of Israel, actively intervenes to establish the outcast, liberate the oppressed, and justly deals with rebellion.

Psalm 68 6 Word analysis

• God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): This plural Hebrew noun for God signifies His majestic and sovereign nature. It emphasizes His supreme power and authority as the one who executes the actions described in the verse.
• sets (מוֹשִׁיב - moshiv): A causative verb meaning "causes to dwell," "makes to sit," or "establishes." It highlights God's active role in bringing about this dwelling or settling, implying intentional and foundational provision.
• the solitary (יְחִידִים - y'khidim): This term refers to those who are isolated, alone, without a family, often vulnerable individuals like orphans, widows, or strangers. It can also imply being "unique" or "one of a kind," perhaps emphasizing their vulnerability and distinct need.
• in families (בַּיְתָה - baytah): Literally "into a house" or "home." This signifies belonging, security, community, and provision within a domestic or communal structure. God does not just give a place but integrates them into relationships.
• He brings out (מוֹצִיא - motzi): A verb meaning "leads forth," "releases," or "escorts." It underscores God's powerful, active, and delivering intervention, pulling individuals out of a prior state.
• those who are bound (אָסִירִים - asirim): Refers to prisoners, captives, or those constrained by physical chains or difficult circumstances. It implies a state of limitation, oppression, and lack of freedom.
• into prosperity (בַּכּוֹשָׁרוֹת - bakkoshrot): This is a unique and debated word. It appears only here in the Hebrew Bible. It is interpreted in various ways:
  • "With singing/joy" (KJV, NASB).
  • "With success/prosperity" (NIV, ESV, NKJV). This suggests abundance, favorable conditions, or fruitful freedom after liberation.
  • The root also connects to "bands" or "chains," leading some to suggest "those in chains, He brings out with songs" (possibly the captors celebrating, but this is less likely), or "out of their bonds with singing." The more common understanding leans towards a joyful, prosperous outcome for the freed.
• But the rebellious (וְסוֹרְרִים - v'sorerim): The Hebrew participle implies those who are continually stubborn, disobedient, defiant, or apostate; they "turn away" or "turn aside" from God's path.
• dwell (שָׁכְנוּ - shaknu): To inhabit, reside, or encamp. It signifies their established state or choice of existence, emphasizing that their dwelling in the dry land is a consequence of their rebellion.
• in a dry land (צְחִיחָה - tzehiḥah): Literally "scorched," "parched," or "desolate." This is a stark metaphor for a life devoid of God's blessing, provision, and presence. It represents spiritual barrenness, hardship, and ultimately, judgment, contrasting sharply with the abundance described for the freed captives.

Words-group analysis:

• "God sets the solitary in families": This phrase highlights God's attribute as a caring Provider and Community Builder. He actively intervenes to counter loneliness and provide belonging. It speaks to a deep human need for connection and security.
• "He brings out those who are bound into prosperity": This phrase showcases God as the mighty Liberator and Bestower of Blessing. He not only releases from captivity but leads to a state of flourishing and abundance. It paints a picture of joy accompanying liberation.
• "But the rebellious dwell in a dry land": This forms a powerful antithesis, demonstrating God's justice and the consequences of opposition to His will. It portrays a self-inflicted spiritual and material barrenness for those who refuse His authority, emphasizing a lack of life and divine favor.

Psalm 68 6 Bonus section

• The "solitary" often refers to those within Israel who were marginalized (like widows, orphans) or perhaps those who had strayed but God brings back into His fold, emphasizing internal community and spiritual family.
• The "dry land" is a vivid biblical metaphor throughout Scripture for God's judgment and the absence of His blessings. It is contrasted with the fertile Promised Land and the rivers of God's blessing. This signifies not just physical dryness but spiritual barrenness and separation from God's life-giving presence.
• This verse can be understood eschatologically, pointing to the final victory of God where all chains will be broken, and the redeemed will inherit an eternal, fruitful home, while those who persist in rebellion face eternal desolation.
• In the New Covenant, the "families" God sets the solitary in find a deep spiritual fulfillment in the Church, the body of Christ, where believers are adopted into God's family and find true community (Eph 2:19-22).

Psalm 68 6 Commentary

Psalm 68:6 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character and His administration of justice in the world. On one hand, it beautifully portrays His compassionate heart for the vulnerable and oppressed. He is not distant but intimately involved in establishing homes and communities for those without, showing that true belonging is a divine gift. His liberation of the "bound" speaks to His power over any form of captivity—be it physical, spiritual, or circumstantial—leading His people not merely to freedom but to flourishing and joy. This testifies to His covenant faithfulness to His people, providing sustenance and peace.

On the other hand, the verse contains a strong warning. God's mercy for the broken is matched by His unwavering judgment on the "rebellious." Their chosen path of defiance results in a spiritual and experiential "dry land," a state of desolation devoid of the life, provision, and peace that God alone offers. This stark contrast emphasizes that relationship with God determines one's destiny: either the blessing of His abundant presence or the barrenness of self-chosen alienation. The verse reassures believers in God's protective and liberating power while serving as a sober reminder of the consequences of rejecting His sovereign authority and loving design.