God Settling the Solitary in Homes According to Psalm 68:6
Psalm 68:6 states, "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land" (KJV) [1]. This verse describes God's character as one who cares for the vulnerable and dispenses justice.
The broader context of Psalm 68 is a song of triumph, celebrating God's power and his leading of Israel [3]. It depicts God as a warrior who marches forth, scattering his enemies and bringing blessings to his people [3]. The psalm also emphasizes God's role as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5) [7].
The phrase "setteth the solitary in families" (KJV) or "settles the lonely at home" [3] speaks to God's provision for those who are isolated. The Hebrew word for "solitary" (often translated as "alone" or "lonely") can refer to wanderers or those without a settled place [2, 3]. Rashi, a medieval Jewish commentator, interpreted this as God gathering the dispersed Israelites and settling them into a complete household and nation [4]. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, noted that Jewish writers often understood this as an increase of families through marriage and children, citing Abraham and Sarah as an example (Isaiah 51:2) [5]. This interpretation suggests God's role in establishing and growing households [5].
The second part of the verse, "he bringeth out those which are bound with chains," highlights God's work of liberation [1]. This is often understood as a reference to God freeing Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:2) and continues to signify his power to release prisoners [6].
In contrast, the verse concludes with "but the rebellious dwell in a dry land" [1]. This imagery of a "dry land" represents alienation from God and separation from blessing [6]. It signifies a state devoid of comfort and provision, a stark contrast to the settled homes and freedom granted to the solitary and the bound [3]. God's justice ensures that while he provides for the needy, those who rebel against him face consequences [6].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 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.”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Bedad — alone; solitary”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 68:6: setteth the solitary in families--literally, "settleth the lonely" (as wanderers) "at home." Though a general truth, there is perhaps allusion to the wandering and settlement of the Israelites. rebellious dwell in a dry land--removed from all the comforts of home.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Psalms 68:7: settles the solitary in a house Israel, who were spread out. He gathered together each one from the place where he was lost and settled them in a complete household and a complete nation.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 68:6: God setteth the solitary in families,.... Which the Jewish writers generally understand of an increase of families, with children in lawful marriage; see Psa 113:9; an instance of which we have in Abraham and Sarah; from which single or solitary ones, when joined in marriage, sprung a numerous offspring, Isa 51:2. And to this sense the Targum paraphrases the words; "God is he that joins, couples single ones into a couple, as one:'' some copies add, "to build an house out of them;'' that is, a family; see Rut 4:11. But it may be better interpreted of the fruitf”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 68:6: 68:6 God released Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exod 20:2; see Ps 69:33), and he still sets the prisoners free. • The sun-scorched desert represents alienation from God and separation from blessing.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 68:5: 68:5 God, the Father of all marginalized and needy people, shows them compassion and protects their rights (see 10:14, 18; 69:33; 82:3). • Like his dwelling, the Lord is holy. The supreme example of the holy God coming down to rescue humanity is Jesus Christ.”