and a defender of widows
Widows, like orphans, were often left without support in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel. God's defense of widows underscores His justice and mercy. The Hebrew term for "defender" can also be translated as "judge" or "advocate," indicating God's active role in ensuring justice for those who cannot defend themselves. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate to care for widows, as seen in James 1:27, which calls pure religion one that looks after orphans and widows in their distress.

is God in His holy habitation
This phrase situates God's compassionate actions within the context of His holiness. His "holy habitation" refers to His dwelling place, often understood as heaven or the temple. It signifies that God's care for the vulnerable is an expression of His holy character. The holiness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and His actions are always consistent with His nature. This also connects to the idea of God dwelling among His people, as seen in the tabernacle and later the temple, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

The psalmist opens with a tender picture: God steps into the empty place left when an earthly father is absent.

• Identity – The orphan gains a name and heritage in Him (Deuteronomy 10:18, “He executes justice for the fatherless…”).

• Security – He watches over the vulnerable (Psalm 146:9, “The LORD…sustains the fatherless…”).

• Provision – He meets daily needs (Psalm 10:14, “You are the helper of the fatherless”).

• Ongoing care – He calls His people to mirror His heart (James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion…is this: to care for orphans…”).

When the world withholds a father’s love, the Lord personally supplies it, proving His nearness and compassion.

Widows in ancient Israel had no legal standing or steady income, yet God pledges to plead their cause.

• Legal advocacy – He forbids mistreatment (Exodus 22:22).

• Active protection – “Defend the fatherless, plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).

• Sustaining grace – He “sustains the…widow” (Psalm 146:9).

The word “defender” pictures both a courtroom advocate and a battlefield protector. Whether injustice or hardship threatens, the Lord rises to shield those who cannot shield themselves.

The verse centers all comfort on God’s very being. These merciful works are not occasional acts; they flow from His nature.

• “God is love” (1 John 4:8); therefore He fathers the orphan.

• “The LORD is righteous in all His ways” (Psalm 145:17); thus He defends the widow with perfect justice.

Because “I AM” never changes, His care is constant, dependable, and personal.

God rules from an unshakably holy throne, yet His transcendence never dulls His concern.

• “The LORD is in His holy temple” (Psalm 11:4); His authority guarantees that His promises reach earth.

• From that exalted place He “looks down from Your holy dwelling place” to bless (Deuteronomy 26:15).

• Habakkuk 2:20 reminds us that all the earth should stand in awe before this holy King who stoops to help the lowly.

Holiness and compassion meet without conflict in Him; His throne is the fountain of both justice and mercy.

Psalm 68:5 assures us that the Almighty, reigning from His holy throne, personally becomes a faithful Father to orphans and a steadfast Defender to widows. He does not outsource this work; it springs from His own character. The verse invites every believer to rest in His intimate care and to reflect His heart toward the vulnerable in our own lives.

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows.--These epithets of God seem to have become at a very early period almost proverbial.