What is the meaning of Psalm 68:12? Kings and their armies flee in haste “Kings and their armies flee in haste” (Psalm 68:12a) • God Himself is on the move in this psalm, and when He arises, every earthly power—no matter how strong—retreats in panic. Think of Pharaoh’s chariots swallowed up at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:23-28) or the five Canaanite kings routed when the Lord hurled hailstones from heaven (Joshua 10:10-11). • The scene echoes Gideon’s tiny force sending Midianite hosts scrambling (Judges 7:19-22) and the Aramean army abandoning camp at the sound of a divinely amplified rumble (2 Kings 7:5-7). • Psalm 68 as a whole pictures a victory procession from Sinai to Zion (vv. 7-18). Every step proclaims that the God who “makes His enemies scatter” (v. 1) still does so. Proverbs 28:1 captures the mood: “The wicked flee when no one pursues.” • In a wider sweep of Scripture, this verse previews the ultimate royal rout when Christ appears and “the kings of the earth and their armies” are defeated (Revelation 19:19-21). Key takeaway: Human power crumbles before the King of kings; His presence alone sends adversaries running. she who waits at home divides the plunder “she who waits at home divides the plunder” (Psalm 68:12b) • While the warriors pursue fleeing kings, the women who remained behind share the spoils. A literal, everyday picture in ancient Israel becomes a theological statement: God’s victories are so complete that even those who never lifted a sword enjoy the bounty. • The principle surfaces when David insists that the men guarding supplies receive an equal share of the loot (1 Samuel 30:24-25). It is embedded in the law: “Divide the plunder between the warriors and the entire congregation” (Numbers 31:27). • Spiritually, it hints at grace. The Lord fights, and His people—often seemingly weak or overlooked—receive the treasures. Isaiah speaks of barren Zion breaking forth in song as her children inherit the nations (Isaiah 54:1-3). Believers “inherit a salvation ready to be revealed” that Christ alone secured (1 Peter 1:4-5). • The line elevates the domestic sphere. Homemakers are not sidelined but honored participants in God’s triumph, reminiscent of Jael’s decisive role in Judges 4:17-22 and the women composing victory songs in Judges 5:24-31. Key takeaway: God’s triumph guarantees blessing for every member of His covenant family, including those the world might deem insignificant. summary Psalm 68:12 celebrates the Lord’s absolute supremacy: mighty kings scatter in terrified haste, yet those faithfully waiting at home reap the rewards. The verse assures us that God secures the victory and generously shares its benefits with all His people, from battlefield warriors to stay-at-home servants. |
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