King James Version

What Does Psalms 68:17 Mean?

Psalms 68:17 in the King James Version says “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy plac...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 68 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. even: or, even many thousands”

Psalms 68:17 · KJV

Context

15

The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.

16

Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.

17

The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. even: or, even many thousands

18

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. for men: Heb. in the man

19

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels'—divine military force vastly outnumbers earthly armies. 'The Lord is among them, as in Sinai' connects God's ongoing presence with the theophany where He gave the law. God's angelic hosts serve His purposes, protecting His people and executing judgment. This celestial army guarantees victory, as Elisha's servant witnessed (2 Kings 6:17). Christ commands these legions (Matthew 26:53).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Angels repeatedly intervened in Israel's history—destroying Sodom, smiting Assyria's army (2 Kings 19:35), and protecting God's people. This vast angelic host demonstrates God's unlimited resources for accomplishing His will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does awareness of God's angelic armies shape your confidence in spiritual warfare?
  2. What does it mean that 'the Lord is among them'—how does God's presence make the difference?
  3. How should knowing Christ commands heavenly hosts affect your prayers and trust in difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
רֶ֤כֶב1 of 9

“The chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

אֱלֹהִ֗ים2 of 9

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

רִבֹּתַ֣יִם3 of 9

“are twenty thousand”

H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

אַלְפֵ֣י4 of 9

“even thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

שִׁנְאָ֑ן5 of 9

“of angels”

H8136

change, i.e., repetition

אֲדֹנָ֥י6 of 9

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

בָ֝֗ם7 of 9
H0
סִינַ֥י8 of 9

“is among them as in Sinai”

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃9 of 9

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 68:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 68:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 33:2Daniel 7:10Revelation 5:11Revelation 9:16Habakkuk 3:8Matthew 26:53

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
Mount SinaiMountain · Modern: Jebel Musa · 28.54°N, 33.97°E30 verses across 10 books
View all places in Psalms 68 →

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