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Psalms 68:5
Verse
Context
God’s Enemies Are Scattered
4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him. 5A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
are illustrated by the protection to the helpless, vindication of the innocent, and punishment of rebels, ascribed to Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A father of the fatherless,.... In a literal sense, so as to show mercy to them, take care of then), and protect them; and this is a character which the great God often assumes, partly to express his power and providence over such, and partly to signify his tenderness, mercy, and goodness to them; and in which he should be imitated by civil magistrates, and by all good men: for it was not only a law in Israel to show regard to such, and take care not to afflict them, but it is also a branch of pure undefiled Christian religion, Jam 1:27, in attending to which we resemble the great Author of it, who is here intended. Moreover, this may be understood in a spiritual sense of such who are deserted by their friends, or are called to leave father and mother for the sake of Christ and his Gospel; and who are like fatherless ones, in an helpless condition in themselves, and are sensible of it; and will not trust in the creature, nor in any works of their own, but apply to Christ, where they have help and salvation, in whom the fatherless find mercy, Hos 14:3; and who afterwards, when they are without the presence of Christ, and sensible communion with him, are like orphans or fatherless children; but Christ, who is the father of such, will not leave them so, will have pity on them, show favour to them, provide everything needful for them, and will come and visit them, as in Joh 14:18; where the word "orphans" or "fatherless" is used of Christ's disciples; and a Judge of the widows; of such who are widows indeed in a literal sense, and especially that are believers, his elect that cry unto him; see Luk 18:2; and of such who are so in a spiritual sense; even of the whole church of Christ, who may, even now, be said to be in a widowhood estate, as well as under the former dispensation; since Christ, her bridegroom, is gone to heaven, and who yet, in the mean time, is her Judge, protector, and defender; and when she is made ready for him, as a bride adorned for her husband, will come and take her to himself, and she shall remember the reproach of her widowhood no more, Isa 54:4; is God in his holy habitation: in heaven, the habitation of his holiness, where is Christ the high and Holy One; and has respect to the poor and lowly, the fatherless and the widow: or in his church, his holy temple, where he dwells and walks, and grants his gracious presence, and will do to the end of the world, according to his promise; or in his holy human nature, the temple and the tabernacle, in which the Godhead dwells.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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.
Psalms 68:5
God’s Enemies Are Scattered
4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him. 5A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipotence of God
By A.W. Tozer5.1K48:35Attributes of GodGEN 17:1PSA 68:5MAT 6:9MAT 19:26LUK 1:37ROM 1:20REV 19:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses three propositions about God's power. The first proposition is that God has power, which is evident in the creation of the world. The preacher references biblical verses, such as David's statement and Paul's declaration, to support this proposition. The preacher then vividly describes God's act of creation, from forming the earth and its elements to bringing forth living creatures. The sermon emphasizes God's power and his intimate involvement in the creation of mankind.
Good News to the Poor
By Jackie Pullinger3.8K37:42PoorPSA 68:5PRO 31:8ISA 61:1MAT 6:33LUK 4:18JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of natural disasters and poverty-related deaths. The speaker shares a personal experience of working with young individuals who have been neglected by society and emphasizes the importance of providing them with love and a sense of family. The sermon concludes with a story from the walled city, where the people in need of good news were the ones who ultimately delivered it to the city's gatekeepers and the king.
Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 1)
By Dora Esh1.4K1:51:31ModestyEXO 20:12PSA 68:5MAT 7:12MAT 11:28MAT 22:372CO 13:14EPH 6:1In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the issue of submission and obedience in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority, even when we may not agree with it. He warns against the dangers of disregarding the guidance of parents and making choices based on personal desires. Brother Denny encourages young women to consider the impact of their actions on their reputation and the potential recommendations they may receive from parents when it comes to finding a suitable partner. He concludes by inviting questions and discussions on the topic.
Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 2)
By Dora Esh1.3K1:51:31ModestyEXO 20:12PSA 68:5MAT 7:12MAT 11:28MAT 22:372CO 13:14EPH 6:1In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of submission in the family. He emphasizes that submission is not just obeying when we agree, but obeying regardless of how we feel. He encourages listeners to show respect and build up their family members, even when they may be taking advantage of them. Brother Denny also highlights the importance of playing games together as a way to build friendships and create a joyful atmosphere in the home.
God-a Father of Faithfulness
By Basilea Schlink65904:35Radio ShowPSA 68:5PSA 100:4MAT 7:11PHP 4:61TH 5:18HEB 12:61PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of finding herself in a state of depression and overwhelming problems. She received a card from Mother Basilia with a picture of a child enclosed within two large hands, symbolizing God's care for every person. However, the card and words did not initially help her. Mother Basilia then advised her to give thanks in the midst of her problems and difficulties, praising God as a loving and faithful Father. The speaker found that this act of gratitude opened the way to comfort and aid from God, bringing trust and peace to her heart. The sermon encourages listeners to praise God as a kind and faithful Father, believing that He will reveal Himself in that way.
After Against the Night What Next
By George Verwer53117:44MissionsPSA 68:5ISA 35:6LUK 12:48LUK 14:28LUK 15:72TI 4:7JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following up on a revival or deep spiritual experience with action. They quote the Bible, stating that those who receive much will be required to give much. The speaker encourages the audience to share what they have learned and experienced with others, and to get involved in activities that allow them to share their faith. They also discuss the need for balance and grace in our spiritual journey, reminding listeners to pace themselves and not become discouraged when they make mistakes.
A Question for Professors
By James Smith0PSA 68:5PSA 133:1MAL 1:6MAT 6:26PHP 4:61TH 5:16HEB 13:5JAS 1:221JN 3:1James Smith preaches on the assurance and comfort of having God as our Father, highlighting the care, provision, and guidance He offers to His children. He challenges believers to trust in God's promises, seek His will, and maintain communion with Him daily. Smith emphasizes the importance of contentment, confidence, and unity among God's family, urging Christians to honor their Father and share His love with others. He concludes by encouraging believers to act in a manner that reflects their relationship with God as their loving Father.
Trusting God for Daily Supplies
By George Mueller0Divine ProvisionFaithPSA 37:25PSA 68:5ISA 41:10MAT 6:26MAT 7:72CO 9:8PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 1:61PE 5:7George Muller shares his journey of trusting God for daily supplies while caring for orphans, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith in God's provision. Despite facing severe financial challenges and health issues, Muller learned to cast his burdens on the Lord, believing that God, as 'a father of the fatherless,' would meet every need. His unwavering faith led to miraculous provisions, often arriving just in time, reinforcing his conviction that God delights in answering the prayers of His children. Muller encourages believers to strengthen their faith through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and by allowing God to work in their lives. His experiences serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of trusting Him in all circumstances.
Guardian of the Fatherless
By C.H. Spurgeon0Trust in God's ProvisionGod's Care for the FatherlessPSA 27:10PSA 68:5PSA 146:9ISA 1:17HOS 14:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:18ROM 8:152CO 1:3JAS 1:27C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God serves as the guardian for the fatherless, providing mercy and support when earthly protectors are absent. He encourages believers to cast away all other confidences and rely solely on the Lord, who fulfills every need. Spurgeon reflects on his own experiences of depending on God, affirming that true richness comes from having God as a father rather than relying on human patrons. He reassures the fatherless that they are not truly orphaned as long as they have the Lord, who is a fountain of mercy. The sermon calls on those in need to confidently appeal to God's loving heart for help.
The Main Events of George Müller's Life
By George Mueller0Faith in ActionGod's ProvisionPSA 68:5PRO 3:5ISA 58:10MAT 19:142CO 9:7GAL 6:9PHP 4:191TI 6:18HEB 11:1JAS 1:27George Müller reflects on the significant events of his life, emphasizing his transformation from a young man in Prussia to a devoted Christian leader in England. He recounts his journey of faith, including his establishment of orphanages that cared for thousands of children and his commitment to supporting missionaries worldwide. Müller's life is marked by his reliance on prayer and God's provision, showcasing how faith can lead to impactful service. His legacy continues to inspire many in their own faith journeys.
Family Group Care
By George Mueller0Child CareFaith in ActionPSA 68:5PRO 22:6ISA 1:17MAT 18:5GAL 6:2EPH 4:32PHP 4:19JAS 1:271PE 5:71JN 3:17George Mueller discusses the evolution of child care in his time, emphasizing the transition from large institutional homes to smaller family group homes that foster a more natural environment for children. This change, prompted by the 1948 Children Act, aimed to provide emotional and physical development for children from broken homes, with married couples serving as houseparents. Despite the shift in approach, the core principle of relying on God's provision through prayer remained unchanged. The new model focused on nurturing the children's well-being rather than formal education, ensuring that all staff shared a common faith in God. Ultimately, Mueller highlights the importance of adapting to meet the needs of children while maintaining a foundation of faith and prayer.
Comfort for Christians
By James Smith0PSA 46:10PSA 68:5ROM 5:3ROM 8:282CO 12:91JN 4:16James Smith preaches about the love God has for us, emphasizing that God's love is constantly present and reliable, even when we doubt, forget, or fail to realize it. He highlights how belief in God's love leads to consecration, peace, and happiness in our lives. Smith also discusses how God's love is demonstrated through His provision, chastisement, and atonement for our sins, urging believers to trust in Jesus' compassion and care.
God Chose to Be a Father to Me
By David Wilkerson0Identity in ChristFatherhood Of GodPSA 68:5ISA 64:8MAT 7:11JHN 17:21ROM 8:152CO 6:18GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 12:71JN 3:1David Wilkerson emphasizes that God has chosen to be a loving Father to us, inviting us to see Him in this intimate role. He highlights that while God is the Almighty ruler, in these last days, He desires a personal relationship with us as our Father. Jesus exemplified this relationship, living in the assurance of His Father's presence and love, which empowered Him to face trials without fear. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, adopted into His family, and to recognize the protective and nurturing nature of the Father. Ultimately, God desires us to cry out to Him as 'Abba,' affirming our unique relationship with Him.
He Chose to Be Your Father
By David Wilkerson0God's FatherhoodOvercoming FearPSA 68:5ISA 43:1MAT 7:11JHN 15:16ROM 8:152CO 6:18GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 13:51JN 3:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth that God has chosen to be our Father, inviting us to embrace this relationship rather than succumbing to fear, guilt, and despondency. He reminds us that Jesus lived in the assurance of His Father's love, which empowered Him to face trials without doubt or confusion. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize their identity as children of God, who desires to protect and provide for them unconditionally. This revelation of God's fatherly love is essential for overcoming life's challenges and experiencing true peace and joy. Ultimately, God’s choice to be our Father is rooted in His love and mercy, regardless of our past or shortcomings.
The Lord My Husband
By Octavius Winslow0God as HusbandComfort in GriefEXO 22:22DEU 10:18PSA 68:5PSA 146:9ISA 54:5MAT 6:26ROM 8:282CO 1:31TI 5:5JAS 1:27Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound relationship between God and the believer, particularly in the context of widowhood, where God is portrayed as the 'Husband' to those who have lost their earthly partners. He reassures that despite the deep grief and desolation that comes with such loss, God remains a faithful and loving portion, providing comfort and care. Winslow encourages widows to renew their love for Christ, trusting in His promises and recognizing that He will protect and provide for them and their children. The sermon highlights God's special regard for widows and His commitment to their well-being, urging them to embrace their divine relationship with Him. Ultimately, it is a call to find solace and joy in the Lord, who fills the void left by earthly loss.
The Beginning of Day Care and Family Support
By George Mueller0Community CareFamily SupportPSA 68:5MAT 25:40GAL 6:2JAS 1:27George Mueller discusses the establishment of Day Care and Family Support Centres in response to the changing needs of families in society during the late 1970s. Recognizing that traditional residential care was no longer sufficient, the initiative aimed to provide practical help and advice to families facing various challenges, such as inadequate housing and single parenthood. The Centres not only cared for children but also supported entire families, addressing issues that often stemmed from financial or social difficulties. Through this work, many families found hope and committed their lives to Christ, demonstrating the impact of faith in overcoming adversity. Mueller emphasizes the importance of following Christ's example in serving those in need.
E. Reasons Which Led Mr. Müller to Establish an Orphan House
By A.T. Pierson0PSA 68:5PRO 3:5MAT 6:33PHP 4:19JAS 1:27A.T. Pierson preaches about the importance of strengthening faith in God, highlighting the struggles faced by believers in trusting God for their daily needs, whether it be in work, old age, business decisions, or personal convictions. He emphasizes the need to rely on God's provision and faithfulness, as demonstrated through visible proofs of answered prayers and divine interventions. Pierson shares his desire to establish an orphan house as a testimony to God's unchanging nature and to strengthen the faith of believers, focusing on glorifying God, caring for the spiritual and temporal welfare of orphaned children, and providing them with a scriptural education.
Life in the Orphan Homes
By George Mueller0Faith in God's ProvisionCare for OrphansPSA 68:5MAT 7:7PHP 4:19JAS 1:27George Müller emphasizes that the primary goal of establishing the Children's Homes was to demonstrate God's provision through prayer and faith, rather than merely focusing on the welfare of the children. Despite facing numerous social challenges, including disease and poor living conditions, Müller relied on prayer to protect his large family of orphans, ultimately providing them with hope and a loving Christian environment. While some children struggled, many found salvation and a sense of belonging in the Homes, which offered them a future filled with love and support. The children were well-dressed and cared for, reflecting the dignity and respect they received in their new family life.
F. Arguments in Prayer for the Orphan Work
By A.T. Pierson0PSA 37:25PSA 68:5PSA 145:15PRO 3:5MAT 6:26MAT 6:31MRK 9:36PHP 4:19HEB 11:6JAS 1:17A.T. Pierson passionately pleads with God in his sermon, presenting 11 powerful arguments to seek divine provision for the orphans under his care. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating God's glory through answered prayers, highlighting God's willingness to provide for His children. Pierson appeals to God's fatherly nature, the reception of children in Jesus' name, and the strengthening of faith through continued provision. He also addresses the potential stumbling of weak believers, the mockery of enemies, and the danger of compromising with the world if God withholds supplies.
Arguments in Prayer for the Orphan Work
By George Mueller0God's ProvisionPrayerPSA 68:5MRK 9:36George Mueller emphasizes the power of prayer in supporting the orphan work, presenting various arguments to God for His provision. He highlights that the work is for God's glory, that God is the Father of the fatherless, and that the children have been received in Jesus' name. Mueller expresses concern for the faith of believers, the potential mockery from enemies, and the burden he carries for the orphans. He pleads for God's continued support to demonstrate His faithfulness and to counter doubts about the sustainability of the work. Ultimately, he seeks assurance that God's past answers to prayer will not be in vain.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
are illustrated by the protection to the helpless, vindication of the innocent, and punishment of rebels, ascribed to Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A father of the fatherless,.... In a literal sense, so as to show mercy to them, take care of then), and protect them; and this is a character which the great God often assumes, partly to express his power and providence over such, and partly to signify his tenderness, mercy, and goodness to them; and in which he should be imitated by civil magistrates, and by all good men: for it was not only a law in Israel to show regard to such, and take care not to afflict them, but it is also a branch of pure undefiled Christian religion, Jam 1:27, in attending to which we resemble the great Author of it, who is here intended. Moreover, this may be understood in a spiritual sense of such who are deserted by their friends, or are called to leave father and mother for the sake of Christ and his Gospel; and who are like fatherless ones, in an helpless condition in themselves, and are sensible of it; and will not trust in the creature, nor in any works of their own, but apply to Christ, where they have help and salvation, in whom the fatherless find mercy, Hos 14:3; and who afterwards, when they are without the presence of Christ, and sensible communion with him, are like orphans or fatherless children; but Christ, who is the father of such, will not leave them so, will have pity on them, show favour to them, provide everything needful for them, and will come and visit them, as in Joh 14:18; where the word "orphans" or "fatherless" is used of Christ's disciples; and a Judge of the widows; of such who are widows indeed in a literal sense, and especially that are believers, his elect that cry unto him; see Luk 18:2; and of such who are so in a spiritual sense; even of the whole church of Christ, who may, even now, be said to be in a widowhood estate, as well as under the former dispensation; since Christ, her bridegroom, is gone to heaven, and who yet, in the mean time, is her Judge, protector, and defender; and when she is made ready for him, as a bride adorned for her husband, will come and take her to himself, and she shall remember the reproach of her widowhood no more, Isa 54:4; is God in his holy habitation: in heaven, the habitation of his holiness, where is Christ the high and Holy One; and has respect to the poor and lowly, the fatherless and the widow: or in his church, his holy temple, where he dwells and walks, and grants his gracious presence, and will do to the end of the world, according to his promise; or in his holy human nature, the temple and the tabernacle, in which the Godhead dwells.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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.