God Places the Lonely in Families - Biblical Meaning and Application

The Biblical Concept of Family and Loneliness

The biblical concept of family is deeply intertwined with God's care for the lonely and the marginalized. Psalm 68:6 states, "God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land" ^[1]. This verse highlights God's role in establishing and nurturing family units, particularly for those who are solitary or without familial support.

The Hebrew word for "lonely" or "solitary" in Psalm 68:6 is related to the concept of being alone or without companionship ^[2]. In the biblical context, being solitary or lonely often refers to those who lack familial ties or support, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. The biblical narrative emphasizes God's special concern for these individuals, reflecting His character as a protector and provider for the vulnerable.

The institution of family is foundational in biblical thought, with the father's role being particularly significant as a figure of authority and blessing ^[3]. The original charter for marriage is established in Genesis 2:18-24, emphasizing monogamy as the original intent ^[4]. The biblical text also acknowledges the prevalence of polygamy and concubinage in the patriarchal age, indicating a deviation from the original divine intention.

The concept of being "lonely" or "solitary" is also associated with the condition of being without protectors or familial support. The term "orphans" in Lamentations 5:3 refers to those who are desolate and without protectors ^[5]. In the New Testament, the Greek word for "orphans" is used to describe those who are comfortless or desolate, highlighting the emotional and relational aspects of loneliness (John 14:18; James 1:27) ^[5].

Interpretations and Applications

Various biblical interpreters and traditions have understood Psalm 68:6 as referring to God's role in establishing and nurturing families. John Gill interprets this verse as referring to an increase of families through lawful marriage, citing Abraham and Sarah as an example ^[6]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown suggest that the verse literally means "settleth the lonely at home," possibly alluding to the Israelites' settlement after their wandering ^[7].

The theme of God's care for the lonely and the marginalized is echoed in other biblical passages. In Exodus 22:22-23, God demonstrates His protective stance towards widows, orphans, and foreigners, valuing them because they share His image ^[8]. The early Christian community was expected to care for widows among its members, reflecting a continuation of the biblical emphasis on supporting the vulnerable (1 Timothy 5:3-16) ^[9].

Rashi, a Jewish commentator, interprets Psalm 68:7 as referring to God's gathering of Israel, who were dispersed, into a complete household and nation ^[10]. This interpretation underscores the idea that God's action in establishing families is not limited to individual households but has a broader communal significance.

Theological Significance

The biblical concept of family and God's care for the lonely highlights the importance of relational support and community. The family is seen as a fundamental unit of society, with God's original intention being monogamous marriage ^[4]. The biblical narrative also emphasizes the need for care and support for those who are without familial ties or support.

The theological significance of Psalm 68:6 lies in its portrayal of God as a God of families, who cares for the lonely and establishes them in familial relationships. This theme is echoed throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's concern for the vulnerable and the marginalized.

Sources

Psalms “God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land. -- Psalms 68:6”
Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Bedad — alone; solitary”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Father — The position and authority of the father as the head of the family are expressly assumed and sanctioned in Scripture, as a likeness of that of the Almighty over his creatures. It lies of course at the root of that so-called patriarchal government, (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3) which was introductory to the more definite systems which followed, and which in part, but not wholly, superseded it. The father's blessing was regarded as conferring special benefit, but his malediction special injury, on those on whom it fell, (Genesis 9:25,27; 27:27-40; 48:15,20”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Marriage — Was instituted in Paradise when man was in innocence (Gen. 2:18-24). Here we have its original charter, which was confirmed by our Lord, as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed (Matt. 19:4, 5). It is evident that monogamy was the original law of marriage (Matt. 19:5; 1 Cor. 6:16). This law was violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced (Gen. 4:19; 6:2). We meet with the prevalence of polygamy and concubinage in the patriarchal age (Gen. 16:1-4; 22:21-24; 28:8, 9; 29:23-30, etc.). Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosa”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Orphans — (Lam. 5:3), i.e., desolate and without protectors. The word occurs only here. In John 14:18 the word there rendered "comfortless" (R.V., "desolate;" marg., "orphans") properly means "orphans." The same Greek word is rendered "fatherless" in James 1:27.”
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 (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.”
Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 22:22: 22:22-23 The widow, the orphan, and the foreigner were in a helpless and economically disadvantaged position. God, by his protective stance toward these persons, demonstrated that he does not value people on the basis of their power or wealth, the standards accepted by most humans. Instead, God values people because they share his image (Gen 1:27).”
1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 5:3: 5:3-16 A widow without wealth or family was alone in a world that did not provide for her. The Christian community was expected to care for such widows among its members (see Deut 10:17-19; Isa 1:17; cp. Acts 6:1-6; Jas 1:27). Some have argued that this passage suggests a religious order of widows in the first-century church at Ephesus, but there is no certain evidence of such an order in the first-century church, only of a ministry of care for community members without means.”
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.”

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