Psalms 68:12
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
Psalms 68:12
“Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.” The scene depicts a victorious army and a plundered city, a common ancient Near Eastern motif where victors seize wealth. “She that tarried at home” refers to a city or woman left behind, often seen as the community’s defender or the vulnerable left unscathed by battle. The verse communicates dramatic reversal: even those who remained behind reap the benefits of victory, receiving spoils often parceled out to those who did not participate directly in the fight. The imagery underscores God’s triumph and the resulting redistribution of wealth and honor. In a broader psalm of divine conquest, it reaffirms that God’s kingly rule leads to justice and provision for the vulnerable, not unchecked exploitation.
The verse highlights themes of victory, divine sovereignty, and the ethical use of spoils. The rapid fleeing of kings signals God’s power to upset worldly hierarchies. The spoils given to “she that tarried at home” reflect mercy and generosity in victory, a social ethic that privileges the weak and widows, a recurring biblical pattern. It also foreshadows the blessings poured out on those who endure in faith, even when not on the front lines. For the people of God, it’s a reminder that success is not just personal achievement but communal good—resources should strengthen the covenant community and enable worship and service.
In contemporary life, this verse invites generosity in victory: if you or your group experiences success, consider how those left out or marginalized can benefit. Practical steps: fund community projects, provide resources for single parents or the elderly, and share leadership and opportunities with those who might not be in the spotlight. It also encourages humility in triumph—celebrate with restraint, and ensure that gains support the whole community, not just a few. When you experience professional or personal “spoils”—a promotion, inheritance, or recognition—ask: who can share in this? How can the victory bless the vulnerable? In church life, this might translate into joint ministry projects, redistribution of resources to outreach, or resourcing compassionate care for those most in need.
Cross-References: Psalm 41:1-2; Deuteronomy 24:19-22; Proverbs 3:27-28; Luke 10:30-37; James 5:1-6