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

PSALMS 68:17KJV
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Psalms 68:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 68:17 mean?

Psalms 68:17 describes God’s immense power and presence by picturing Him surrounded by thousands upon thousands of chariots and angels, just as He was present with His people at Mount Sinai. The verse emphasizes that God is not alone—He is accompanied by a vast, heavenly host, and His presence is holy.

In this psalm, David is speaking to the people of Israel, celebrating God’s might and His leadership over His people. The reference to Sinai recalls the dramatic moment when God gave the law to Moses, highlighting God’s continued presence and majesty among His people, both then and now.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 68:17

  • chariots (רֶכֶב, rekhev): This word refers to war chariots, often symbols of power and might in ancient times. Here, it paints a picture of God’s overwhelming strength.
  • thousand (רְבָבָה, revavah) and thousands (אֶלֶף, elef): These words stress an uncountable, vast number, showing that God’s forces are beyond human comprehension.
  • angels (שִׁנְאָן, shinan): This word is often understood as “thousands upon thousands,” possibly referring to angelic beings or simply a huge multitude, reinforcing the idea of God’s heavenly army.
  • Sinai (סִינַי, Sinai): Mentioning Sinai connects God’s present power to the foundational event when He revealed Himself to Israel, anchoring the verse in Israel’s history.
  • holy (קֹדֶשׁ, kodesh): This word means “holy place” or “sanctuary,” underlining that God’s presence is sacred and set apart.

Why Psalms 68:17 matters

  • The verse corrects any idea that God is distant or alone; instead, it shows Him surrounded by a heavenly host, actively involved with His people.
  • By recalling Sinai, Psalms 68:17 ties God’s present actions to His past faithfulness, reassuring the people that the same God who led them out of Egypt is still with them.
  • The imagery of chariots and angels highlights the majesty and might of God, inviting awe and confidence in His protection and leadership.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Hebrew H7239 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,
  • Daniel 11:12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.

“Sinai” Hebrew H5514 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
  • Exodus 34:29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
  • Numbers 9:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.