Psalm 68:17
New International Version
The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.

New Living Translation
Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots, the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary.

English Standard Version
The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.

Berean Standard Bible
The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.

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

New King James Version
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, Even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.

New American Standard Bible
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.

NASB 1995
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.

NASB 1977
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.

Legacy Standard Bible
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.

Amplified Bible
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them as He was at Sinai, in holiness.

Christian Standard Bible
God’s chariots are tens of thousands, thousands and thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as he was at Sinai.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God’s chariots are tens of thousands, thousands and thousands; the Lord is among them in the sanctuary as He was at Sinai.

American Standard Version
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

Contemporary English Version
When you, LORD God, appeared to your people at Sinai, you came with thousands of mighty chariots.

English Revised Version
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The chariots of God are twenty thousand in number, thousands upon thousands. The Lord is among them. [The God of] Sinai is in his holy place.

Good News Translation
With his many thousands of mighty chariots the Lord comes from Sinai into the holy place.

International Standard Version
God's chariots were many thousands. The Lord was there with them at Sinai in holiness.

Majority Standard Bible
The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.

NET Bible
God has countless chariots; they number in the thousands. The Lord comes from Sinai in holy splendor.

New Heart English Bible
The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them, from Sinai, in holiness.

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

World English Bible
The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The chariots of God [are] myriads, thousands of changes, "" The Lord [is] among them, in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

Young's Literal Translation
The chariots of God are myriads, thousands of changes, The Lord is among them, in Sinai, in the sanctuary.

Smith's Literal Translation
The chariot of God twice ten thousand thousands upon thousands: Jehovah among them, Sinai in the holy place.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: the Lord is among them in Sina, in the holy place.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The chariot of God is ten thousand fold: thousands rejoice. The Lord is with them in Sinai, in the holy place.

New American Bible
God’s chariots were myriad, thousands upon thousands; from Sinai the Lord entered the holy place.

New Revised Standard Version
With mighty chariotry, twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands, the Lord came from Sinai into the holy place.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
God rides with the host of angels; the LORD is among them, as in Sinai, in his holy place.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God rides in ten thousands and thousands of hosts, LORD JEHOVAH among them of Sinai in his Holiness.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The chariots of God are myriads, even thousands upon thousands; The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in holiness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The chariots of God are ten thousand fold, thousands of rejoicing ones: the Lord is among them, in Sina, in the holy place.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Enemies Are Scattered
16Why do you gaze in envy, O mountains of many peaks? This is the mountain God chose for His dwelling, where the LORD will surely dwell forever. 17The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. 18You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.…

Cross References
Exodus 19:16-19
On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. / Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. / Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. ...

Deuteronomy 33:2
He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Daniel 7:10
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Zechariah 14:5
You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.

Hebrews 12:22
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels

Revelation 5:11
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.

Revelation 19:14
The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses.

Acts 7:53
you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”

Galatians 3:19
Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.

Matthew 26:53
Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

2 Thessalonians 1:7
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels

Jude 1:14
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones

Isaiah 66:15
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.

Ezekiel 1:24
When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.


Treasury of Scripture

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

chariots

Psalm 18:10
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

Deuteronomy 33:2
And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

2 Kings 2:11
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

thousands.

Exodus 3:5
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Exodus 19:22,23
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them…

Jump to Previous
Angels Changes Chariots Holiness Holy Israel's Mighty Myriads Sanctuary Sinai Ten Tens Thousand Thousands Twenty Twice War-Carriage
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Angels Changes Chariots Holiness Holy Israel's Mighty Myriads Sanctuary Sinai Ten Tens Thousand Thousands Twenty Twice War-Carriage
Psalm 68
1. A prayer at the removing of the ark
4. An exhortation to praise God for his mercies
7. for his care of the church
19. for his great works














The chariots of God
The phrase "The chariots of God" evokes a powerful image of divine majesty and strength. In Hebrew, the word for chariots is "רֶכֶב" (rekeb), which often symbolizes military might and power. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, chariots were a sign of a king's strength and the ability to wage war effectively. Here, the psalmist uses this imagery to convey God's supreme power and authority over all creation. The chariots of God are not just instruments of war but represent His omnipotence and readiness to protect and deliver His people.

are tens of thousands
This phrase emphasizes the vastness and innumerable nature of God's power. The Hebrew word "רִבּוֹתַיִם" (rivotayim) suggests an overwhelming number, indicating that God's resources and might are beyond human comprehension. This hyperbolic expression serves to reassure the faithful of God's limitless ability to intervene in human affairs and to provide for His people.

thousands of thousands
Reiterating the previous phrase, "thousands of thousands" further amplifies the idea of God's infinite power. The repetition underscores the concept of divine abundance and the inexhaustible nature of God's presence. In the context of ancient Israel, where numbers often held symbolic significance, this phrase would have been understood as a declaration of God's unmatched supremacy and His capacity to command the forces of heaven.

the Lord is with them
This phrase is a profound declaration of God's immanence and His active presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "Lord" here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal and unchanging nature. The assurance that "the Lord is with them" provides comfort and confidence to believers, affirming that God is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

at Sinai
The mention of Sinai is a direct reference to the historical and spiritual significance of Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses. This location is symbolic of God's revelation and covenant with Israel. By invoking Sinai, the psalmist reminds the audience of God's faithfulness and the foundational moments of divine-human interaction. It serves as a reminder of God's past acts of deliverance and His ongoing commitment to His people.

in the sanctuary
The term "sanctuary" refers to the holy place where God's presence dwells among His people. In Hebrew, "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash) denotes a sacred space set apart for worship and communion with God. This phrase highlights the idea that God's presence is not confined to a single location but is accessible to His people wherever they gather in His name. The sanctuary represents a place of refuge, worship, and divine encounter, reinforcing the theme of God's nearness and His desire to dwell among His people.

(17) The chariots.--As the text stands, this verse can only be brought into harmony with the context by a certain violence to grammar. Its literal reading is, God's chariots, two myriads of thousands, and again myriads of thousands (literally, of repetition), the Lord among them, Sinai in holiness; which, by strict rule, must mean: "God's chariots are innumerable, and the Lord rides in them to Sinai, into the holy place." But this rendering is quite against the whole tenor of the passage, which is descriptive of a march from, not to, Sinai. Hence some suggest the rendering, "The Lord is among them--a Sinai in holiness," meaning that Zion has become Sinai, a common enough figure in poetry (comp. In medio Tibure Sardinia est--Mart. 4:60), but only discovered here by a roundabout process. There can hardly be a question as to the propriety of the emendation suggested by Dr. Perowne, The Lord is with them; He has come from Sinai into the holy place. (Comp. Deuteronomy 32:2, which was undoubtedly in the poet's mind.)

Of angels.--This rendering arose from a confusion of the word which means repetition with a word which means shining. LXX., "of flourishing ones"; Vulg., "of rejoicing ones." But the mistake is a happy one, and Milton's sonorous lines have well caught the feeling and music of the Hebrew:--

"About His chariots numberless were poured

Cherub and seraph, potentates and thrones,

And virtues, winged spirits and chariots winged,

From the armoury of God, where stand of old

Myriads." Paradise Lost, vii. 196.

Verse 17. - The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels. Another abrupt transition. The psalmist sees God move from Sinai, where he had represented him as present in ver. 8, into the sanctuary of Mount Zion. He is, of course, accompanied by his angelic host. This is described as a host of chariots (comp. 2 Kings 6:17) -twenty thousand in number, and "thousands of repetition" - or thousands multiplied by thousands, as Hengstenberg understands the phrase (comp. Daniel 7:10). The Lord (Jehovah) is among them; or, "in their midst." As in Sinai, in the holy place; rather, Sinai is in the sanctuary. The glories of Sinai are, as it were, transferred thither.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The chariots
רֶ֤כֶב (re·ḵeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

of God
אֱלֹהִ֗ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

[are] tens of thousands—
רִבֹּתַ֣יִם (rib·bō·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 7239: A myriad, large number

thousands
אַלְפֵ֣י (’al·p̄ê)
Number - masculine plural construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

of thousands [are they];
שִׁנְאָ֑ן (šin·’ān)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8136: Change, repetition

the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

[is] in
בָ֝֗ם (ḇām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

His sanctuary
בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃ (baq·qō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

[as He was at] Sinai.
סִינַ֥י (sî·nay)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5514: Sinai -- the mountain where the law was given


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OT Poetry: Psalm 68:17 The chariots of God are tens (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 68:16
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