Psalms 78:61 Meaning and Explanation
“And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God allowed the ark—his strength and glory—to be captured by enemies.
The Context of Psalms 78:61
God allowed the ark of the covenant to be captured by the Philistines.
What Does Psalms 78:61 Mean?
'His strength' and 'his glory' refer to the ark of the covenant, which represented God's power and presence. For the ark to be delivered into captivity is catastrophic—not only is it taken from Israel, but it falls into the hands of those who do not revere it.
This happened historically when the Philistines captured the ark. The loss of the ark was theological devastation—it meant Israel had lost the tangible center of their faith, the symbol of God's covenant. The phrase 'enemy's hand' emphasizes the humiliation: Israel's most sacred object is held by those who worship other gods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 78:61
What does Psalms 78:61 mean?
God allowed the ark—his strength and glory—to be captured by enemies.
What is the context of Psalms 78:61?
God allowed the ark of the covenant to be captured by the Philistines.