Psalms 83

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. 2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. 4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. 5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: 6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; 7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah. 9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: 10 Which perished at En–dor: they became as dung for the earth. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: 12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. 13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. 14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; 15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord. 17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: 18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 83:1

PSALM 83

Psa 83:1-18. Of Asaph--(See on Psa 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2Ch 20:1, 2 (compare Psa 47:1-9; 48:1-14). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on them is invoked.

1. God addressed as indifferent (compare Psa 35:22; 39:12).

be not still--literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.

Psalms 83:3

3. hidden ones--whom God specially protects (Psa 27:5; 91:1).

Psalms 83:4

4. from being a nation--utter destruction (Is 7:8; 23:1).

Israel--here used for Judah, having been the common name.

Psalms 83:5

5. they have consulted--with heart, or cordially.

together--all alike.

Psalms 83:6-8

6-8. tabernacles--for people (Psa 78:67).

they--all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare 2Ch 20:1).

Psalms 83:9-11

9-11. Compare the similar fate of these (2Ch 20:23) with that of the foes mentioned in Jud 7:22, here referred to. They destroyed one another (Jud 4:6-24; 7:25). Human remains form manure (compare 2Ki 9:37; Jr 9:22).

Psalms 83:12

12. The language of the invaders.

houses--literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks (Psa 65:12).

of God--as the proprietors of the land (2Ch 20:11; Is 14:25).

Psalms 83:13

13. like a wheel--or, whirling of any light thing (Is 17:13), as stubble or chaff (Psa 1:4).

Psalms 83:14-15

14-15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.

Psalms 83:16

16. that they may seek--or as Psa 83:18, supply "men," since Psa 83:17, 18 amplify the sentiment of Psa 83:16, expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (compare 2Ch 20:29) taught to all men.

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