Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
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.
For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Which perished at En–dor: they became as dung for the earth.
Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord.
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalms 83 is a powerful and poignant prayer attributed to Asaph, a Levite musician and prophet during the reign of King David. This psalm is often categorized as an "imprecatory" psalm, meaning it calls upon God to bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel. While such psalms can be challenging to modern readers, they offer a window into the intense emotions and desperate circumstances faced by God's people throughout history. This particular psalm cries out for God to act decisively against a coalition of nations seeking Israel's complete annihilation.
Context: Enemies Within and Without
This psalm, along with Psalms 50 and 73-82, bears the name of Asaph. However, pinpointing a specific historical event that perfectly aligns with the psalm's description is difficult. Some scholars suggest a connection to the attack on Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoshaphat, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 20. If that's the case, it would imply that a successor to Asaph penned this psalm in his style, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:14. Others view it as a broader reflection of the constant threats faced by Israel throughout its history, or even as a prophecy of a future, large-scale attack in the end times.
Regardless of the specific historical context, the psalm reveals a crucial truth: the people of God have always faced opposition, both from within and from without. Recognizing this spiritual reality is the first step in confronting it effectively.
A Desperate Plea for Action (Psalms 83:1-4)
The psalm opens with an urgent plea: "O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent, O God, do not be still" (Psalms 83:1). Asaph implores God not to remain passive but to intervene actively against the enemies of Israel. These enemies aren't acting randomly; they are conspiring and plotting with malicious intent. Their goal isn't simply victory; they seek to eradicate Israel entirely, erasing their very memory from the earth (Psalms 83:4). This underscores the severity of the threat and the desperation of the psalmist's prayer.
In our own lives, we may face situations where we feel overwhelmed by the forces arrayed against us. Like Asaph, we can cry out to God, asking Him to intervene and protect us from those who seek to harm us, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Remember, every battle has a spiritual dimension, and we can verbally transfer the fight to the Lord's hands.
A Coalition of Foes (Psalms 83:5-8)
Asaph identifies a coalition of ten groups united in their hatred of Israel. These include:
- Edomites: Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 36:1).
- Ishmaelites: Descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son (Genesis 16:3-4, 11-12).
- Moabites and Ammonites: Descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:34-38).
- Amalekites: A nomadic people known for their hostility towards Israel (Exodus 17:8; 1 Samuel 15:1-9; 30:1).
- Philistines: A powerful group who constantly warred with Israel (Judges 3:1-3; 1 Samuel 17:2-3).
- Tyre: A powerful city-state known for its trade and influence (Joshua 19:29; Ezekiel 26:1-3).
- Assyria (Asshur): A rising empire that would later become a major threat to Israel (Genesis 10:11; 2 Kings 5:1-19; 17:6).
- Gebal (Byblos): A Phoenician city known for its shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:9; 1 Kings 5:18).
- Hagrites: A nomadic people living east of the Jordan River (1 Chronicles 5:10).
- "Children of Lot": Likely referring to the Moabites and Ammonites again, perhaps highlighting their leadership role in this alliance.
This diverse group represents threats from every direction and throughout Israel's history. The mention of Assyria as the "strong arm" of the coalition suggests the growing power of this empire. This list serves to highlight the pervasive and persistent nature of the opposition faced by God's people. Despite the overwhelming odds, Asaph reminds us that Israel's covenant relationship with God means their enemies are His enemies, and therefore, the battle is ultimately His.
Remembering God's Past Victories (Psalms 83:9-12)
Asaph appeals to God to repeat the victories of the past, recalling God's judgments against enemies like Jabin and Sisera (Judges 4:23-24), and the Midianites (Judges 7:12, 24-25). He mentions Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, Midianite leaders who were captured and executed (Judges 8:3, 12).
By invoking these historical examples, Asaph reminds both himself and God of God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies. This is a powerful strategy in prayer: remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens our faith for the present and future. The enemies sought to seize God's pastures (Psalms 83:12), but Asaph knew that God would not allow them to succeed. It was pure foolishness to think they could take what belonged to the Lord.
A Prayer for Justice and Recognition (Psalms 83:13-18)
The psalm concludes with a plea for God to bring justice to these nations, using vivid imagery of nature: "Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind" (Psalms 83:13). Asaph asks that these attacking enemies be utterly destroyed and brought to shame (Psalms 83:15-17).
However, the ultimate purpose of this judgment isn't simply revenge. Asaph recognizes that God's judgment serves a greater purpose: leading people to acknowledge Him as the Most High over all the earth (Psalms 83:18). He prays that they would know that [God] alone is the Most High over the whole earth. The goal is not just defeat, but repentance and recognition of God's sovereignty.
Reflections for Today
Psalms 83 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Spiritual Warfare is Real: We must recognize that we are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces that seek to destroy us and undermine our faith.
- Prayer is Essential: We must cry out to God for protection and deliverance, trusting in His power and faithfulness.
- Remember God's Faithfulness: Recalling God's past victories strengthens our faith and gives us hope for the future.
- God's Justice is Redemptive: God's judgments are not arbitrary but serve to bring about justice and lead people to recognize His sovereignty.
While the language of imprecatory psalms can be jarring, we must remember that they express the raw emotions of those who are suffering under oppression. They remind us to take our struggles to God and to trust in His justice and mercy. Like Asaph, we can pray for God to intervene in our lives and in the world, knowing that He is the ultimate source of hope and deliverance.
Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
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.
For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Which perished at En–dor: they became as dung for the earth.
Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord.
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalms 83 is a powerful and poignant prayer attributed to Asaph, a Levite musician and prophet during the reign of King David. This psalm is often categorized as an "imprecatory" psalm, meaning it calls upon God to bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel. While such psalms can be challenging to modern readers, they offer a window into the intense emotions and desperate circumstances faced by God's people throughout history. This particular psalm cries out for God to act decisively against a coalition of nations seeking Israel's complete annihilation.
Context: Enemies Within and Without
This psalm, along with Psalms 50 and 73-82, bears the name of Asaph. However, pinpointing a specific historical event that perfectly aligns with the psalm's description is difficult. Some scholars suggest a connection to the attack on Jerusalem during the reign of Jehoshaphat, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 20. If that's the case, it would imply that a successor to Asaph penned this psalm in his style, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:14. Others view it as a broader reflection of the constant threats faced by Israel throughout its history, or even as a prophecy of a future, large-scale attack in the end times.
Regardless of the specific historical context, the psalm reveals a crucial truth: the people of God have always faced opposition, both from within and from without. Recognizing this spiritual reality is the first step in confronting it effectively.
A Desperate Plea for Action (Psalms 83:1-4)
The psalm opens with an urgent plea: "O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent, O God, do not be still" (Psalms 83:1). Asaph implores God not to remain passive but to intervene actively against the enemies of Israel. These enemies aren't acting randomly; they are conspiring and plotting with malicious intent. Their goal isn't simply victory; they seek to eradicate Israel entirely, erasing their very memory from the earth (Psalms 83:4). This underscores the severity of the threat and the desperation of the psalmist's prayer.
In our own lives, we may face situations where we feel overwhelmed by the forces arrayed against us. Like Asaph, we can cry out to God, asking Him to intervene and protect us from those who seek to harm us, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Remember, every battle has a spiritual dimension, and we can verbally transfer the fight to the Lord's hands.
A Coalition of Foes (Psalms 83:5-8)
Asaph identifies a coalition of ten groups united in their hatred of Israel. These include:
- Edomites: Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 36:1).
- Ishmaelites: Descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son (Genesis 16:3-4, 11-12).
- Moabites and Ammonites: Descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:34-38).
- Amalekites: A nomadic people known for their hostility towards Israel (Exodus 17:8; 1 Samuel 15:1-9; 30:1).
- Philistines: A powerful group who constantly warred with Israel (Judges 3:1-3; 1 Samuel 17:2-3).
- Tyre: A powerful city-state known for its trade and influence (Joshua 19:29; Ezekiel 26:1-3).
- Assyria (Asshur): A rising empire that would later become a major threat to Israel (Genesis 10:11; 2 Kings 5:1-19; 17:6).
- Gebal (Byblos): A Phoenician city known for its shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:9; 1 Kings 5:18).
- Hagrites: A nomadic people living east of the Jordan River (1 Chronicles 5:10).
- "Children of Lot": Likely referring to the Moabites and Ammonites again, perhaps highlighting their leadership role in this alliance.
This diverse group represents threats from every direction and throughout Israel's history. The mention of Assyria as the "strong arm" of the coalition suggests the growing power of this empire. This list serves to highlight the pervasive and persistent nature of the opposition faced by God's people. Despite the overwhelming odds, Asaph reminds us that Israel's covenant relationship with God means their enemies are His enemies, and therefore, the battle is ultimately His.
Remembering God's Past Victories (Psalms 83:9-12)
Asaph appeals to God to repeat the victories of the past, recalling God's judgments against enemies like Jabin and Sisera (Judges 4:23-24), and the Midianites (Judges 7:12, 24-25). He mentions Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, Midianite leaders who were captured and executed (Judges 8:3, 12).
By invoking these historical examples, Asaph reminds both himself and God of God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies. This is a powerful strategy in prayer: remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens our faith for the present and future. The enemies sought to seize God's pastures (Psalms 83:12), but Asaph knew that God would not allow them to succeed. It was pure foolishness to think they could take what belonged to the Lord.
A Prayer for Justice and Recognition (Psalms 83:13-18)
The psalm concludes with a plea for God to bring justice to these nations, using vivid imagery of nature: "Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind" (Psalms 83:13). Asaph asks that these attacking enemies be utterly destroyed and brought to shame (Psalms 83:15-17).
However, the ultimate purpose of this judgment isn't simply revenge. Asaph recognizes that God's judgment serves a greater purpose: leading people to acknowledge Him as the Most High over all the earth (Psalms 83:18). He prays that they would know that [God] alone is the Most High over the whole earth. The goal is not just defeat, but repentance and recognition of God's sovereignty.
Reflections for Today
Psalms 83 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Spiritual Warfare is Real: We must recognize that we are engaged in a spiritual battle against forces that seek to destroy us and undermine our faith.
- Prayer is Essential: We must cry out to God for protection and deliverance, trusting in His power and faithfulness.
- Remember God's Faithfulness: Recalling God's past victories strengthens our faith and gives us hope for the future.
- God's Justice is Redemptive: God's judgments are not arbitrary but serve to bring about justice and lead people to recognize His sovereignty.
While the language of imprecatory psalms can be jarring, we must remember that they express the raw emotions of those who are suffering under oppression. They remind us to take our struggles to God and to trust in His justice and mercy. Like Asaph, we can pray for God to intervene in our lives and in the world, knowing that He is the ultimate source of hope and deliverance.