Psalms 83
Tap any highlighted word to open its Strong’s entry. Read this chapter with JFB commentary · Search the Bible
Old Testament
The Pentateuch
The Historical Books
The Wisdom Books
The Major Prophets
The Minor Prophets
New Testament
The Gospels
The Book of Acts
The Pauline Epistles
The General Epistles
The Book of Prophecy
1Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
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.
2For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
2. thine enemies--as well as ours (Psa 74:23; Is 37:23).
3They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
3. hidden ones--whom God specially protects (Psa 27:5; 91:1).
4They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
4. from being a nation--utter destruction (Is 7:8; 23:1).
Israel--here used for Judah, having been the common name.
5For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
5. they have consulted--with heart, or cordially.
together--all alike.
6The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
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).
7Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
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).
8Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
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).
9Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
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).
10Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.
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).
11Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
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).
12Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
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).
13O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
13. like a wheel--or, whirling of any light thing (Is 17:13), as stubble or chaff (Psa 1:4).
14As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
14-15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
15So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
14-15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
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.
17Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.