Psalms 83 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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.