PSALM 83

Ps 83:1-18. Of Asaph-(See on [615]Ps 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2Ch 20:1, 2 (compare Ps 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 Ps 35:22; 39:12).

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

2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

2. thine enemies-as well as ours (Ps 74:23; Isa 37:23).

3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

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

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.

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

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

5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:

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

together-all alike.

6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

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

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

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:

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; Jer 9:22).

10 Which perished at Endor: 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.

12. The language of the invaders.

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

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

13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.

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

14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

14, 15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.

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.

16. that they may seek-or as Ps 83:18, supply "men," since Ps 83:17, 18 amplify the sentiment of Ps 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.

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.