1 A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. 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 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.
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.
Overview of Psalm 83
Psalm 83 is a communal lament that expresses the distress of the Israelites in the face of threats from neighboring nations. The psalmist calls upon God to intervene and protect His people from their enemies, invoking a sense of urgency and desperation. The chapter is characterized by its plea for divine assistance and the desire for God’s name to be glorified through the defeat of the adversaries.
Structure and Literary Features
The psalm can be divided into several distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose in the overall message.
- Verses 1-4: A Call for Help
In these opening verses, the psalmist directly addresses God, expressing a sense of urgency. The enemies are described as conspiring against Israel, and their intentions are made clear: they seek to destroy the nation and erase its identity.
- Verses 5-8: The Coalition of Enemies
The psalmist lists the nations that have formed an alliance against Israel. This section emphasizes the collective nature of the threat, highlighting the geographical and political context of the enemies.
- Verses 9-12: Historical Precedents
Here, the psalmist recalls past instances where God intervened on behalf of Israel against formidable foes. By invoking these memories, the psalmist seeks to remind God of His power and faithfulness.
- Verses 13-18: A Plea for Divine Action
The final verses express a fervent plea for God to act decisively against the enemies. The psalmist desires not only the defeat of the adversaries but also that God’s name be acknowledged and revered among the nations.
Thematic Analysis
Several key themes emerge from Psalm 83, reflecting the concerns and faith of the psalmist and the community.
- The Urgency of Prayer
The psalm begins with an urgent call for God to not remain silent or inactive. This reflects a deep sense of reliance on divine intervention in times of crisis.
- The Nature of Enmity
The psalmist portrays the enemies as not just individuals or nations but as a coalition with a unified purpose to destroy Israel. This highlights the seriousness of the threat faced by the community.
- Remembrance of God’s Power
By recalling past victories, the psalmist reinforces the belief that God is capable of delivering His people again. This theme serves to build faith and hope in the face of adversity.
- Desire for God’s Glory
The ultimate goal of the psalmist’s plea is that God’s name be known and revered among the nations. This reflects a desire for God’s glory to be revealed through His actions on behalf of His people.
Theological Implications
Psalm 83 raises several theological implications regarding the nature of God, His relationship with His people, and the concept of divine justice.
- The Sovereignty of God
The psalm affirms God’s sovereignty over nations and history. It suggests that God has the power to intervene and alter the course of events according to His will.
- The Role of Community
This psalm reflects the communal aspect of faith, emphasizing collective prayer and reliance on God. It underscores the importance of unity among believers in times of crisis.
- The Nature of Divine Justice
The psalmist’s plea for justice against the enemies raises questions about the nature of divine justice and the timing of God’s intervention. It reflects a longing for righteousness to prevail.
Conclusion
Psalm 83 serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the community of faith and the importance of turning to God in times of distress. Its themes of urgency, remembrance, and the desire for divine intervention resonate deeply within the broader narrative of the Psalms and the experience of the faithful. The psalm encourages believers to maintain hope and trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
