Psalms 83
BSB1 O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God. 2 See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. 3 With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, 4 saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more." 5 For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You— 6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, 7 of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. 8 Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah 9 Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, 10 who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God." 13 Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. 14 As fire consumes a forest, as a flame sets the mountains ablaze, 15 so pursue them with Your tempest, and terrify them with Your storm. 16 Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17 May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace. 18 May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.
Study Notes — Psalms 83
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 83
- Themes from Psalms 83
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 83
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 83 begins with a plea for God to act against the enemies of Israel, who are seeking to destroy them (Psalms 83:1-4). The psalmist lists the nations that are conspiring against Israel, including Edom, Moab, and Philistia (Psalms 83:5-8). He recalls how God defeated these nations in the past and asks Him to do so again (Psalms 83:9-12). The chapter concludes with a prayer for God's judgment on these enemies and a declaration of trust in His power to save (Psalms 83:13-18). The psalmist's desire is for God to be glorified and for His people to be protected.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 83 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes chapters 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty, providence, and glory. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a expression of Israel's trust in God's power to deliver them from their enemies, a theme that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's prayers and declarations of faith are also consistent with the broader biblical themes of trust, obedience, and worship.
Heart Application
As we read Psalms 83, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty. We are encouraged to pray for God's deliverance and to trust in His ability to save us from our enemies. We are also challenged to prioritize God's glory and reputation, recognizing Him as the Most High over all the earth.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 83 is a prayer for God's judgment on the enemies of Israel, who seek to destroy God's people. The psalmist trusts in God's power to deliver them and desires for God to be glorified. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and to prioritize His glory, as seen in verses like Psalms 83:1-4 and Psalms 83:18.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's trust in God is a powerful example for us today, reminding us that our God is able to deliver us from any challenge or enemy.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist's emphasis on God's glory highlights the importance of prioritizing God's reputation and worship in our lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: A plea for God's action (Psalms 83:1-4) — The psalmist begins by pleading for God to act against the enemies of Israel, who are seeking to destroy them.
- The enemies of Israel (Psalms 83:5-8) — The psalmist lists the nations that are conspiring against Israel, including Edom, Moab, and Philistia.
- Historical examples of God's deliverance (Psalms 83:9-12) — The psalmist recalls how God defeated the enemies of Israel in the past, using these examples to bolster his faith and inform his prayers.
- A prayer for God's judgment (Psalms 83:13-16) — The psalmist prays for God's judgment on the enemies of Israel, asking Him to defeat them and to glorify His name.
- Conclusion: A declaration of trust (Psalms 83:17-18) — The psalmist concludes by declaring his trust in God's power to deliver Him and by expressing his desire for God to be glorified.
Core Doctrines
- The sovereignty of God
- Psalms 83 emphasizes God's power and control over all the earth, highlighting His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.
- The importance of trust
- The psalmist's trust in God is a powerful example for us today, reminding us to prioritize faith and obedience in our lives.
- The glory of God
- The psalmist's emphasis on God's glory highlights the importance of prioritizing God's reputation and worship in our lives.
- The ultimate deliverance in Christ
- The chapter's theme of trust in God's deliverance is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer of God's people.
Lessons from Psalms 83
- The importance of prayer — Psalms 83 reminds us of the importance of prayer in our lives, particularly in times of trouble or uncertainty.
- The power of trust — The psalmist's trust in God is a powerful example for us today, reminding us to prioritize faith and obedience in our lives.
- The glory of God — The psalmist's emphasis on God's glory highlights the importance of prioritizing God's reputation and worship in our lives.
- The ultimate deliverance in Christ — The chapter's theme of trust in God's deliverance is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer of God's people.
- The importance of remembering God's past deliverances — The psalmist's recall of God's past deliverances is a powerful reminder for us to remember God's faithfulness in our lives.
Themes from Psalms 83
- Trust in God's power — The psalmist's trust in God's power to deliver Him is a central theme of the chapter, reminding us to prioritize faith and obedience in our lives.
- The importance of God's glory — The psalmist's emphasis on God's glory highlights the importance of prioritizing God's reputation and worship in our lives.
- The ultimate deliverance in Christ — The chapter's theme of trust in God's deliverance is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer of God's people.
- The power of prayer — Psalms 83 reminds us of the importance of prayer in our lives, particularly in times of trouble or uncertainty.
- The importance of remembering God's past deliverances — The psalmist's recall of God's past deliverances is a powerful reminder for us to remember God's faithfulness in our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that we can trust in God's power and sovereignty in our lives today?
- How can we prioritize God's glory and reputation in our daily lives?
- What are some historical examples of God's deliverance that we can recall to bolster our faith?
- How can we pray for God's judgment on our enemies, while also trusting in His sovereignty and power?
- What are some ways that we can declare our trust in God's power to deliver us, as the psalmist does in Psalms 83:18?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: A plea for God's action (Psalms 83:1-4)
| 83:1 | The psalmist begins by pleading for God to act against the enemies of Israel, who are seeking to destroy them. |
| 83:2 | The psalmist notes that these enemies are seeking to destroy God's people and to claim the land for themselves. |
| 83:3 | The psalmist asks God to hide not Himself, but to take action against these enemies. |
| 83:4 | The psalmist asks God to pursue and destroy these enemies, that they may know that God is the Lord. |
2. The enemies of Israel (Psalms 83:5-8)
| 83:5 | The psalmist lists the nations that are conspiring against Israel, including Edom, Moab, and Philistia. |
| 83:6 | The psalmist notes that these nations are seeking to destroy God's people and to claim the land for themselves. |
| 83:7 | The psalmist asks God to take action against these enemies, that they may know that God is the Lord. |
| 83:8 | The psalmist asks God to pursue and destroy these enemies, that they may know that God is the Lord. |
3. Historical examples of God's deliverance (Psalms 83:9-12)
| 83:9 | The psalmist recalls how God defeated the Midianites in the past, using Gideon and his army. |
| 83:10 | The psalmist notes that God defeated the Midianites and saved His people. |
| 83:11 | The psalmist asks God to do the same thing again, to defeat the enemies of Israel and to save His people. |
| 83:12 | The psalmist asks God to take action against these enemies, that they may know that God is the Lord. |
4. A prayer for God's judgment (Psalms 83:13-16)
| 83:13 | The psalmist prays for God's judgment on the enemies of Israel, asking Him to defeat them and to glorify His name. |
| 83:14 | The psalmist asks God to pursue and destroy these enemies, that they may know that God is the Lord. |
| 83:15 | The psalmist asks God to fill the faces of these enemies with shame, that they may seek His name. |
| 83:16 | The psalmist asks God to persecute them with Thy tempest, and make them afraid with Thy storm. |
5. Conclusion: A declaration of trust (Psalms 83:17-18)
| 83:17 | The psalmist declares his trust in God's power to deliver Him, asking God to let them be confounded and perish. |
| 83:18 | The psalmist concludes by declaring that God is the Most High over all the earth, and that His name is the Lord. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 83?
The main theme of Psalms 83 is the psalmist's trust in God's power to deliver Him from the enemies of Israel, as seen in verses like Psalms 83:1-4 and Psalms 83:18.
Who are the enemies of Israel in Psalms 83?
The enemies of Israel in Psalms 83 include Edom, Moab, and Philistia, as listed in Psalms 83:5-8.
What is the significance of the historical examples in Psalms 83?
The historical examples in Psalms 83, such as the defeat of the Midianites, serve to bolster the psalmist's faith and inform his prayers, as seen in Psalms 83:9-12.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:1 → Genesis 25:23 | The psalmist's plea for God to act against the enemies of Israel is reminiscent of God's promise to Jacob that his descendants would be a blessing to all nations. |
| 2 | Psalms 83:5 → Numbers 20:14-21 | The psalmist's list of enemies includes Edom, which is also mentioned in Numbers 20:14-21 as a nation that refused to allow the Israelites to pass through their land. |
| 3 | Psalms 83:9 → Judges 7:1-25 | The psalmist's recall of God's defeat of the Midianites is reminiscent of the story of Gideon and his army in Judges 7:1-25. |
| 4 | Psalms 83:13 → Exodus 15:1-21 | The psalmist's prayer for God's judgment on the enemies of Israel is reminiscent of the song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-21, which celebrates God's deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians. |
| 5 | Psalms 83:18 → Isaiah 2:10-22 | The psalmist's declaration that God is the Most High over all the earth is reminiscent of the prophecy in Isaiah 2:10-22, which declares that God will be exalted above all the earth. |
| 6 | Psalms 83:1 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The psalmist's plea for God to act against the enemies of Israel is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching on the final judgment, where He separates the sheep from the goats. |
| 7 | Psalms 83:5 → Revelation 20:7-10 | The psalmist's list of enemies includes nations that will be gathered against God's people in the end times, as described in Revelation 20:7-10. |
| 8 | Psalms 83:9 → Hebrews 11:32-34 | The psalmist's recall of God's defeat of the Midianites is reminiscent of the faith of Gideon, who is listed in Hebrews 11:32-34 as an example of faithfulness. |
| 9 | Psalms 83:13 → 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 | The psalmist's prayer for God's judgment on the enemies of Israel is reminiscent of the teaching on the final judgment in 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, where God will punish those who do not obey the gospel. |
| 10 | Psalms 83:18 → Revelation 19:1-10 | The psalmist's declaration that God is the Most High over all the earth is reminiscent of the worship of God in Revelation 19:1-10, where the saints sing praises to God for His victory over the beast and the false prophet. |
Sermons on Psalms 83
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a lite |
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Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |
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The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a |
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Signs of the Times by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of an ancient book of Psalms in Dublin, Ireland. The manuscript was found open to Psalm 83, which talks about God's enemies and |
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The Significance of Israel 1980 by Lance Lambert | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision from the book of Daniel in which a son of man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. The preacher then connec |
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Satan's Plan to Destroy God's Overcomers by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of knowing God amidst the chaos of competing voices and distractions in our lives. He urges believers to seek a deep, personal relationship |
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Of the Names of God. by John Gill | John Gill explores the significance of the names of God, emphasizing that understanding these names is essential for knowing God Himself. He explains that God's names reflect His n |
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The New Anti-Semitism by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the alarming rise of anti-Semitism, which he describes as 'the new anti-Semitism,' highlighting its resurgence in mainstream society, including universities and |
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On the World and Family by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou | Elder Ephraim delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of choosing the path of God and salvation, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual health over worldly pleasures. He hig |
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Psalm 83 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the power of faith in prayer, urging believers to approach the mercy-seat boldly and persistently, seeking God's intervention against His enemies. The enem |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 83
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 83 emphasizes the psalmist's trust in God's power to deliver Him from the enemies of Israel. Henry notes that the psalmist's prayers are not motivated by a desire for revenge, but rather by a desire to see God's glory and reputation upheld. Henry also highlights the significance of the historical examples in the chapter, which serve to bolster the psalmist's faith and inform his prayers. Ultimately, Henry sees the chapter as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, and of the importance of trusting in His power to deliver us from our enemies. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The psalmist's trust in God
The psalmist trusts in God's power to deliver His people, despite the threats of their enemies. This trust is evident in his prayers and declarations of faith.
The use of historical examples
The psalmist recalls how God defeated the enemies of Israel in the past, using these examples to bolster his faith and inform his prayers.
The emphasis on God's glory
The psalmist's desire is for God to be glorified and recognized as the Most High over all the earth, highlighting the importance of God's reputation and glory.