Psalms 83
DOYLYPsalms 83:5
- They know not, &c.] They will not study the laws of God, but are blinded by bribes; so that the very foundations of the kingdom, which are truth and justice, are utterly shaken and confounded. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 83:6
-
I have said, Ye are gods;] I have given you my authority, and even put my name upon you, John x. 34, 35. Bp. Wilson.
-
The tabernacles &c.] The Edomites and Ishmaelites, who dwell in tents, are engaged in this enterprise, and so are the Moabites, and others descended from Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 83:7
-
— and fall like &c.] And ye shall fall, O ye princes, like any other man. Gataker, Rosenmuller, Dimock.
-
Gebal.] Some place Gebal in Phenicia near Tyre; and others in the mountainous country beyond Jordan. Rosenmuller.
Psalms 83:8
- — judge the earth: &c.] Vindicate mankind from these impious judges, for Thou hast the rightful dominion over all nations. Travell.
All magistrates should derive from this Psalm the instruction, that it is their duty to do right to all, without respect of persons, and especially to protect the weak and innocent when oppressed. To this end, they should remember that, although they are now placed above others, yet they must die one day like the rest of mankind, and must then appear before the one Supreme Judge, to give an account of all that they have done. Ostervald.
Psalm LXXXIII. Several of the neighbouring nations being gathered together to make war against the Israelites, the Prophet entreats the Lord in this Psalm, to destroy those nations, as He had formerly destroyed the kings that assaulted their forefathers. Green.
Ver. 3. — against thy hidden ones.] Hebrew, “against thy treasured ones,” that is, against those whom Thou hidest in the secret place of thy tabernacle; or, in more
- Assur] The Assyrians. Dr. Wells.
This determines the date of this Psalm to the latter times of the Jewish kingdom; for the other nations here mentioned had molested them before; but the Assyrians not till towards the end. Dr. Wall.
Psalms 83:12
- — the houses of God] That land wherein God was pleased to dwell among the Israelites. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 83:13
- — like a wheel;] Rather, like the chaff whirled about. See Isa. xvii. 13. Bp. Louth, Abp. Secker.
Psalms 83:14
14, 15. As the fire &c.] Let their destruction be as sudden and violent, as the effect of lightning on the trees of the forest; or as the devouring flame on the parched grass that grows on the mountains. Travell.
The punishments inflicted by Heaven upon wicked men are primarily intended to humble and convert them. If they continue incorrigible under every dispensation of merciful severity, they are at last cut off, and finally destroyed; that others, admonished by their example, may repent, and return, and give glory to God. Salutary are the afflictions which bring men, and happy the men who are brought by them, to an acknowledgment of “Jehovah our righteousness,” our exalted and glorified Redeemer, “The Most High over all the