O God, do not keep silent; do not hold Your peace; do not be still, O God. O GodThe invocation "O God" is a direct appeal to the divine, emphasizing the psalmist's urgent need for God's intervention. The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This term is often used to express the fullness of God's divine nature and His supreme authority over all creation. In the context of this psalm, it underscores the psalmist's recognition of God's sovereignty and his reliance on God's omnipotence to address the pressing threats faced by Israel. do not keep silent do not hold Your peace do not be still O God Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 83, Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. He is known for his deep and often prophetic psalms. 2. God The central figure in this verse, God is being implored by Asaph to take action and not remain silent in the face of adversity. 3. Enemies of Israel While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 83 involves a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, which is the underlying reason for Asaph's plea. 4. Israel The nation of Israel is the subject of the enemies' conspiracy, and Asaph's prayer is for God's intervention on behalf of His people. 5. The Tabernacle/Temple The place of worship where Asaph would have served, representing the presence of God among His people. Teaching Points The Urgency of PrayerAsaph's plea demonstrates the urgency and fervency that should characterize our prayers, especially in times of crisis. We are encouraged to approach God with boldness and persistence. Trust in God's Sovereignty Even when God seems silent, we must trust in His sovereignty and timing. Asaph's prayer is rooted in faith that God will ultimately act for His glory and the good of His people. The Power of Community Intercession Asaph's role as a leader in worship highlights the importance of communal prayer and intercession. We are called to stand together in prayer for our communities and nations. God's Faithfulness to His Covenant The plea for God not to be silent is a reminder of His covenant faithfulness. We can be assured that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Asaph's plea in Psalm 83:1 reflect the urgency and fervency we should have in our own prayer lives?2. In what ways can we trust in God's sovereignty when He seems silent in our personal circumstances? 3. How can we, as a community of believers, effectively intercede for our nation and the global church in times of crisis? 4. What are some examples from other scriptures where God responded to the cries of His people, and how can these examples encourage us today? 5. How does understanding God's covenant faithfulness help us remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers are delayed? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 28:1This verse also expresses a plea for God not to remain silent, highlighting a common theme of seeking divine intervention in times of distress. Isaiah 64:12 Similar to Psalm 83:1, this verse is a cry for God to act and not remain silent, reflecting the urgency and desperation in seeking God's presence and action. Habakkuk 1:2-4 The prophet Habakkuk questions God's silence in the face of injustice, paralleling Asaph's plea for God to not hold His peace.
People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Asaph, 83, Gt, Hold, Lips, Lt, O, Open, Peace, Psalm, Quiet, Rest, Silence, Silent, SongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:1 5950 silence Library Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation … Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down. Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). The Third Commandment Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 83:1 NIVPsalm 83:1 NLT Psalm 83:1 ESV Psalm 83:1 NASB Psalm 83:1 KJV Psalm 83:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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