so pursue them with Your tempest, and terrify them with Your storm. so pursue themThe phrase "so pursue them" is a call for divine action against the enemies of God’s people. The Hebrew root for "pursue" is "רדף" (radaph), which conveys the idea of chasing or hunting down with intent. This word is often used in the context of warfare or divine retribution. Historically, the Israelites frequently faced threats from surrounding nations, and this plea reflects a desire for God to actively engage in their defense. The pursuit is not merely physical but also spiritual, indicating a divine intervention that seeks to bring justice and righteousness. with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 83, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court, known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms. 2. Israel's Enemies The psalm is a plea for God to act against the nations conspiring against Israel. These enemies are not named in this specific verse but are detailed earlier in the psalm. 3. God's Intervention The event described is a divine intervention where God is called upon to pursue and terrify Israel's enemies with natural forces, symbolizing His power and judgment. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NatureGod is sovereign and can use the forces of nature to accomplish His purposes. This should remind us of His ultimate control over all creation. Divine Justice The psalmist's plea for God to pursue and terrify the enemies highlights the theme of divine justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose His people. Prayer for Deliverance Asaph's prayer is an example of calling upon God in times of distress. We are encouraged to bring our struggles and adversaries before God, trusting in His power to deliver. Fear of the Lord The imagery of a tempest and storm serves as a reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Recognizing God's power should lead us to reverence and awe. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a tempest and storm in Psalm 83:15 enhance our understanding of God's power and might?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty over nature in our own lives today? 3. How does the theme of divine justice in Psalm 83:15 provide comfort to believers facing opposition? 4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate prayers for deliverance into our daily spiritual practices? 5. How can the fear of the Lord, as depicted in this verse, influence our relationship with God and our approach to life's challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14:21-31The parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army is a historical example of God using natural forces to protect Israel and defeat their enemies. Isaiah 29:6 This verse speaks of the Lord visiting with thunder, earthquake, and great noise, similar to the tempest and storm imagery in Psalm 83:15, emphasizing God's power over nature. Nahum 1:3 This verse describes the Lord's way in the whirlwind and storm, reinforcing the theme of God's control over natural elements as instruments of His will.
People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Affright, Afraid, Fear, Full, Hurricane, Persecute, Pursue, Storm, Strong, Tempest, Terrify, Troublest, Whirlwind, WindDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:15Library 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 83:15 NIVPsalm 83:15 NLT Psalm 83:15 ESV Psalm 83:15 NASB Psalm 83:15 KJV Psalm 83:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |