Psalm 83:5
For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You--
For with one mind
The phrase "For with one mind" suggests a unity of purpose and intent among the adversaries of Israel. The Hebrew root for "one mind" is "לֵב" (lev), which often refers to the heart or inner being, indicating a deep-seated agreement. Historically, this reflects the frequent coalitions formed by Israel's enemies, as seen in various biblical accounts where surrounding nations conspired against God's people. This unity against Israel is not just political but spiritual, as it opposes God's covenant and chosen people. The phrase calls believers to recognize the spiritual warfare that often manifests in earthly conflicts.

they have conspired together
The word "conspired" comes from the Hebrew "כָּשַׁר" (kashar), meaning to bind or tie together, often in secrecy. This implies a deliberate and covert plan to harm or destroy. In the biblical context, such conspiracies are seen as direct challenges to God's sovereignty and His plans for His people. Historically, Israel faced numerous conspiracies from neighboring nations, which were often motivated by fear, jealousy, or a desire for power. For Christians, this serves as a reminder of the spiritual conspiracies that exist against the Church and the need for vigilance and prayer.

against you
The phrase "against you" is significant as it shifts the focus from Israel to God Himself. The enemies' conspiracy is ultimately against God, as Israel is His chosen nation. This reflects the biblical principle that opposition to God's people is opposition to God. Theologically, this underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where any attack on Israel is seen as an affront to God. For believers, it is a reminder that their struggles are not just personal but are part of a larger spiritual battle against God’s purposes.

they form an alliance
The term "alliance" is derived from the Hebrew "בְּרִית" (berit), which means covenant or treaty. This indicates a formal agreement among the enemies to unite their forces against a common foe. In the ancient Near East, such alliances were common as smaller nations banded together to increase their strength against more powerful adversaries. Scripturally, this alliance is seen as futile against the divine protection over Israel. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the power of God's covenant and the ultimate futility of human plans against His will. It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asaph
The 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
The nation of God's chosen people, often the target of surrounding nations' hostility, as depicted in this psalm.

3. Enemies of Israel
The psalm refers to a coalition of nations plotting against Israel, representing historical and spiritual adversaries.

4. God
The ultimate target of the enemies' alliance, as their opposition to Israel is seen as opposition to God Himself.

5. Alliance
The coalition of nations that come together with a unified purpose to oppose God's people, symbolizing the broader spiritual battle against God's plans.
Teaching Points
Unity in Opposition
The enemies of God often unite in their opposition, reminding us of the importance of unity among believers in standing firm in faith.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical alliance against Israel reflects the spiritual battles believers face. We must be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the plots against His people, God remains sovereign. Trust in His ultimate plan and protection is crucial.

Prayer for Deliverance
Like Asaph, we should bring our concerns about opposition to God in prayer, seeking His intervention and deliverance.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The psalm encourages believers to remain faithful and steadfast, even when facing overwhelming opposition.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity of the enemies in Psalm 83:5 challenge us to foster unity within the body of Christ?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6:12 to the opposition described in Psalm 83:5?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the face of opposition provide comfort and assurance in our personal lives?

4. What practical steps can we take to remain faithful and steadfast when facing adversity, as encouraged by the message of Psalm 83?

5. How can the account of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 inspire our prayers and actions when we feel surrounded by challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:3
God's promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them, highlighting the spiritual significance of opposing God's people.

2 Chronicles 20
The account of Jehoshaphat facing a coalition of enemies, illustrating God's deliverance when His people are under threat.

Ephesians 6:12
The New Testament teaching on spiritual warfare, emphasizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
An Appeal to HeavenHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Mental Tendencies in Relation to GodHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Soul SpoilersS. Conway Psalm 83:1-18
What God is to His PeopleC. Short Psalm 83:1-18
Confederacy in Evil DesignsR. Tuck Psalm 83:3, 5
People
Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, Zeeb
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Accord, Agreement, Alliance, Confederate, Consent, Conspire, Conspired, Consulted, Covenant, Form, Heart, Joined, Mind, Plot, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 83:5

     1346   covenants, nature of
     5589   trap

Psalm 83:3-8

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Psalm 83:5-8

     5205   alliance
     5817   conspiracies

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. 500
In 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
I. Does the Virtue of Religion Direct a Man To God Alone? S. Augustine, sermon, cccxxxiv. 3 " on Psalm lxxvi. 32 sermon, cccxi. 14-15 II. Is Religion a Virtue? III. Is Religion One Virtue? IV. Is Religion a Special Virtue Distinct From Others? V. Is Religion One of the Theological Virtues? VI. Is Religion To Be Preferred To the Other Moral Virtues? VII. Has Religion, Or Latria, Any External Acts? S. Augustine, of Care for the Dead, V. VIII. Is Religion the Same As Sanctity? Cardinal Cajetan,
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
To Anastasius, Presbyter [1714] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. That a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things (Matth. xii. 35; Luke vi. 45), this thy Charity has shewn, both in thy habitual life and lately also in thy epistle; wherein I find two persons at issue with regard to virtues; that is to say, thyself contending for charity, and another for fear and humility. And, though occupied with many things, though ignorant of the Greek language, I have nevertheless sat
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Psalm 83:5 NIV
Psalm 83:5 NLT
Psalm 83:5 ESV
Psalm 83:5 NASB
Psalm 83:5 KJV

Psalm 83:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 83:4
Top of Page
Top of Page