◄ Psalm 83 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
O God, Be Not Silent A song. A Psalm of Asaph. 1 O God, be not silent; be not speechless;a be not still, O God. 2See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. 3With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, 4saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” 5For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— 6the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, 7of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. 8Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah 9Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, 10who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. 11Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God.” 13Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. 14As fire consumes a forest, as a flame sets the mountains ablaze, 15so pursue them with Your tempest, and terrify them with Your storm. 16Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace. 18May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth. Footnotes: 1 a Or deaf Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 83 Summary O God, Be Not Silent Verses 1–2 – A Cry for God’s Attention The psalmist pleads with God not to remain silent while Israel faces roaring, hate-filled foes who plot against His people. Verses 3–8 – The Alliance of Enemies A detailed roll call lists ten nations conspiring together—Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—whose unified goal is to “wipe them out as a nation.” Verses 9–12 – Historical Plea for God’s Judgment The writer recalls earlier victories—Midian, Sisera, Jabin, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna—to ask God to repeat those decisive acts and humble present enemies. Verses 13–18 – Desire for God’s Vindication and Universal Recognition He asks that God chase, terrify, and consume the foes so that all will “seek Your name,” culminating in the confession that the LORD alone is “Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83, a powerful supplication composed by Asaph, portrays a picture of Israel besieged by multiple enemies who conspire for its destruction. The Psalmist implores God's intervention against these adversaries, emphasizing the Divine power that once devastated former foes. He pleads not only for their defeat but also for a revelation of God's supremacy to the whole world. Authorship and Setting • Superscription names Asaph (or his guild) as author. Asaphite psalms often emphasize God’s rule over nations (Psalm 74; 79). • Most scholars place the event during the monarchy, possibly King Jehoshaphat’s era (2 Chronicles 20) when Moabites, Ammonites, and others formed a coalition. The named nations match that episode closely. • The urgent language (“Do not keep silent”) suggests real-time crisis worship—likely sung in the temple courts as intercession while armies gathered. Historical Enemy Coalition 1. Edom—descendants of Esau, perpetual rivals (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah). 2. Ishmaelites—Arabian tribes from Ishmael, associated with Kedar (Genesis 25:13). 3. Moab and Ammon—Lot’s descendants, east of Jordan (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19). 4. Hagrites—nomadic group east of Gilead (1 Chronicles 5:10). 5. Gebal (Byblos) and Tyre—Phoenician coastal cities allied by trade (Ezekiel 27:9). 6. Amalek—desert raiders (Exodus 17:8-16). 7. Philistia—coastal confederacy, frequent enemy (1 Samuel 17). 8. Assyria—rising superpower lending muscle (2 Kings 15), listed last for emphasis. The psalmist shows that Israel’s enemies, often divided, can unite when opposing God’s covenant people—an enduring biblical pattern (Luke 23:12). Purpose and Message • Highlight God’s reputation: “They conspire against You” (v. 5). Hurting Israel equals insulting God (Zechariah 2:8). • Remind God (and worshipers) of past deliverances, bolstering faith for the present. • Seek judgment not merely for revenge but so nations may “know that You alone…are the Most High” (v. 18). Israel’s rescue is missionary in effect (Psalm 67:1-2). Connections to Other Scriptures • Divine silence vs. action: compare Isaiah 42:13-14; Revelation 8:1-5. • Enemy coalitions: Psalm 2 previews Gentile rage fulfilled in Acts 4:25-27. • Reuse of Judges stories: Judges 7–8 (Midian), 4–5 (Sisera) illustrate how God uses unlikely means—trumpets, torches, hail—to overturn odds, paralleling Jehoshaphat’s choir victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). • Final recognition of God: echoes Exodus 9:16; Philippians 2:10-11—universal bowing to the LORD. Prophetic Echoes and Applications • Some see foreshadowing of end-time coalitions against Israel (Zechariah 12; Ezekiel 38). Regardless of timing, the psalm affirms God’s ongoing protection. • The appeal that foes “seek Your name” (v. 16) shows God’s heart for repentance even amid judgment (2 Peter 3:9). Archaeological Insights • Moabite Stone (Mesha Stele, 9th century BC) describes Moab’s conflicts with Israel, validating Moabite hostility. • Assyrian records (Kurkh Monolith, Black Obelisk) show Assyria’s involvement in Levantine coalitions, matching the psalm’s Assyrian support role. • Excavations at Tel-Ziklag and Ashkelon underscore Philistine urban strength, explaining their inclusion despite distance. Literary Features • Imprecatory tone: vivid verbs—roar, conspire, wipe out—build urgency. • Chiastic structure: opening plea (vv. 1-2) mirrors closing purpose (vv. 17-18). • Rapid-fire enemy list resembles a drumbeat, heightening dread yet affirming God’s greater power. Lessons for Today • Pray honestly—God invites bold requests when His name and people are threatened. • Remember testimonies—rehearsing past victories fuels present trust. • Seek God’s fame above personal safety—ultimate aim is global recognition of the LORD. • Unity can be used for evil; believers should unite for righteous causes (John 17:21). • God’s silence is never absence; the psalm assures He will act in His time. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 The account of Jehoshaphat facing a similar coalition of enemies and seeking God's help, resulting in a miraculous victory. Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? This New Testament assurance echoes the confidence in God's protection found in Psalm 83. Ephesians 6:10-18 The armor of God passage, reminding believers of the spiritual battle and the divine resources available to them. Teaching Points The Urgency of the Plea The psalm begins with an urgent call for God not to remain silent or still. O God, do not keep silent; do not hold Your peace; do not be still, O God (Psalm 83:1). This reflects the desperation and immediacy of the situation faced by Israel. The Coalition of Enemies Verses 2-8 detail a formidable alliance of nations conspiring against Israel. This coalition includes Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and others, symbolizing a comprehensive threat. This illustrates the reality of spiritual and physical opposition believers may face. The Call for Divine Justice The psalmist appeals to God to act as He did in past victories, such as those over Midian and Sisera (verses 9-12). This highlights the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as a foundation for present trust. The Desire for God's Glory Ultimately, the psalmist's plea is not just for deliverance but for God's name to be glorified. Let them know that You, whose name is the LORD, are alone the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18). This underscores the ultimate purpose of God's intervention. Practical Applications Trust in God's Timing Just as the psalmist waited on God amidst threats, we are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing and sovereignty in our own struggles. Pray for Deliverance Like the psalmist, we should not hesitate to bring our fears and challenges before God, asking for His intervention and protection. Remember God's Faithfulness Reflect on past instances where God has delivered you or others, using these memories to bolster your faith in current trials. Seek God's Glory In our prayers for deliverance, let us also seek that God's name be glorified through the resolution of our challenges. People 1. Edomites Descendants of Esau, often seen as long-standing adversaries of Israel. The Edomites are frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as enemies of the Israelites. 2. Ishmaelites Descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. They are traditionally considered to be the ancestors of various Arab tribes. 3. Moabites Descendants of Moab, the son of Lot. The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel throughout biblical history. 4. Hagrites A group associated with the Ishmaelites, possibly named after Hagar, Ishmael's mother. They are mentioned in the context of being adversaries of Israel. 5. Gebal Likely referring to a region or people near the Phoenician coast, possibly associated with the city of Byblos. 6. Ammonites Descendants of Ammon, another son of Lot. Like the Moabites, they were frequently in conflict with Israel. 7. Amalekites A nomadic tribe often depicted as perennial enemies of Israel. They are descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. 8. Philistines A well-known group of people who lived in the coastal regions of Canaan and were frequent adversaries of the Israelites. 9. People of Tyre Referring to the inhabitants of the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, known for its wealth and trade. 10. Assyria A major Mesopotamian kingdom and empire, often seen as a significant threat to Israel and Judah during the biblical period. Places 1. Edom This refers to the descendants of Esau, located to the southeast of Israel. The Edomites were often in conflict with the Israelites. 2. Ishmaelites Descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. They are traditionally associated with various nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. 3. Moab Located east of the Dead Sea, the Moabites were descendants of Lot and often had hostile interactions with Israel. 4. Hagrites A group possibly linked to the descendants of Hagar, often associated with nomadic tribes in the region of Transjordan. 5. Gebal Likely referring to a region or people in the area of Byblos, in modern-day Lebanon. 6. Ammon Descendants of Lot, the Ammonites lived east of the Jordan River and were frequently in conflict with Israel. 7. Amalek A nomadic tribe often seen as perennial enemies of Israel, traditionally located in the Negev desert. 8. Philistia The land of the Philistines, located on the southwestern coast of Canaan, known for their conflicts with the Israelites. 9. Tyre A prominent city-state in ancient Phoenicia, located in modern-day Lebanon, known for its trade and maritime power. 10. Assyria A major Mesopotamian empire known for its military might and conquests, which eventually conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Events 1. Enemies Conspire Against God’s People The psalm begins with a call for God not to remain silent as enemies make an uproar and those who hate God lift their heads (Psalm 83:1-2). The Hebrew word for "uproar" (הָמוּ) suggests a tumultuous or noisy gathering. 2. Crafty Plotting Against Israel The psalmist describes how these enemies devise cunning plans against God’s treasured ones, seeking to destroy them as a nation (Psalm 83:3-4). The Hebrew term for "crafty" (עָרַם) implies deceitful or shrewd planning. 3. List of Conspiring Nations A list of nations and groups conspiring against Israel is provided, including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, and Tyre, with Assyria also joining them (Psalm 83:6-8). These names reflect historical enemies of Israel. 4. Call for Divine Intervention The psalmist calls upon God to deal with these enemies as He did with Midian, Sisera, and Jabin at the river Kishon, referencing past victories where God intervened on behalf of Israel (Psalm 83:9-11). 5. Prayer for Enemies’ Defeat The psalmist prays for the enemies to be made like tumbleweed and chaff before the wind, seeking their complete defeat and disgrace (Psalm 83:13-17). The imagery of "tumbleweed" (גַּלְגַּל) and "chaff" (קַשׁ) signifies worthlessness and dispersion. 6. Desire for God’s Glory The ultimate desire expressed is that these events lead to the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, that they may know that God alone is the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18). The Hebrew term for "Most High" (עֶלְיוֹן) emphasizes God’s supreme authority. Lessons from Psalm 83 1. Recognize the Reality of Opposition Psalm 83 opens with a vivid depiction of enemies conspiring against God's people. This reminds us that opposition is a reality in the life of believers. "For behold, Your enemies rage, and those who hate You have lifted up their heads" (Psalm 83:2). Understanding this helps us stay vigilant and prayerful, knowing that our strength comes from the Lord. 2. Seek God's Intervention The psalmist urgently calls on God to act, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine intervention in times of trouble. "Do not keep silent, O God; do not hold Your peace; do not be still, O God" (Psalm 83:1). This teaches us to turn to God first, trusting in His power and timing to deliver us from our adversaries. 3. Unity in Prayer The enemies in Psalm 83 are united in their purpose against Israel, which highlights the power of unity. As believers, we are called to unite in prayer and purpose, standing together in faith. "They have conspired with one accord; they form an alliance against You" (Psalm 83:5). Let this inspire us to gather in prayer, knowing that where two or three are gathered, God is present. 4. Remember God's Past Victories The psalmist recalls past victories where God defeated Israel's enemies, encouraging us to remember God's faithfulness. "Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon" (Psalm 83:9). Reflecting on God's past deliverance strengthens our faith and reassures us of His continued presence and power. 5. Trust in God's Justice Psalm 83 emphasizes that God is just and will ultimately judge the wicked. "Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind" (Psalm 83:13). Trusting in God's justice allows us to release our burdens and focus on living righteously, knowing that He will set all things right in His perfect time. 6. The Power of God's Name The psalmist desires that God's name be glorified through His actions. "Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD" (Psalm 83:16). This teaches us the importance of living in a way that honors God's name, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. 7. God's Sovereignty Over Nations Psalm 83 reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and their leaders. "Let them know that You, whose name is the LORD, are alone the Most High over all the earth" (Psalm 83:18). This assurance allows us to rest in His control, even when the world seems chaotic. 8. The Call to Humility The psalmist's plea for enemies to be humbled serves as a reminder of the importance of humility. "So pursue them with Your tempest, and terrify them with Your storm" (Psalm 83:15). We are called to humble ourselves before God, recognizing our dependence on Him for strength and guidance. 9. The Importance of Seeking God The ultimate goal of the psalmist's prayer is that people would seek God. "May they ever be ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace" (Psalm 83:17). This underscores the importance of seeking God earnestly, knowing that true peace and purpose are found in Him alone. 10. Assurance of God's Ultimate Victory Psalm 83 concludes with confidence in God's ultimate victory. This assurance fuels our hope and perseverance. "Let them know that You, whose name is the LORD, are alone the Most High over all the earth" (Psalm 83:18). As believers, we can live boldly, knowing that God reigns supreme and His plans will prevail. Topics 1. Plea for God's Attention (Verses 1-2) The psalmist urgently calls upon God not to remain silent or inactive. The Hebrew root "אַל־תִּדְמִי" (al-tidmi) emphasizes the plea for God not to be still or silent. 2. Description of the Enemy's Conspiracy (Verses 3-5) The psalmist describes how the enemies make cunning plans against God's people, seeking to destroy them as a nation. The Hebrew word "סוֹד" (sod) refers to a secret or conspiratorial plan. 3. Identification of the Enemy Nations (Verses 6-8) A list of nations and groups that have formed an alliance against Israel is provided, including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and others. This highlights the widespread nature of the threat. 4. Historical Examples of God's Deliverance (Verses 9-12) The psalmist recalls past victories where God defeated Israel's enemies, such as Midian and Sisera. This serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness. 5. Prayer for Divine Retribution (Verses 13-15) The psalmist prays for God to deal with the enemies as He did in the past, using metaphors like chaff before the wind and fire consuming the forest, emphasizing total destruction. 6. Purpose of God's Intervention (Verses 16-18) The ultimate goal of the psalmist's prayer is that the enemies would seek God's name and acknowledge His sovereignty. The Hebrew root "יָדַע" (yada) implies a deep, experiential knowledge of God. Themes 1. Plea for God's Intervention The psalmist urgently calls upon God to not remain silent or inactive in the face of the enemies' schemes. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "אַל־תִּדְמִי" (al-tidmi), meaning "do not be silent" (Psalm 83:1). The plea reflects a deep reliance on God's active presence and intervention. 2. Conspiracy of Nations Against Israel The psalm describes a coalition of nations plotting against God's people, Israel. This theme is highlighted by the listing of various enemies, emphasizing the widespread nature of the threat (Psalm 83:5-8). The Hebrew term "סוֹד" (sod), meaning "council" or "conspiracy," underscores the deliberate and secretive nature of their plans. 3. Desire for God's Vindication The psalmist seeks God's judgment upon the enemies, desiring that they be confounded and put to shame. This theme is expressed through the call for God to act as He did in past victories (Psalm 83:9-12). The Hebrew root "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), meaning "to be ashamed," is central to this theme, reflecting a desire for the enemies' humiliation. 4. Recognition of God's Sovereignty The ultimate goal of the psalmist's plea is that the nations may know that God alone is the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18). This theme is rooted in the Hebrew name "עֶלְיוֹן" (Elyon), meaning "Most High," which emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all creation. 5. Call for Divine Retribution The psalmist requests that God pursue the enemies with His tempest and terrify them with His storm (Psalm 83:15). This theme reflects a desire for divine retribution, using natural imagery to convey the overwhelming power of God's judgment. The Hebrew word "סוּפָה" (suphah), meaning "storm," illustrates the intensity of the divine response sought by the psalmist. Prayer Points Pray for God's intervention in situations where you feel surrounded by challenges or adversaries. Ask for the strength to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when He seems silent. Seek to glorify God in all circumstances, praying that His name would be exalted through your life and testimony. Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist spiritual opposition, using the full armor of God. As we study Psalm 83, may we be encouraged to bring our battles before the Lord, trusting in His power and seeking His glory above all. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does the historical or archaeological record confirm that the nations listed in Psalm 83:6–8 ever formed a united conspiracy against Israel? 2. How do we reconcile Psalm 83:4’s call to wipe out Israel with God’s promises of protection in other passages like Genesis 12:3? 3. Is there evidence that the events implied in Psalm 83 happened literally, or is this purely poetic hyperbole without historical basis? 4. Why does Psalm 83:1 depict God as silent in the face of a dire threat, despite other scriptures portraying Him as actively intervening? 5. Do the names and alliances in Psalm 83:6–8 reflect actual historical groups, or might they be anachronistic or symbolic references? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why does the Psalmist ask God not to remain silent in the face of adversity? 2. How can Psalm 83 help us understand God's character during times of adversity? 3. How does the unity of Israel's enemies in this Psalm reflect the challenges that believers face today? 4. What parallels can you draw between the nations listed in Psalm 83 and spiritual battles you face in your life? 5. How does the Psalmist use historical events to bolster his prayers for deliverance? 6. In what ways does this Psalm illustrate the sovereignty of God? 7. Why does the Psalmist ask for the enemies to be shamed and dismayed rather than simply defeated? 8. How does the prayer for the enemies to know God's name relate to the New Testament command to love our enemies? 9. What does Psalm 83 teach us about handling situations when it feels like the world is against us? 10. How does the Psalmist's affirmation of faith in verse 18 inspire you in your walk with God? 11. Why is it important to remember God's past deliverance when facing current adversities? 12. How can you apply the plea for God's intervention in Psalm 83 to your personal prayer life? 13. How does Psalm 83 challenge our response to those who oppose or persecute us? 14. What is the significance of Asaph not taking matters into his own hands, but instead calling upon God's intervention? 15. How does Psalm 83 speak to God's justice in the face of evil? 16. How can you cultivate the faith demonstrated by the Psalmist in your daily life, especially in trying times? 17. How can this Psalm help believers to pray for nations in conflict today? 18. How can you utilize Psalm 83's themes of divine justice and God's sovereignty in your personal devotions or ministry? 19. How can Psalm 83 provide comfort or assurance to someone feeling overwhelmed by life's battles? 20. How does the Psalmist's focus on God's glory and name above all things challenge your perspective on God's purpose in your trials? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions