With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, With cunningThe phrase "with cunning" in Psalm 83:3 suggests a deliberate and deceitful strategy. The Hebrew root word here is "עָרַם" (aram), which conveys the idea of being shrewd or crafty. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the subtlety of the serpent in Genesis 3:1. The historical context of this psalm reflects a time when Israel's enemies were plotting against them with calculated malice. This cunning nature of the adversaries serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where the enemy uses deception to undermine faith and righteousness. they scheme against Your people they conspire against those You cherish 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. God's People (Israel) The primary focus of the conspiracies mentioned in the verse, representing the nation of Israel, whom God has chosen and cherished. 3. Enemies of Israel The adversaries who plot against Israel, representing various nations and groups historically opposed to God's people. 4. The Cherished Ones Refers to the people of Israel, whom God holds dear and protects, highlighting their special covenant relationship with Him. 5. Cunning Schemes and Conspiracies The actions of Israel's enemies, characterized by deceit and strategic planning to harm God's people. Teaching Points God's Protection Over His PeopleDespite the cunning schemes of their enemies, God's people are under His divine protection. Believers today can trust in God's safeguarding presence in their lives. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare Just as Israel faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual adversaries. Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare encourages believers to remain vigilant and prayerful. The Importance of Community and Unity The conspiracies against Israel highlight the need for unity among God's people. In the church, unity strengthens believers against external threats. Trust in God's Sovereignty God's sovereignty assures us that no scheme against His people will ultimately succeed. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. Responding to Opposition with Faith When facing opposition, believers are called to respond with faith and reliance on God, rather than fear or retaliation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's enemies enhance our interpretation of Psalm 83:3?2. In what ways can believers today experience "cunning schemes" against them, and how should they respond? 3. How does the promise of God's protection in Genesis 12:3 apply to the church today? 4. What practical steps can Christians take to maintain unity within the church in the face of external opposition? 5. How can the assurance of God's sovereignty in Psalm 83:3 encourage believers in their personal spiritual battles? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants and curse those who curse them, highlighting the divine protection over Israel. Exodus 14:14 The assurance of God's deliverance for His people, emphasizing that God fights for Israel against their enemies. Romans 11:1-2 Paul's affirmation that God has not rejected His people, Israel, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant with them. Ephesians 6:11-12 The call for believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil, drawing a parallel to the spiritual battles faced by God's people.
People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Cherish, Cherished, Conspire, Consult, Consulted, Converse, Counsel, Crafty, Cunning, Designs, Hidden, Hold, Lay, Ones, Plans, Plot, Protected, Secret, Shrewd, Talking, Treasured, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:3 5817 conspiracies 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 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 83:3 NIVPsalm 83:3 NLT Psalm 83:3 ESV Psalm 83:3 NASB Psalm 83:3 KJV Psalm 83:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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