Ps 83:1-18.
Of Asaph--(See on
Ps 74:1,
title). The historical occasion is probably that of
2Ch 20:1, 2
(compare
Ps 47:1-9; 48:1-14).
After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies
are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and
speedy destruction on them is invoked.
1. God addressed as indifferent (compare
Ps 35:22; 39:12).
be not still--literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.
3. hidden ones--whom God specially protects
(Ps 27:5; 91:1).
4. from being a nation--utter destruction
(Isa 7:8; 23:1).
Israel--here used for Judah, having been the common name.
5. they have consulted--with heart, or cordially.
together--all alike.
6-8. tabernacles--for people
(Ps 78:67).
they--all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and
Moabites (compare
2Ch 20:1).
9-11. Compare the similar fate of these
(2Ch 20:23)
with that of the foes mentioned in
Jud 7:22,
here referred to. They destroyed one another
(Jud 4:6-24; 7:25).
Human remains form manure (compare
2Ki 9:37;
Jer 9:22).
12. The language of the invaders.
houses--literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks
(Ps 65:12).
of God--as the proprietors of the land
(2Ch 20:11;
Isa 14:25).
13. like a wheel--or, whirling of any light thing
(Isa 17:13),
as stubble or chaff
(Ps 1:4).
14, 15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16. that they may seek--or as
Ps 83:18,
supply "men," since
Ps 83:17, 18
amplify the sentiment of
Ps 83:16,
expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of
God's being and perfections (compare
2Ch 20:29)
taught to all men.
Psalm 83 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
Ps 83:1-18. Of Asaph--(See on Ps 74:1, title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2Ch 20:1, 2 (compare Ps 47:1-9; 48:1-14). After a general petition, the craft and rage of the combined enemies are described, God's former dealings recited, and a like summary and speedy destruction on them is invoked.
1. God addressed as indifferent (compare Ps 35:22; 39:12).
be not still--literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.
2. thine enemies--as well as ours (Ps 74:23; Isa 37:23).
3. hidden ones--whom God specially protects (Ps 27:5; 91:1).
4. from being a nation--utter destruction (Isa 7:8; 23:1).
Israel--here used for Judah, having been the common name.
5. they have consulted--with heart, or cordially.
together--all alike.
6-8. tabernacles--for people (Ps 78:67).
they--all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare 2Ch 20:1).
9-11. Compare the similar fate of these (2Ch 20:23) with that of the foes mentioned in Jud 7:22, here referred to. They destroyed one another (Jud 4:6-24; 7:25). Human remains form manure (compare 2Ki 9:37; Jer 9:22).
12. The language of the invaders.
houses--literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks (Ps 65:12).
of God--as the proprietors of the land (2Ch 20:11; Isa 14:25).
13. like a wheel--or, whirling of any light thing (Isa 17:13), as stubble or chaff (Ps 1:4).
14, 15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16. that they may seek--or as Ps 83:18, supply "men," since Ps 83:17, 18 amplify the sentiment of Ps 83:16, expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (compare 2Ch 20:29) taught to all men.