PSALM 83
. Of Asaph—(See on , title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2 Chronicles 20:1;
2 Chronicles 20:2 (compare Psalms 47:1-9;
Psalms 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 Psalms 35:22; Psalms 39:12).
be not still—literally,
"not quiet," as opposed to action.
4. from being a nation—utter
destruction (Isaiah 7:8; Isaiah 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
(Psalms 78:67).
they—all these united
with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare Psalms 78:67).
12. The language of the
invaders.
houses—literally,
"residences," enclosures, as for flocks ().
of God—as the
proprietors of the land (2 Chronicles 20:11;
Isaiah 14:25).
14, 15. Pursue them to an utter
destruction.
PSALM 83
. Of Asaph—(See on , title). The historical occasion is probably that of 2 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Chronicles 20:2 (compare Psalms 47:1-9; Psalms 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 Psalms 35:22; Psalms 39:12).
be not still—literally, "not quiet," as opposed to action.
2. thine enemies—as well as ours (Psalms 74:23; Isaiah 37:23).
3. hidden ones—whom God specially protects (Psalms 27:5; Psalms 91:1).
4. from being a nation—utter destruction (Isaiah 7:8; Isaiah 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 (Psalms 78:67).
they—all these united with the children of Lot, or Ammonites and Moabites (compare Psalms 78:67).
9-11. Compare the similar fate of these (2 Chronicles 20:23) with that of the foes mentioned in Judges 7:22, here referred to. They destroyed one another (Judges 4:6-24; Judges 7:25). Human remains form manure (compare 2 Kings 9:37; Jeremiah 9:22).
12. The language of the invaders.
houses—literally, "residences," enclosures, as for flocks ().
of God—as the proprietors of the land (2 Chronicles 20:11; Isaiah 14:25).
13. like a wheel—or, whirling of any light thing (Isaiah 17:13), as stubble or chaff (Psalms 1:4).
14, 15. Pursue them to an utter destruction.
16. that they may seek—or as Psalms 83:18, supply "men," since Psalms 83:17; Psalms 83:18 amplify the sentiment of Psalms 83:16, expressing more fully the measure of destruction, and the lesson of God's being and perfections (compare Psalms 83:16) taught to all men.