14 As fire burneth a forest, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire,
Ye shall conceive dry grass, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath shall devour you [as] fire. And the peoples shall be [as] burnings of lime, [as] thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
Oh, that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, -- that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, -- as fire kindleth brushwood, as the fire causeth water to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations might tremble at thy presence!
and say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of Jehovah. Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flashing flame shall not be quenched; and all that it meets from the south to the north shall be burned thereby. And all flesh shall see that I Jehovah have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.
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Commentary on Psalms 83 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 83
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.