3 They take crafty counsel against thy people, and consult against thy hidden ones:
4 They say, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, and let the name of Israel be mentioned no more.
5 For they have consulted together with one heart: they have made an alliance together against thee.
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagarites;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia, with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Asshur also is joined with them: they are an arm to the sons of Lot. Selah.
9 Do unto them as to Midian; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the torrent of Kishon:
10 Who were destroyed at Endor; they became as dung for the ground.
11 Make their nobles as Oreb and as Zeeb; and all their chiefs as Zebah and as Zalmunna.
12 For they have said, Let us take to ourselves God's dwelling-places in possession.
13 O my God, make them like a whirling thing, like stubble before the wind.
14 As fire burneth a forest, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire,
15 So pursue them with thy tempest, and terrify them with thy whirlwind.
16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name, O Jehovah.
17 Let them be put to shame and be dismayed for ever, and let them be confounded and perish:
18 That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth.
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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.