TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 83 verses 1–8
The Israel of God were now in danger, and fear, and great distress, and yet their prayer is called, A song or psalm; for singing psalms is not unseasonable, no, not when the harps are hung upon the willow-trees.
I. The psalmist here begs of God to appear on the behalf of his injured threatened people (Psa 83:1): "Keep not thou silence, O God! but give judgment for us against those that do us an apparent wrong." Thus Jehoshaphat prayed upon occasion of that invasion (Ch2 20:11), Behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession. Sometimes God seems to connive at the unjust treatment which is given to his people; he keeps silence, as one that either did not observe it or did not concern himself in it; he holds his peace, as if he would observe an exact neutrality, and let them fight it out; he is still, and gives not the enemies of his people any disturbance or opposition, but seems to sit by as a man astonished, or as a mighty man that cannot save. Then he gives us leave to call upon him, as here, "Keep not thou silence, O God! Lord, speak to us by the prophets for our encouragement against our fears" (as he did in reference to that invasion, Ch2 20:14, etc.); "Lord, speak for us by the providence and speak against our enemies; speak deliverance to us and disappointment to them." God's speaking is his acting; for with him saying and doing are the same thing.
II. He here gives an account of the grand alliance of the neighbouring nations against Israel, which he begs of God to break, and blast the projects of. Now observe here,
1.Against whom this confederacy is formed; it is against the Israel of God, and so, in effect, against the God of Israel. Thus the psalmist takes care to interest God in their cause, not doubting but that, if it appeared that they were for God, God would make it to appear that he was for them, and then they might set all their enemies at defiance; for whom then could be against them? "Lord," says he, "they are thy enemies, and they hate thee." All wicked people are God's enemies (the carnal mind is enmity against God), but especially wicked persecutors; they hated the religious worshippers of God, because they hated God's holy religion and the worship of him. This was that which made God's people so zealous against them - that they fought against God: They are confederate against thee, Psa 83:5. Were our interest only concerned, we could the better bear it; but, when God himself is struck at, it is time to cry, Help, Lord. Keep not thou silence, O God! He proves that they are confederate against God, for they are so against the people of God, who are near and dear to him, his son, his first-born, his portion, and the lot of his inheritance; he may truly be said to fight against me that endeavours to destroy my children, to root out my family, and to ruin my estate. "Lord," says the psalmist, "they are thy enemies, for they consult against thy hidden ones." Note, God's people are his hidden ones, hidden, (1.) In respect of secresy. Their life is hid with Christ in God; the world knows them not; if they knew them, they would not hate them as they do. (2.) In respect of safety. God takes them under his special protection, hides them in the hollow of his hand; and yet, in defiance of God and his power and promise to secure his people, they will consult to ruin them and cast them down from their excellency (Psa 62:4), and to make a prey of those whom the Lord has set apart for himself, Psa 4:3. They resolve to destroy those whom God resolves to preserve.
2.How this confederacy is managed. The devil is at the bottom of it, and therefore it is carried on, (1.) With a great deal of heat and violence: Thy enemies make a tumult, Psa 83:2. The heathen rage, Psa 2:1. The nations are angry, Rev 11:18. They are noisy in their clamours against the people whom they hope to run down with their loud calumnies. This comes in as a reason why God should not keep silence: "The enemies talk big and talk much; Lord, let them not talk all, but do thou speak to them in thy wrath," Psa 2:5. (2.) With a great deal of pride and insolence: They have lifted up the head. In confidence of their success, they are so elevated as if they could over-top the Most High and overpower the Almighty. (3.) With a great deal of art and policy: They have taken crafty counsel, Psa 83:3. The subtlety of the old serpent appears in their management, and they contrive by all possible means, though ever so base, ever so bad, to gain their point. They areprofound to make slaughter (Hos 5:2), as if they could outwit Infinite Wisdom. (4.) With a great deal of unanimity. Whatever separate clashing interest they have among themselves, against the people of God they consult with one consent (Psa 83:5), nor is Satan's kingdom divided against itself. To push on this unholy war, they lay their heads together, and their horns, and their hearts too. Fas est et ab hoste doceri - Even an enemy may instruct. Do the enemies of the church act with one consent to destroy it? Are the kings of the earth of one mind to give their power and honour to the beast? And shall not the church's friends be unanimous in serving her interests? If Herod and Pilate are made friends, that they may join in crucifying Christ, surely Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Peter, will soon be made friends, that they may join in preaching Christ.
3.What it is that is aimed at in this confederacy. They consult not like the Gibeonites to make a league with Israel, that they might strengthen themselves by such a desirable alliance, which would have been their wisdom. They consult, not only to clip the wings of Israel, to recover their new conquests, and check the progress of their victorious arms, not only to keep the balance even between them and Israel, and to prevent their power from growing exorbitant; this will not serve. It is no less than the utter ruin and extirpation of Israel that they design (Psa 83:4): "Come, let us cut them off from being a nation, as they cut off the seven nations of Canaan; let us leave them neither root nor branch, but lay their country so perfectly waste that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance, no, not in history;" for with them they would destroy their Bibles and burn all their records. Such is the enmity of the serpent's seed against the seed of the woman. It is the secret wish of many wicked men that the church of God might not have a being in the world, that there might be no such thing as religion among mankind. Having banished the sense of it out of their own hearts, they would gladly see the whole earth as well rid of it, all its laws and ordinances abolished, all its restraints and obligations shaken off, and all that preach, profess, or practise it cut off. This they would bring it to if it were in their power; but he that sits in heaven shall laugh at them.
4.Who they are that are drawn into this confederacy. The nations that entered into this alliance are here mentioned (Psa 83:6-8); the Edomites and Ishmaelites, both descendants from Abraham, lead the van; for apostates from the church have been its most bitter and spiteful enemies, witness Julian. These were allied to Israel in blood and yet in alliance against Israel. There are no bonds of nature so strong but the spirit of persecution has broken through them. The brother shall betray the brother to death. Moab and Ammon were the children of righteous Lot; but, as an incestuous, so a degenerate race. The Philistines were long a thorn in Israel's side, and very vexatious. How the inhabitants of Tyre, who in David's time were Israel's firm allies, come in among their enemies, I know not; but that Assur (that is, the Assyrian) also is joined with them is not strange, or that (as the word is) they were an arm to the children of Lot. See how numerous the enemies of God's church have always been. Lord, how are those increased that trouble it! God's heritage was as a speckled bird; all the birds round about were against her (Jer 12:9), which highly magnifies the power of God in preserving to himself a church in the world, in spite of the combined force of earth and hell.
"They have said, Come, and let us destroy them from a nation" [Psalm 83:4]. He has put the singular number for the plural: as it is said, "Whose is this cattle," even though the question be of a flock, and the meaning "these cattle." Lastly, other copies have "from nations," where the translators have rather followed the sense than the word. "Come, and let us destroy them from a nation." This is that sound whereby they "sounded" rather than spoke, since they did vainly make a noise with vain sayings. "And let it not be mentioned of the name of Israel any more." This others have expressed more plainly, "and let there not be remembrance of the name of Israel any more." Since, "let it be mentioned of the name" (memoretur nominis), is an unusual phrase in the Latin language; for it is rather customary to say, "let the name be mentioned" (memoretur nomen); but the sense is the same. For he who said, "let it be mentioned of the name," translated the Greek phrase. But Israel must here be understood in fact of the seed of Abraham, to which the Apostle says, "Therefore you are the seed of Abraham, according to the promise heirs." [Galatians 3:29] Not Israel according to the flesh, of which he says, "Behold Israel after the flesh."
When Leontius perceived this, he did not think it safe to try to prevent them, for he saw that the people were exceedingly well-disposed toward these excellent men. However, speaking in a courteous manner, he requested that they would perform this act of worship [antiphonal singing] in the churches. They were perfectly well aware of his evil intent. Nevertheless they set about obeying his request and readily summoned their choir to the church, exhorting them to sing praises to the good Lord. Nothing, however, could induce Leontius to correct his wickedness, but he put on the mask of moderation and concealed the iniquity of Stephanus and Placidus. People who had accepted the corruption of the faith of priests and deacons, although they had embraced a life of vile irregularity, he added to the roll; while others adorned with every kind of virtue and firm adherents of apostolic doctrines, he left unrecognized. Thus it came to pass that among the clergy were numbered a majority of men tainted with heresy, while the mass of the laity were champions of the faith, and even professional teachers lacked courage to lay bare their blasphemy. In truth the deeds of impiety and iniquity done by Placidus, Stephanus and Leontius, in Antioch are so many as to want a special history of their own, and so terrible as to be worthy of the lament of David; for of them too it must be said, “For your enemies make a murmuring, and they that hate you lift up their head. They have imagined craftily against the people and taken counsel against your secret ones. They have said, ‘Come and let us root them out that they be no more a people: and that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.’ ”
Moreover, one must know that the word gnōmē, or opinion, is used in many ways and with many meanings. Thus, it sometimes means “advice” as when the divine apostle says, “Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord; but I give counsel.” Sometimes it implies “design,” as when the prophet David says, “They have taken a malicious counsel against your people.” Sometimes it means “judgment,” as when Daniel says: “Why so cruel a sentence has gone forth.” And sometimes it is used in the sense of “faith,” or “notion,” or of “intent”—to put it simply, the word has twenty-eight different meanings.
Continue studying Psalms 83:4 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 83:4 starkly reveals the genocidal intent of a confederacy of nations against ancient Israel, articulating their ultimate desire not merely to subjugate, but to utterly obliterate Israel's existence as a distinct nation and erase its very memory from history. This chilling declaration lays bare the profound existential threat faced by God's covenant people, underscoring the depth of hostility and the spiritual warfare inherent in the persistent opposition to God's redemptive plan and His chosen nation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 83:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of the threat. The enemies' declaration itself is presented as direct speech, lending immediacy and dramatic impact to their malevolent intent and emphasizing the deliberate nature of their conspiracy. The phrase "cut them off from [being] a nation" functions as euphemism for genocide, softening the brutal reality while still conveying its devastating aim. The desire for Israel's "name... no more in remembrance" is a powerful use of metonymy, where "remembrance" stands for the entire historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Israel. Furthermore, the extreme nature of the enemies' desire—not just conquest, but complete obliteration and erasure from memory—can be seen as hyperbole, emphasizing the depth of their hatred and the existential threat faced by God's people. This stark articulation of the threat serves to heighten the urgency of the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God, framing the conflict as an existential battle for Israel's very identity and future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 83:4 profoundly underscores the enduring theological truth that opposition to God's people is, at its core, an opposition to God Himself and His unfolding redemptive plan for humanity. The enemies' desire to erase Israel's "name" is a direct assault on God's covenant faithfulness, as Israel's identity is inextricably linked to His divine promises and purpose for the world. This verse reveals the spiritual dimension inherent in historical conflicts, demonstrating that forces of evil consistently seek to nullify God's work by attacking those He has chosen as His instruments. It sets the stage for understanding the broader biblical narrative of divine preservation in the face of relentless opposition, confirming that God's purposes will ultimately prevail despite the most malicious human or spiritual conspiracies.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Psalms 83:4 describes an ancient threat, its profound themes resonate powerfully with believers today, offering crucial insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the significance of our identity in Christ. We are reminded that the forces of darkness consistently seek to undermine, dilute, and even eradicate the influence of God's people and the Christian faith in every generation. This calls for unwavering spiritual vigilance, fervent and persistent prayer, and a firm resolve to stand securely in our identity as God's redeemed children. Just as Israel's enemies sought to erase their "name" and national distinctiveness, contemporary pressures often aim to diminish or compromise Christian identity, to silence the church's prophetic witness, or to marginalize its impact in society. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to hold fast to their unique identity as God's chosen and redeemed people, to boldly bear witness to His name, and to trust implicitly in His unwavering faithfulness. Despite the fierce intentions of their enemies throughout history, God has faithfully preserved His people, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty and His unshakeable commitment to His covenant promises. We can, therefore, find immense comfort, courage, and hope in knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even when faced with overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable threats.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "cut them off from [being] a nation" mean?
Answer: This phrase signifies a desire for complete annihilation and ethnic cleansing, not merely conquest or subjugation. It expresses the intent to utterly destroy Israel's national identity, their distinct existence as a people, and their unique covenant relationship with God. In the ancient world, to "cut off" a nation meant to sever its historical continuity, its lineage, and its place among the peoples of the earth, effectively wiping it out of existence. This was the most extreme form of hostility, aiming for non-existence and the eradication of an entire people.
Why is "that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" so significant?
Answer: For ancient cultures, a "name" (Hebrew: shêm) was far more than a mere label; it embodied a person's or a nation's character, reputation, legacy, and very essence. To desire that Israel's "name" be "no more in remembrance" was to seek the complete obliteration of their history, their unique identity as God's chosen people, and their covenant relationship with Him. It was an attempt to erase their past, present, and future, effectively denying God's promises to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:2) and challenging God's own faithfulness and power to preserve His people and His redemptive plan.
Does this psalm have any relevance to modern-day conflicts or spiritual warfare?
Answer: Absolutely. While the specific historical context is ancient Israel, the underlying themes of organized opposition to God's people and His purposes are timeless and universal. Ephesians 6:12 profoundly reminds us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse in Psalm 83 powerfully highlights the spiritual dimension of such conflicts, where malevolent forces seek to diminish, silence, or even eradicate the influence and witness of God's people in the world. It calls believers to spiritual vigilance, fervent prayer, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate triumph over all opposition.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:4, with its chilling depiction of enemies conspiring to erase Israel's name and nation from memory, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing spiritual battle against the Church, which is the new Israel of God, and in the triumphant victory of Christ over all such hostile forces. The ancient conspiracy against physical Israel foreshadows the relentless opposition faced by Jesus Himself during His earthly ministry (John 15:18) and, subsequently, by His body, the Church, throughout history (Matthew 16:18). Just as ancient adversaries sought to obliterate Israel's physical existence and memory, spiritual adversaries continuously attempt to undermine the Church's witness, dilute its distinct identity, and erase the "name" of Christ from public remembrance and influence. However, Christ's glorious resurrection and ascension guarantee the ultimate preservation of His people and the eternal remembrance of His exalted name, which is "a name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Through His decisive death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus has definitively disarmed and triumphed over the hostile powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), ensuring that the gates of hell will never prevail against His Church, and that His name, along with the name of His redeemed people, will endure forever, thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise of an everlasting kingdom and a people who bear His glorious name.