Psalms 83:12

KJV

Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who said {H559}{H8804)}, Let us take to ourselves the houses {H4999} of God {H430} in possession {H3423}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who said, "Let's take possession of God's meadows for ourselves."

Berean Standard Bible

who said, “Let us possess for ourselves the pastures of God.”

American Standard Version

Who said, Let us take to ourselves in possession The habitations of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:12 captures the audacious and blasphemous intent of a formidable confederacy of nations arrayed against ancient Israel. This verse, a direct quotation of their malicious declaration, reveals their covetous desire not merely for conquest but for the complete appropriation of what they perceived as "the houses of God"—a phrase encompassing the sacred dwelling places, the land of Israel, and implicitly, God’s very presence among His people. It underscores the profound spiritual dimension of the conflict, framing the enemies' scheme as a direct assault on divine sovereignty and God's chosen inheritance, thereby intensifying Asaph's urgent plea for divine intervention and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 83 is a communal lament, an urgent prayer by Asaph, a chief musician and seer, pleading with God to intervene against a formidable confederacy of nations. The psalm opens with an impassioned cry for God to break His silence and act against His enemies ([Psalms 83:1-2](/psalms/83-1 "Psalms 83:1-2 - A Plea for Divine Action")). Verses [Psalms 83:3-8](/psalms/83-3 "Psalms 83:3-8 - The Enemies' Conspiracy") meticulously list the conspiring nations—including Edom, Ishmael, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—and detail their shared, destructive agenda: to utterly annihilate Israel, ensuring that "the name of Israel may be no more" ([Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Enemies' Goal")). Verse 12 specifically articulates the pinnacle of their blasphemous ambition, which directly follows the description of their united plot, setting the stage for Asaph's subsequent appeals for divine judgment and vindication in [Psalms 83:9-18](/psalms/83-9 "Psalms 83:9-18 - Prayer for Judgment and Vindication").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical event inspiring Psalms 83 is debated among scholars, it likely reflects a period of significant external threat to Israel, possibly during the monarchical era or post-exilic times when various surrounding peoples frequently posed dangers. The listed nations represent a broad coalition of traditional adversaries, many of whom shared ethnic or geographical proximity to Israel. Culturally, the concept of "houses of God" (נְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, _ne'ot 'elohim_) would have encompassed not only the Temple in Jerusalem and other sacred sites but also the entire land of Israel, which was understood as God's inheritance and the dwelling place of His people. To "take in possession" such places was not merely a military conquest but a profound act of spiritual usurpation, a direct challenge to Yahweh's ownership and sovereignty over His chosen land and people, echoing ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine ownership over territories.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 83:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **malicious intent of God's enemies**, revealing their desire for total domination and the eradication of Israel's identity and religious heritage, as seen in their declaration to make Israel "no more" ([Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Enemies' Goal")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **God's sovereignty over His inheritance**, emphasizing that the land and people of Israel are not merely geopolitical entities but are divinely owned and protected. The enemies' attempt to seize "the houses of God" is thus a direct affront to God's authority and a challenge to His covenant faithfulness. Finally, the verse serves as a powerful catalyst for the psalm's central theme of **prayer for divine justice and vindication**, as Asaph presents the enemies' audacious claim as a compelling reason for God to act decisively and demonstrate His power and glory to the nations ([Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - God's Sovereignty Proclaimed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Houses (Hebrew, _nāweh'_):** The word `נָוֶה` (_nāweh_), in its plural form `נְאוֹת` (_ne'ot_), typically refers to a dwelling place, habitation, or pasture. It often carries connotations of pleasantness, security, and tranquility, particularly in pastoral contexts (e.g., [Psalms 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalms 23:2 - Green Pastures")). When combined with "God" (`אֱלֹהִים`, _'elohim_), it transcends mere physical structures to encompass the sacred territories, the land of Israel, and the places where God's presence is manifested among His people. It signifies the cherished, divinely designated dwelling places of God's chosen nation, which the enemies sought to profane and appropriate.
* **Take to ourselves in possession (Hebrew, _yārash'_):** The verb `יָרַשׁ` (_yārash_) means "to inherit," "to take possession of," "to dispossess," or "to occupy." In this context, the Hiphil form `נִירְשָׁה` (_nirshah_) emphasizes an active, determined intent to seize and claim ownership. It implies not merely a temporary occupation but a permanent appropriation, dispossessing the rightful inhabitants and claiming the land as their own inheritance. This word choice highlights the enemies' covetous and audacious ambition to usurp what rightfully belonged to God and His people, transforming it into their own domain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who said,"**: This phrase directly attributes the following declaration to the confederacy of nations listed in the preceding verses of Psalms 83. It functions as a direct quotation, revealing the enemies' own words and thus their explicit, malicious intent. By quoting them, the psalmist emphasizes the gravity and blasphemous nature of their conspiracy, presenting it as undeniable evidence before God.
* **"Let us take to ourselves"**: This clause expresses the active, deliberate, and unified resolve of the hostile nations. The use of the first-person plural imperative ("Let us") indicates a shared, agreed-upon strategy and a collective determination to execute their plan. It is a declaration of intent to seize and claim ownership, reflecting their covetous desire for expansion and dominion.
* **"the houses of God"**: This is the object of their covetous desire. As discussed in the key word analysis, "the houses of God" (נְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, _ne'ot 'elohim_) refers comprehensively to the sacred dwelling places of God's people, the land of Israel itself, and implicitly, the spiritual heritage and presence of God among them. It represents all that is consecrated to Yahweh and serves as a tangible manifestation of His covenant with Israel.
* **"in possession."**: This final phrase clarifies the ultimate goal of their action: to fully occupy, inherit, and claim as their own. It signifies a desire for complete and permanent appropriation, dispossessing Israel and establishing their own dominion over what they understood to be God's territory. This underscores the depth of their ambition to erase Israel's identity and usurp God's rightful ownership.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:12 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey the enemies' audacious intent and the psalmist's urgent plea. The most prominent is **Direct Quotation**, where the enemies' exact words are presented. This technique immediately immerses the reader in the conspirators' mindset, making their blasphemous ambition starkly clear and providing undeniable evidence for God's intervention. Furthermore, the phrase "the houses of God" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (houses/dwelling places) stands for the whole (the entire land of Israel, its sacred sites, and even the people as God's inheritance). This broadens the scope of the enemies' attack from mere physical structures to the very essence of Israel's identity and its relationship with Yahweh. The declaration itself carries an element of **Blasphemy** and **Hubris**, as mortal enemies presume to claim ownership over what belongs to the Almighty God, highlighting their profound spiritual blindness and arrogance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:12 profoundly articulates the spiritual dimension of earthly conflicts, revealing that attacks against God's people and their inheritance are ultimately directed against God Himself. The enemies' desire to "take to ourselves the houses of God in possession" is not merely a geopolitical ambition but a direct challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. This verse highlights the enduring biblical theme of the ongoing spiritual warfare between the forces aligned against God and His kingdom, and God's unwavering commitment to defend His own. It underscores that God's people, their land, and their sacred spaces are His possession, and any assault upon them is an affront to His divine ownership and glory.

* [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel as God's Inheritance")
* [Isaiah 60:13](/isaiah/60-13 "Isaiah 60:13 - The Glory of Lebanon to Come")
* [Joel 3:2](/joel/3-2 "Joel 3:2 - God's Judgment on the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 83:12 serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual opposition often manifests as attempts to usurp what rightfully belongs to God and His people. Just as ancient Israel faced enemies who sought to dispossess them of their divine inheritance and sacred spaces, believers today can encounter various forms of opposition—whether spiritual, ideological, or even physical—that aim to undermine their faith, diminish their spiritual vitality, or silence their witness. The "houses of God" can be understood metaphorically as the Church (the collective body of believers), individual believers (as temples of the Holy Spirit), and the spiritual blessings and truths we possess in Christ. This verse calls us to recognize the true nature of such conflicts, understanding that attacks against us are often ultimately directed against God's purposes and His kingdom. It compels us, like Asaph, to bring these threats before God in fervent prayer, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and power to defend His own. Our confidence rests not in our ability to withstand the enemy, but in God's unwavering commitment to protect His inheritance and vindicate His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might contemporary "enemies" (ideologies, cultural pressures, spiritual forces) seek to "take possession" of what belongs to God in our lives or in the Church today?**
* **How does understanding the spiritual dimension of conflict, as highlighted in this verse, change your approach to challenges and opposition?**
* **What "houses of God" (spiritual blessings, truths, or ministries) do you feel are under attack, and how can you, like Asaph, bring these concerns before the Lord in prayer?**

### FAQ
**What does "the houses of God" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 83:12, "the houses of God" (נְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, _ne'ot 'elohim_) is a comprehensive term. While it could include the literal Temple in Jerusalem or other sacred shrines, its primary meaning extends much broader. The Hebrew word `נָוֶה` (_nāweh_) refers to dwelling places, habitations, or pastures, often with connotations of pleasantness and security. When combined with "God," it signifies the entire land of Israel, which was considered God's inheritance and the dwelling place of His chosen people. It encompasses the sacred territories, the places where God's presence was manifested, and implicitly, the very people of Israel themselves as God's treasured possession. The enemies' intent was to seize control over all that belonged to Yahweh and His covenant people, thereby challenging His sovereignty. This desire to dispossess Israel and claim God's land as their own is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where the land is often seen as a divine gift and a sign of God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in passages like [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abram") and [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:12, with its depiction of enemies seeking to usurp "the houses of God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the true and ultimate "House of God." While the Old Testament Temple was a physical dwelling place for God's presence, Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the new and perfect dwelling place of God, the one through whom all access to the Father is granted ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, believers themselves become "the temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1_Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1_Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). The enemies' desire to take possession of God's dwelling places is ultimately defeated by Christ, who has disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and secured for His people an eternal inheritance in the heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, through Christ, the true "houses of God"—His body, the Church, and individual believers—are eternally secured, beyond the reach of any earthly or spiritual foe, guaranteed by His ultimate victory and sovereign reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 20:11

Behold, [I say, how] they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Psalms 74:7

They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled [by casting down] the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.

Psalms 74:8

They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.