Psalms 83:17

KJV

Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them be confounded {H954}{H8799)} and troubled {H926}{H8735)} for ever {H5703}; yea, let them be put to shame {H2659}{H8799)}, and perish {H6}{H8799)}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Let them be ashamed and fearful forever; yes, let them perish in disgrace.

Berean Standard Bible

May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace.

American Standard Version

Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; Yea, let them be confounded and perish;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:17 is a fervent imprecatory prayer, part of a communal lament, that calls upon God to bring about profound confusion, terror, shame, and ultimate destruction upon the confederacy of nations threatening Israel. This petition is not born of mere vindictiveness but from a deep theological conviction that divine judgment upon these adversaries is essential for God's unique sovereignty and incomparable identity to be universally acknowledged and vindicated among all peoples. The psalmist's plea encapsulates a profound trust in God's righteousness and His decisive intervention against those who oppose His divine purposes and His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 83, the concluding psalm of Book 3 of the Psalter, is a national lament attributed to Asaph. It opens with an urgent cry for God to break His silence and intervene against a formidable, multi-national conspiracy (cf. [Psalms 83:1-8](/psalms/83-1-8 "Psalms 83:1-8 - The Enemies' Conspiracy")). The psalmist meticulously lists the nations involved—a broad coalition of Israel's historical adversaries—who have united with the explicit aim of annihilating Israel and erasing its memory (cf. [Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Plot to Destroy Israel")). To bolster his petition, the psalmist appeals to God's past acts of decisive judgment and deliverance, specifically recalling His victories over Midian at the brook Kishon (cf. [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian")) and the defeat of Sisera and Jabin (cf. [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera")). Verse 17 is situated within the climactic series of petitions (verses 13-18) that escalate the desired intensity of divine judgment, moving from scattering and consuming like fire (cf. [Psalms 83:14](/psalms/83-14 "Psalms 83:14 - Divine Pursuit and Judgment")) to the ultimate states of shame and perishing. Crucially, this escalation serves a singular, overarching purpose: that the nations would come to know and acknowledge God's name alone as the Most High over all the earth (cf. [Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - God's Name Above All")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalms 83 remains a subject of scholarly debate, but it most plausibly reflects a period of significant national peril for Israel, likely during the monarchical era, when a formidable alliance of hostile neighbors threatened its existence. The enumerated enemies—Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—represent a comprehensive array of traditional adversaries, suggesting a moment when these disparate foes coalesced against God's people. In the ancient Near Eastern cultural landscape, warfare was pervasive, and the outcome of battles was often interpreted as a direct reflection of the power and supremacy of the nations' respective deities. Consequently, the psalmist's prayer for the enemies to be "confounded and troubled" and "put to shame" was a profound desire for their gods to be disgraced, and their military and political power utterly shattered. The ultimate aim—that the nations would "know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth" (cf. [Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - God's Supreme Authority"))—underscores a deep theological conviction that God's honor, reputation, and unique identity were inextricably linked to the fate of His people and their vindication against pagan adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and indeed the entire psalm, powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**. The psalmist appeals to God as the righteous Judge who will ultimately execute retribution upon those who defy Him and oppress His covenant people. This is not a call for personal vengeance, but a fervent plea for God to uphold His own divine standards of justice and righteousness in the world. Secondly, the psalm emphasizes the **Vindication of God's Name and Sovereignty**. The overarching purpose behind the requested judgment is not merely the destruction of enemies, but the universal acknowledgment of Yahweh as the one true God, supreme over all other deities, nations, and earthly powers. The shame and perishing of the enemies serve as a dramatic and undeniable demonstration of God's unrivaled power and authority, confirming His unique status as the Most High. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Rebellion against God**. It serves as a stark and sobering warning that persistent opposition to God's people and His divine will inevitably leads to severe and lasting consequences, including profound disgrace, overwhelming terror, and ultimate ruin. The psalmist's prayer is a testament to the unwavering belief that God is actively involved in human history and will not permit evil to triumph indefinitely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh_):** This verb, derived from H954, signifies to pale, and by implication, to be ashamed, disgraced, or put to confusion. In the context of Psalms 83:17, it implies the utter failure of the enemies' wicked plans and their public humiliation. It speaks to the dismantling of their pride and confidence as their schemes against God's people come to naught. The desired outcome is not just defeat, but a profound sense of disgrace that accompanies the exposure of their folly and impotence before the sovereign God.
* **Troubled (Hebrew, _bâhal_):** Originating from H926, this word conveys a sense of inward trembling, sudden alarm, or agitation. It suggests a state of overwhelming distress, panic, and disarray. The psalmist desires that the enemies would be thrown into profound disorganization and experience a deep internal turmoil, reflecting the chaotic consequences of their rebellion against the divine order. This "trouble" is a psychological and emotional torment, a precursor to their ultimate ruin.
* **Perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad_):** From H6, this primitive root means to wander away, lose oneself, and by implication, to be destroyed or utterly ruined. The addition of "for ever" (H5703, _ʻad_) emphasizes the finality and lasting nature of this judgment. It contrasts sharply with the enemies' desire to "cut them off from being a nation" (cf. [Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - Enemies' Plot")), as the psalmist turns their destructive intent back upon them, praying for their own ultimate demise and disappearance from the stage of history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them be confounded and troubled for ever;":** This initial clause functions as a potent imprecation, a prayer-curse, imploring God to bring about a state of profound shame and internal turmoil upon the enemies. "Confounded" (H954, _bûwsh_) speaks to their public disgrace and the utter failure of their malicious plans, while "troubled" (H926, _bâhal_) refers to their inner dismay, panic, and terror. The phrase "for ever" (H5703, _ʻad_) emphasizes the lasting and irreversible nature of this state, indicating a judgment that is not temporary but enduring in its effect, culminating in their complete cessation.
* **"yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:":** This second clause intensifies the preceding plea, reiterating the theme of disgrace and culminating in a petition for ultimate destruction. "Put to shame" (H2659, _châphêr_) reinforces the idea of public humiliation and the exposure of their wickedness and folly. The final verb, "perish" (H6, _ʾâbad_), signifies their complete ruin, annihilation, or utter defeat. This is the ultimate consequence desired for those who set themselves against God and His people, a final end to their malicious existence and destructive intentions.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The primary device is **Imprecation**, where the psalmist invokes divine judgment and curses upon the enemies of God. This is a characteristic feature of many psalms, reflecting a deep conviction in God's righteousness and His active role in history. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the initial plea "Let them be confounded and troubled" is echoed and intensified by the subsequent "yea, let them be put to shame, and perish." This repetition and slight variation serve to amplify the desired outcome of divine retribution, emphasizing both the psychological and existential consequences for the adversaries. The phrase "for ever" functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphatic effect, underscoring the psalmist's desire for a complete and lasting end to the enemies' threat, rather than a literal eternal torment in this earthly context. Finally, the entire verse is an example of **Figurative Language**, where the abstract concepts of shame, trouble, and perishing are vividly portrayed as the direct, tangible results of God's intervention, making the consequences of rebellion stark and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:17, though stark in its language, serves as a profound theological statement about God's character and His ultimate governance over creation. It unequivocally underscores the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to injustice, the suffering of His people, or the blasphemy of His name. The psalmist's fervent plea is rooted in a deep and unwavering faith that Yahweh is the sovereign Lord, whose honor and name are intrinsically at stake when His covenant people are threatened. This psalm, therefore, is not merely an expression of human anger or a desire for personal vengeance, but a prayer for God's redemptive justice to be manifest in history, ultimately for the nations to recognize His unique supremacy and unparalleled power. It reflects the inherent tension between God's patient long-suffering and His eventual, decisive intervention against all forms of evil and rebellion, ensuring that His kingdom will ultimately prevail and His glory will be universally acknowledged.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Haughtiness of Man Humbled")
* [Revelation 19:19-21](/revelation/19-19-21 "Revelation 19:19-21 - Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 83:17 challenges believers to grapple with the depth of God's justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations and human affairs. While the New Testament unequivocally calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this psalm reminds us that there is a righteous anger against evil and injustice that aligns with God's own holy character. It encourages us to trust that God sees every injustice, hears every cry of His people, and will, in His perfect timing and manner, bring about ultimate vindication for His name and His kingdom. Our prayers, like the psalmist's, should ultimately be for God's glory to be revealed, even through the defeat of wickedness and the overthrow of those who oppose Him, rather than for personal vengeance or satisfaction. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that no enemy, no matter how formidable or numerous, can ultimately thwart God's eternal purposes, and that all who persistently oppose Him will eventually face the inevitable consequences of their rebellion, leading to the universal acknowledgment of His unique and supreme authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the intensity of the psalmist's prayer for judgment against enemies deepen your understanding of God's justice and His active involvement in history?**
* **In what specific ways can a desire for God's vindication and the revelation of His glory, rather than personal revenge, transform your approach to injustice and conflict in your own life and in the world?**
* **Considering the psalm's ultimate purpose—that nations would know God's name as the Most High—how does this impact and shape your prayers for the unreached and for the world today?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the profound seriousness of rebellion against God and the inevitable, lasting consequences of opposing His divine will and His people?**

### FAQ
**How do imprecatory psalms like Psalms 83:17 align with New Testament teachings on loving enemies?**

Answer: Imprecatory psalms, while seemingly harsh and difficult for modern readers, must be understood within their specific theological and historical context. They are not expressions of personal vindictiveness but fervent prayers for divine justice against those who actively oppress God's people and, by extension, directly oppose God Himself. The ultimate goal of these prayers is the vindication of God's name and sovereignty, as explicitly stated in [Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - God's Sovereignty"). The New Testament, particularly in passages like [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Leave Vengeance to God"), indeed calls believers to love their enemies, pray for them, and leave vengeance to God. This shift reflects the completed redemptive work of Christ and the new covenant's emphasis on grace, forgiveness, and the spiritual nature of warfare. However, the underlying principle of God's ultimate justice and His commitment to righting all wrongs remains consistent across both testaments. Imprecatory psalms remind us that God will indeed judge evil, and that believers can trust Him to execute perfect justice in His own time, rather than taking matters into their own hands. They provide a theological framework for understanding that God is not indifferent to evil, even as we are called to personal love and forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:17, with its fervent plea for the confounding, shaming, and perishing of God's enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prayed for the defeat of earthly adversaries who threatened Israel's physical existence, Christ's victory is cosmic, spiritual, and eternal in scope. He definitively disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross, thereby putting them to open shame (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The ultimate "shame" and "perishing" are reserved for Satan, the power of sin, and death itself, which Christ definitively conquered through His glorious resurrection (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). Furthermore, the psalmist's deep desire for all nations to know that Yahweh is the Most High (cf. [Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - God's Sovereignty and Name")) is being progressively realized through Christ's global mission and the unstoppable spread of the Gospel, where one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the eternal glory of God the Father (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). The final judgment, where all who persistently oppose God will indeed be confounded and perish, will be executed by Christ Himself, to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father (cf. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ the Judge")), ensuring that God's perfect justice is meted out and His glory fully revealed throughout all creation.

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

Psalms 35:4

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.

Psalms 109:29

Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

Psalms 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

Psalms 40:14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

Psalms 40:15

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.