Psalms 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

That men may know {H3045}{H8799)} that thou, whose name {H8034} alone is JEHOVAH {H3068}, art the most high {H5945} over all the earth {H776}.

Let them know that you alone, whose name is ADONAI, are the Most High over all the earth.

May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.

That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, Art the Most High over all the earth.

Commentary on Psalms 83:18 (KJV)

Psalms 83:18 is a powerful declaration embedded within a communal lament, affirming God's unique identity and supreme authority. It serves as the climactic statement in a prayer for deliverance from hostile nations, shifting the focus from Israel's distress to God's ultimate glory.

Context

Psalms 83, attributed to Asaph, is a fervent prayer for God's intervention against a confederacy of nations threatening to destroy Israel. The psalmist appeals to God to act decisively, not just for Israel's sake, but to demonstrate His power and identity to the world. The preceding verses detail the enemies' plot and the psalmist's plea for divine judgment, culminating in this verse which reveals the ultimate purpose of God's intervention: that all may know Him as the one true, sovereign God.

Key Themes

  • The Uniqueness of God's Name: The verse highlights "JEHOVAH" as God's exclusive and personal name. In the King James Version, 'JEHOVAH' is used to represent the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (YHWH), which signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. This name distinguishes Him from all other gods or deities.
  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: The phrase "the most high over all the earth" underscores God's undisputed authority and dominion. He is not merely a regional deity but the supreme ruler of all creation, transcending all earthly powers and principalities. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's control over all affairs (see Daniel 4:17).
  • Divine Revelation and Knowledge: The verse's primary purpose clause, "That men may know," emphasizes God's desire to reveal Himself. The judgments sought by the psalmist are not just for vindication but for the world to recognize the true God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, experiential understanding of His character and power, leading to reverence and worship (compare Jeremiah 9:24).

Linguistic Insights

  • JEHOVAH (YHWH): As mentioned, this is the KJV rendering of the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH. While its precise pronunciation is debated, its root meaning is generally understood as "He is," "He causes to be," or "He will be," pointing to His eternal, self-existent nature and His active presence in the world.
  • Most High (Elyon): The Hebrew term 'Elyon signifies God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and ultimate authority. It emphasizes His position as superior to all other beings, powers, and even the highest heavens.

Practical Application

Psalms 83:18 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Confidence in Adversity: When facing personal struggles or global turmoil, this verse reminds us that the God we serve is "JEHOVAH," the self-existent and covenant-keeping God, who is "most high over all the earth." His sovereignty means He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
  • A Call to Acknowledge God: The verse's purpose—"That men may know"—is still relevant. Believers are called to live in a way that testifies to God's unique name and supreme authority, both in word and deed. It encourages us to make God's name known to a world that often ignores or misunderstands Him.
  • Worship and Adoration: Understanding God's unique name and His position as the Most High should lead to deeper worship and adoration. He alone is worthy of all praise and trust, for there is no one like Him.

Ultimately, Psalms 83:18 is a timeless declaration that anchors our faith in the unchangeable character of God, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, and who reigns supreme over all creation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 6:3

    And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

  • Psalms 59:13

    Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

  • Ezekiel 38:23

    Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Psalms 97:9

    For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

  • Jeremiah 16:21

    Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name [is] The LORD.

  • 2 Kings 19:19

    Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.

  • Ezekiel 30:19

    Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

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