Psalms 83:2

KJV

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, thine enemies {H341}{H8802)} make a tumult {H1993}{H8799)}: and they that hate {H8130}{H8764)} thee have lifted up {H5375}{H8804)} the head {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because here are your enemies, causing an uproar; those who hate you are raising their heads,

Berean Standard Bible

See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads.

American Standard Version

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; And they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 83:2 serves as a stark and urgent declaration of the immediate threat faced by God's people, articulating the open hostility and defiant posture of their adversaries. This verse sets the stage for the psalmist's desperate plea for divine intervention, highlighting that the enemies' aggression is not merely against Israel but is a direct affront to God Himself, establishing the profound theological stakes of the ensuing lament.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 83 is a powerful communal lament, the final psalm in Book 3 of the Psalter, often attributed to Asaph. It immediately follows a series of psalms that deal with individual and national distress, culminating in this fervent cry for God's defense against a confederacy of nations. Verse 2 functions as the opening observation, vividly describing the enemies' aggressive stance before the psalmist launches into a detailed account of their malicious plot in [Psalm 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalm 83:4 - The Enemies' Plot to Destroy Israel") and a fervent prayer for God's judgment. It establishes the dire situation that necessitates the urgent appeal to God's sovereignty and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While no single historical event definitively ties to Psalm 83, it reflects a recurring pattern of existential threats faced by ancient Israel from surrounding nations. The psalm explicitly lists a coalition of enemies (Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, Assyria), indicating a widespread, concerted effort to annihilate God's people. In the ancient Near East, a "tumult" (uproar) often signified the gathering of armies or a declaration of war, while "lifting up the head" was a powerful idiom for defiance, arrogance, and a challenge to authority, characteristic of a conquering or rebellious force asserting its dominance. This cultural backdrop underscores the gravity of the threat perceived by the psalmist.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Open Hostility and Defiance**, portraying the enemies not as covert plotters but as overtly aggressive and arrogant, challenging God's authority. This mirrors the universal rebellion against divine rule seen in [Psalm 2:1-3](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-3 - The Rebellion of the Nations"). Secondly, it establishes the profound principle that **God's Enemies are Israel's Enemies**, identifying the adversaries as "thine enemies" and "they that hate thee," thereby linking their opposition to Israel directly to their opposition to God Himself. This underscores Israel's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh. Finally, the immediate and vivid depiction of the threat underscores the **Urgent Need for Divine Intervention**, framing the entire psalm as a desperate plea for God to act decisively in defense of His name and His people, as only He can deliver from such overwhelming odds, a theme echoed in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Fights for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tumult (Hebrew, _hāmāh'_):** This verb signifies a loud, confused noise, an uproar, or a roaring sound. It conveys a sense of violent agitation, commotion, and often, the sound of a multitude or an army preparing for battle. In the context of Psalm 83:2, it vividly describes the enemies' noisy, aggressive gathering, indicating not just a secret plot but an open, threatening display of force and intent. It suggests a chaotic, intimidating atmosphere created by the adversaries.
* **Lifted up the head (Hebrew, _nāśā' rō'š'_):** This idiomatic expression is rich with meaning. It denotes a posture of pride, arrogance, and open defiance. Unlike bowing the head in submission or shame, to "lift up the head" signifies a bold challenge to authority, a readiness for conflict, and an assertion of one's own power or will. In this verse, it powerfully conveys the enemies' unrepentant and audacious stance against God and His chosen people, indicating their contempt for divine sovereignty and their confidence in their own destructive plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult":** The opening interjection "lo" (or "behold") serves as an urgent call to attention, emphasizing the immediate and observable nature of the threat. The adversaries are explicitly identified as "thine enemies," directly linking their hostility to God Himself, not merely to Israel. The phrase "make a tumult" describes their noisy, agitated gathering, signaling an open declaration of hostility and an imminent, aggressive move against God's people. This is an observation of their physical preparation and psychological intent.
* **"and they that hate thee have lifted up the head":** This clause functions in synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the first. "They that hate thee" further underscores the personal nature of their opposition to God. The action "have lifted up the head" vividly portrays their arrogant, defiant posture, indicating a bold challenge to God's sovereignty and a readiness to execute their malicious intent. It speaks to their prideful confidence and open rebellion, making their threat undeniable and deeply offensive to the divine order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 83:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the urgency and gravity of the situation. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses: "thine enemies make a tumult" and "they that hate thee have lifted up the head." Both phrases convey the same core idea of hostile, arrogant opposition, reinforcing the intensity and dual nature of the threat – both noisy aggression and defiant pride. The verse also utilizes **Vivid Imagery** through the words "tumult" (suggesting a roaring crowd or army) and "lifted up the head" (evoking a defiant, arrogant posture). These images create a strong sensory impression of the enemies' menacing presence. Furthermore, the psalmist uses **Direct Address** ("thine enemies," "they that hate thee"), immediately drawing God into the lament and personalizing the plea. This direct address underscores the theological truth that an attack on God's people is an attack on God Himself, making the psalm a direct appeal to divine justice and intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 83:2 lays bare the timeless reality of opposition to God and His people, framing it not merely as a geopolitical conflict but as a spiritual battle. The identification of Israel's enemies as "thine enemies" and "they that hate thee" establishes a profound theological principle: those who oppose God's chosen people are, by extension, opposing God Himself. This verse underscores God's intimate identification with His covenant people and the reality that His honor and name are at stake when they are threatened. It highlights the pervasive theme of spiritual warfare, where unseen forces often instigate visible conflicts, compelling believers to recognize the ultimate source of their struggles. The immediate observation of such defiant hostility serves as a prelude to the desperate prayer for divine vindication, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to defend His own.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Rebellion of the Nations Against God")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 83:2 provides a powerful lens through which believers can understand and respond to opposition in their own lives and in the world. Just as ancient Israel faced visible enemies making a "tumult" and "lifting up the head," so too do believers today encounter various forms of hostility – whether spiritual attacks, cultural pressures, ideological challenges, or personal adversaries – that defy God's truth and seek to undermine faith. This verse reminds us that such opposition is often not merely against us as individuals but is ultimately directed against God and His kingdom. Recognizing this shifts our perspective from personal grievance to a divine cause, empowering us to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer rather than relying solely on human strength. It encourages us to bring our observations of injustice and defiance directly to God, trusting that He sees, hears, and is sovereign over all circumstances. Our first response to overwhelming challenges should be to turn to the One whose honor is at stake, confident in His power to defend His name and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you recognize the "tumult" and "lifting up of the head" of God's enemies in your contemporary context, whether personally or globally?**
* **In what ways does opposition to Christian values or the Church ultimately reflect opposition to God Himself?**
* **When faced with overwhelming or defiant challenges, what is your immediate inclination? How does Psalm 83:2 encourage you to shift your focus and response to God?**

### FAQ
**Who are "thine enemies" and "they that hate thee" in Psalm 83:2?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Psalm 83, "thine enemies" and "they that hate thee" refer to a specific confederacy of surrounding nations (listed in [Psalm 83:6-8](/psalms/83-6 "Psalm 83:6-8 - The Confederacy of Nations")) who had united with the intent to destroy Israel. Theologically, the psalmist identifies them as God's enemies because Israel is His chosen covenant people; therefore, an attack on them is considered a direct affront to God's sovereignty, His covenant promises, and His divine plan. This also has broader implications for spiritual adversaries, as any force that opposes God's people or His will can be considered an enemy of God.

**What is the significance of the enemies "lifting up the head"?**

Answer: The phrase "lifting up the head" is an idiom that signifies open defiance, arrogance, and a bold challenge to authority. It portrays a posture of pride, readiness for conflict, and an assertion of dominance, in stark contrast to bowing the head in submission or shame. In Psalm 83:2, it emphasizes that the enemies' hostility is not hidden or subtle but openly declared and unrepentant. This public display of arrogance and rebellion against God and His people underscores the gravity of their threat and demands a decisive response. It highlights their confidence in their own power and their contempt for divine authority, setting the stage for the psalmist's urgent plea for God to vindicate His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 83:2 describes the historical enemies of Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ. The "tumult" and "lifting up of the head" of God's enemies foreshadow the ultimate opposition faced by Jesus, the true Israel and God's Son. From the moment of His birth to His crucifixion, He was met with the defiant arrogance of spiritual and earthly powers who "hated" God and sought to overthrow His kingdom. Yet, in His death and resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over all such adversaries. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") declares that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them. The ultimate enemy, death, was defeated by Him, as [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus's Defeat of Death") explains, freeing those enslaved by its fear. Believers, united with Christ, share in His victory; the enemies that "make a tumult" against us are ultimately subdued by the power of the resurrected Lord. The final "lifting up the head" will be Christ's triumphant return, when all enemies will be put under His feet, culminating in the complete and final establishment of His eternal kingdom, as prophesied in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse") and affirmed in [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued").

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 81:15

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

Judges 8:28

Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.

Isaiah 17:12

¶ Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Acts 22:22

¶ And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

Acts 16:22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].