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.
"For lo Your enemies have sounded, and they that hate You have lifted up the head" [Psalm 83:2]. He seems to me to signify the last days, when these things that are now repressed by fear are to break forth into free utterance, but quite irrational, so that it should rather be called a "sound," than speech or discourse. They will not, therefore, then begin to hate, but "they that hate You" will then "lift up the head." And not "heads," but "head;" since they are to come even to that point, that they shall have that head, which "is lifted up above all that is called God, and that is worshipped;" [2 Thessalonians 2:4] so that in him especially is to be fulfilled, "He that exalts himself shall be abased;" [Luke 14:11] and when He to whom it is said, "Keep not silence, nor grow mild, O God," shall "slay him with the breath of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming." [2 Thessalonians 2:8] "Upon Your people they have malignantly taken counsel" [Psalm 83:3]. Or, as other copies have it, "They have cunningly devised counsel, and have devised against Your saints." In scorn this is said. For how should they be able to hurt the nation or people of God, or His saints, who know how to say, "If God be for us, who shall be against us?" [Romans 8:31]
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 83:2 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
Psalm 83:2 serves as a stark and urgent declaration, vividly portraying the open hostility and defiant posture of God's adversaries. This verse immediately establishes the dire existential threat faced by God's people, articulating that the enemies' aggression is not merely against Israel but constitutes a direct and audacious affront to Yahweh Himself. It sets the profound theological stakes for the psalmist's ensuing lament, highlighting the urgent need for divine intervention against a formidable and arrogant coalition.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 83:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the urgency and gravity of the situation. Synonymous Parallelism is prominently featured 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 on the move) and "lifted up the head" (evoking a defiant, arrogant posture). These images create a strong sensory impression of the enemies' menacing presence and their unbridled audacity. 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, transforming the psalm into 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 with profound theological implications. The identification of Israel's enemies as "thine enemies" and "they that hate thee" establishes a fundamental 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 inextricably linked to their well-being and defense. It highlights the pervasive biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where unseen forces often instigate visible conflicts, compelling believers to recognize the ultimate source and nature 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.
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 or even against the Church, 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 fervent prayer rather than relying solely on human strength or strategizing. It encourages us to bring our observations of injustice, defiance, and spiritual aggression 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, and to ultimately bring justice and peace.
Questions for Reflection
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 (explicitly listed in Psalm 83:6-8) who had united with the malicious 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 for redemption. This also has broader implications for spiritual adversaries throughout history, as any force or ideology that opposes God's people or His righteous will can be considered an enemy of God, whether visible or unseen.
What is the significance of the enemies "lifting up the head"?
Answer: The phrase "lifting up the head" is a powerful 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 and demonstrate His supreme power over all who defy Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 83:2 describes the historical enemies of Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ, the true Israel and God's Son. The "tumult" and "lifting up of the head" of God's enemies foreshadow the ultimate opposition faced by Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. From the moment of His birth, when Herod sought His life, to His public ministry, where He endured the defiant arrogance of religious leaders, and ultimately to His crucifixion, Jesus was met with the hatred and rebellion of spiritual and earthly powers who sought to overthrow God's kingdom. Yet, in His death and glorious resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over all such adversaries. Colossians 2:15 powerfully declares that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. The ultimate enemy, death, was defeated by Him, as Hebrews 2:14-15 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 and affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26.