Psalms 83:3

KJV

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have taken crafty {H6191}{H8686)} counsel {H5475} against thy people {H5971}, and consulted {H3289}{H8691)} against thy hidden ones {H6845}{H8803)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

craftily conspiring against your people, consulting together against those you treasure.

Berean Standard Bible

With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish,

American Standard Version

They take crafty counsel against thy people, And consult together against thy hidden ones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 83:3 vividly portrays the insidious nature of the enemies' intentions against God's chosen people, Israel. It describes a deliberate and cunning conspiracy, where hostile nations engage in secret deliberations and strategic planning to harm those whom God intimately knows and protects. This verse underscores the deep-seated malice aimed not merely at a nation, but at the very people God cherishes, setting the stage for the psalmist’s urgent plea for divine intervention against such calculated and pervasive opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 83 is a fervent communal lament, unique in its direct naming of a confederacy of ten nations arrayed against Israel. Verses 1-2 establish the psalmist's desperate cry for God to break His silence and act, as the enemies' "tumult" and "hatred" rise. Verse 3 then immediately elaborates on the *nature* of this hostility, moving from general uproar to specific, premeditated malice. The subsequent verses, [Psalm 83:4-8](/psalms/83-4-8 "Psalm 83:4-8 - The Enemies' Confederacy and Their Goal"), detail the enemies' stated goal—to "cut them off from being a nation"—and list the specific peoples involved in this unholy alliance, including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria. This verse thus serves as a crucial bridge, specifying the *method* of the attack before the *identity* of the attackers is fully revealed, intensifying the urgency of the prayer for deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalm 83 is debated among scholars, but it likely reflects a period of significant national threat to ancient Israel, possibly during the Assyrian or Babylonian imperial expansions, or an earlier confederation of surrounding peoples. Such alliances against Israel were not uncommon, as recorded in various historical books like [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and Victory Over Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir"). The "crafty counsel" (סוֹד עָרְמָה, *sod ‘ormah*) reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of kings and military leaders holding secret war councils to devise strategies. The concept of "hidden ones" (צְפוּנִים, *tsephunim*) evokes the cultural understanding of a treasured possession or a vulnerable group that requires divine protection, often associated with a covenant relationship where God acts as a protector and guardian over His chosen people, much like a shepherd guards his flock or a king protects his subjects. This imagery reinforces Israel's unique status as God's covenant people, a truth foundational to their identity and security, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Malice**, showcasing that while humans conspire with cunning and deceit, God remains ultimately in control and fully aware of their schemes. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Covenantal Relationship** between God and Israel; the attack on "thy people" is an attack on God's own special possession, underscoring Israel's unique status as God's chosen nation. Thirdly, the phrase "thy hidden ones" introduces the theme of **Divine Protection and Intimacy**, suggesting God's profound care and watchful eye over those who belong to Him, even when they appear vulnerable or are targeted by unseen plots. This resonates with the idea that God's people dwell "in the secret place of the Most High," a theme explored in [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to found" or "to establish," *çôwd* refers to a "session" or "company of persons in close deliberation." It implies intimacy, consultation, and often, a secret or inward gathering. In this context, it speaks to the clandestine and conspiratorial nature of the enemies' plotting, highlighting that their malicious intentions are not spontaneous but arise from deliberate, private, and unified planning sessions.
* **Crafty (Hebrew, _ʻâram'_):** This word, *ʻâram*, signifies being "cunning" or "shrewd," often carrying a negative connotation of subtlety or deceit, though it can sometimes be used positively for prudence. Here, it clearly denotes a malevolent form of cleverness, suggesting that the enemies' counsel is not merely strategic but also insidious, employing deceptive or underhanded tactics to achieve their destructive aims against God's people.
* **Hidden Ones (Hebrew, _tsâphan'_):** The root *tsâphan* means "to hide," "to cover over," or "to hoard/reserve." When used as "hidden ones" (*tsephunim*), it carries rich implications. It suggests that God's people are precious, like a treasure carefully concealed and guarded by Him. It also implies intimacy and protection, indicating that God knows His people intimately and keeps them close, safeguarding them from harm, even when their enemies are unaware of their true value or divine security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have taken crafty counsel against thy people":** This initial clause immediately identifies the antagonists as those who engage in premeditated and cunning plotting. The phrase "taken crafty counsel" emphasizes the deliberate, strategic, and insidious nature of their scheme. It is not an impulsive act but a carefully devised plan, indicating a high degree of malice and forethought. The explicit target, "thy people," underscores that the attack is ultimately against God's own possession and covenant nation, making it a direct affront to God Himself. This highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict, where human enemies become instruments against God's divine purposes.
* **"and consulted against thy hidden ones":** This second clause functions in powerful synonymous parallelism with the first, reiterating and intensifying the message. "Consulted" (from *yâʻats*) reinforces the idea of deliberate planning and agreement among the conspirators, suggesting a unified and determined opposition. The object of their consultation, "thy hidden ones," is a poignant and tender descriptor for God's people. It conveys their preciousness to God, implying they are a valuable treasure that He conceals and protects. It also speaks to intimacy, suggesting that God knows His people intimately and keeps them close to Him, even when their enemies are unaware of their true status or divine protection. This phrase assures the reader that despite the enemies' cunning, God's people are not left exposed but are under His special, intimate, and often unseen care, even in the face of grave threats.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 83:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and consulted against thy hidden ones") echoes and amplifies the first ("They have taken crafty counsel against thy people"). "Taken crafty counsel" is paralleled by "consulted," both emphasizing premeditated plotting. "Thy people" is paralleled by "thy hidden ones," which not only restates the identity of the target but also adds a layer of tender **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. "Hidden ones" metaphorically portrays God's people as a valuable treasure, concealed and protected by divine care, or as vulnerable individuals under divine guardianship. This phrase also carries a strong sense of **Intimacy**, highlighting the special bond between God and His people, contrasting sharply with the enemies' distant and malicious intent. The very act of "taking counsel" and "consulting" could be seen as a subtle **Personification** of the enemies' collective will, acting as a single, malevolent entity driven by a unified, malevolent purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 83:3 profoundly illustrates the timeless spiritual conflict between the forces of darkness and God's kingdom. It reveals that opposition to God's people is not merely political or national but deeply spiritual, rooted in a "crafty counsel" that seeks to undermine God's purposes and erase His presence from the earth through the destruction of His chosen instruments. This verse reminds us that God's people, though often vulnerable in the world's eyes, are supremely precious to Him, described as His "hidden ones"—a term that speaks to His intimate knowledge, profound love, and unwavering commitment to their protection. It assures believers that even when plots are devised in secret, God sees and knows, and His protective hand is upon those who are His.

* [Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - Kings Conspire Against the Lord")
* [Malachi 3:17](/malachi/3-17 "Malachi 3:17 - God's Special Treasure")
* [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden with Christ in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 83:3 offers a powerful lens through which to view the challenges and assurances of the Christian life. We are reminded that spiritual warfare is real, and just as ancient Israel faced "crafty counsel," believers today may encounter subtle deceptions, strategic opposition, or hidden agendas from the world, the flesh, or the spiritual forces of evil. This verse calls us to spiritual discernment, to recognize that not all opposition is overt; some plots are meticulously "consulted" in the shadows. Yet, the profound comfort lies in the truth that we are God's "hidden ones." This signifies not our vulnerability, but our immense value and secure position in Christ. God knows us intimately, values us infinitely, and actively shields us. Our security is not in our own strength or visibility, but in His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign protection. This should inspire us to trust Him implicitly, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that He sees every plot and is our ultimate refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "crafty counsel" or subtle opposition manifest in a believer's life or in the church today?**
* **How does the assurance of being God's "hidden ones" provide comfort and strength when facing unseen or strategic challenges?**
* **What practical steps can we take to rely more fully on God's unseen protection rather than our own efforts to defend ourselves?**

### FAQ
**What does "crafty counsel" specifically imply about the enemies' intentions?**

Answer: "Crafty counsel" (Hebrew: סוֹד עָרְמָה, *sod ‘ormah*) implies a deliberate, strategic, and often deceptive form of plotting. It suggests that the enemies are not merely acting out of impulse or open aggression, but are engaging in secret deliberations and cunning schemes. Their intentions are premeditated and calculated to achieve their destructive goals, often through subtle or underhanded means, rather than direct confrontation. This highlights the depth of their malice and the intellectual effort they put into devising ways to harm God's people, as seen in the broader context of the enemies' desire to "cut them off from being a nation" in [Psalm 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalm 83:4 - The Enemies' Goal").

**Who are "thy hidden ones" and why are they described this way?**

Answer: "Thy hidden ones" (Hebrew: צְפוּנִים, *tsephunim*) refers to God's people, Israel, and by extension, all who belong to God. They are described this way for several profound reasons. Firstly, it conveys their preciousness to God, like a valuable treasure that is carefully hidden and guarded. Secondly, it speaks to God's intimate knowledge and watchful care over them, suggesting that even when they appear vulnerable to human eyes, they are under His divine protection and concealment. Thirdly, it can imply a sense of being set apart or chosen by God, whose unique relationship with them might not be evident to their adversaries. This concept resonates with other scriptures where God's people are called His "special treasure" or "jewels," as in [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession") and [Malachi 3:17](/malachi/3-17 "God's Jewels").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 83:3, with its depiction of "crafty counsel" against God's "hidden ones," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "crafty counsel" of enemies against God's people foreshadows the ultimate conspiracy against God's Son, Jesus, the very embodiment of God's "hidden one" and the true Israel. The religious and political leaders "consulted" against Jesus, seeking to destroy Him through cunning and deceit, as recorded in [Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - The Chief Priests Conspire Against Jesus") and [John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - The Decision to Kill Jesus"). Yet, in His death and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate "hidden one" who was "hidden with God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden with Christ in God")) and then revealed in power. Through Him, believers become God's "hidden ones," not through physical concealment, but through spiritual union with Christ, where their lives are "hidden with Christ in God." This spiritual reality means that just as the Father protected Jesus through His earthly ministry and raised Him from the dead, so too does He guard and preserve those who are in Christ. The ultimate victory over all "crafty counsel" and hostile plots was secured at the cross, where the Lamb of God, though seemingly vulnerable, triumphed over all the powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, the security of God's people, once a prayer for deliverance in the face of earthly enemies, is now a divine certainty for those who are "in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), forever safe in the loving, sovereign hand of God.

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 64:2

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Isaiah 7:6

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, [even] the son of Tabeal:

Isaiah 7:7

Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Luke 20:20

¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.