Psalms 83:4

KJV

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have said {H559}{H8804)}, Come {H3212}{H8798)}, and let us cut them off {H3582}{H8686)} from being a nation {H1471}; that the name {H8034} of Israel {H3478} may be no more in remembrance {H2142}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They say, "Come, let's wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Isra'el be remembered no more!"

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

American Standard Version

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:4 starkly reveals the genocidal intent of a confederacy of nations against ancient Israel, articulating their ultimate desire not merely to subjugate, but to utterly obliterate Israel's existence as a distinct nation and erase its very memory from history. This chilling declaration lays bare the profound existential threat faced by God's covenant people, underscoring the depth of hostility and the spiritual warfare inherent in the persistent opposition to God's redemptive plan and His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 83 is a fervent communal lament, a desperate cry to God for divine intervention against a formidable coalition of surrounding nations, explicitly identified in [Psalms 83:6-8](/psalms/83-6-8 "Psalms 83:6-8 - The Confederacy of Nations") as having conspired to destroy Israel. The psalmist, Asaph, opens the psalm by pleading with God not to remain silent in the face of this grave threat. The chilling declaration of the enemies' intent in [Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Enemy's Malicious Intent") serves as the core motivation for the psalm's urgent petition, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent appeals for God to act decisively. The psalm progresses from detailing the enemies' malicious plot to invoking God's past judgments against Israel's adversaries, such as the defeat of Midian and Sisera recounted in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian") and [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera"), culminating in a fervent prayer for divine intervention that will lead to the recognition of God's supreme sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 83 remains a subject of scholarly debate, it vividly reflects a period of intense national peril, a recurring theme throughout ancient Israel's history. The comprehensive list of nations mentioned—Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—suggests a broad regional conspiracy aimed at Israel's destruction. Culturally, the concept of a "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) carried profound significance in the ancient Near East, encompassing a people's identity, reputation, legacy, and collective memory. To "cut off from being a nation" (Hebrew: *kâchad*) was far more than mere conquest; it signified a complete act of ethnic cleansing, a severing of national life and identity. To erase Israel's "name" was to obliterate their history, their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, and their very existence as a distinct people chosen by God. This was not just a political or military assault, but a direct attack on God's chosen people and, by extension, on God's own reputation and His enduring promises, echoing the divine commitment to an enduring name for Israel found in passages like [Exodus 3:15](/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Eternal Name for Israel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **existential threat and divine preservation**, showcasing the constant peril faced by God's people throughout history, yet simultaneously underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and the preservation of His chosen nation. This tension between human malice and divine faithfulness is central to the biblical story. Secondly, it emphasizes the profound **significance of Israel's identity and "name,"** which is inextricably linked to God's own reputation and His unfolding redemptive plan for humanity. An attack on Israel's name is, therefore, an attack on God's name and His purposes. Thirdly, the verse reveals the persistent reality of **organized opposition and spiritual warfare** against God's purposes and His people. This theme is echoed in other psalms, such as [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Nations Rage Against the Lord"), where the nations conspire against the Lord and His Anointed. The struggle depicted in Psalm 83:4 is not merely geopolitical but deeply spiritual, aiming to thwart God's ultimate redemptive purposes for the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This verb, used extensively throughout the Old Testament, carries a broad semantic range from simple utterance to authoritative declaration, command, or intention. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, unified, and determined verbalization of a malevolent plot. The enemies have not merely thought it, but have explicitly "said" it, indicating a formal agreement and resolve to act upon their destructive intentions.
* **cut them off (Hebrew, _kâchad'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to secrete," "to hide," or "to conceal." However, in an intensive sense, especially when applied to people or nations, it conveys the idea of utterly destroying, cutting down, or desolating. Here, it denotes a violent and definitive act of extermination, aiming for a complete severing of Israel's national life and a cessation of their existence as a distinct entity. It is a desire for total eradication, not just subjugation.
* **remembrance (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized)," "to remember," or "to mention." When applied to a nation's name, to be "no more in remembrance" signifies a profound and terrifying threat: to be utterly forgotten, to have one's history, legacy, and identity erased from the collective consciousness of humanity. For a people whose identity was deeply rooted in historical acts of God and covenant promises, this was akin to non-existence, a nullification of their very being and divine purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation;":** This initial clause exposes the enemies' deliberate, unified, and malevolent conspiracy. The phrase "They have said" indicates a formal agreement and shared resolve among the confederate nations. The imperative "Come" suggests a call to action, a rallying cry for their destructive agenda. The core intent, "let us cut them off from [being] a nation," signifies a desire for total annihilation and ethnic cleansing. It is a plan for the complete dismantling of Israel's national identity and physical existence, aiming to dissolve their distinct status as a people chosen and set apart by God.
* **"that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.":** This second clause articulates the ultimate, chilling goal of the conspiracy, revealing its profound spiritual dimension. For the ancient world, a "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) embodied a person's or nation's identity, reputation, character, and legacy. To desire that Israel's "name" be "no more in remembrance" was to seek the complete obliteration of their history, their unique covenant relationship with God, and their very existence in the collective memory of humanity. This was an attempt to nullify God's promises to His people and, by extension, to challenge God's own faithfulness, power, and reputation in the world. It was a bid to erase the evidence of God's redemptive work through Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of the threat. The enemies' declaration itself is presented as **direct speech**, lending immediacy and dramatic impact to their malevolent intent and emphasizing the deliberate nature of their conspiracy. The phrase "cut them off from [being] a nation" functions as **euphemism** for genocide, softening the brutal reality while still conveying its devastating aim. The desire for Israel's "name... no more in remembrance" is a powerful use of **metonymy**, where "remembrance" stands for the entire historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Israel. Furthermore, the extreme nature of the enemies' desire—not just conquest, but complete obliteration and erasure from memory—can be seen as **hyperbole**, emphasizing the depth of their hatred and the existential threat faced by God's people. This stark articulation of the threat serves to heighten the urgency of the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God, framing the conflict as an existential battle for Israel's very identity and future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 83:4 profoundly underscores the enduring theological truth that opposition to God's people is, at its core, an opposition to God Himself and His unfolding redemptive plan for humanity. The enemies' desire to erase Israel's "name" is a direct assault on God's covenant faithfulness, as Israel's identity is inextricably linked to His divine promises and purpose for the world. This verse reveals the spiritual dimension inherent in historical conflicts, demonstrating that forces of evil consistently seek to nullify God's work by attacking those He has chosen as His instruments. It sets the stage for understanding the broader biblical narrative of divine preservation in the face of relentless opposition, confirming that God's purposes will ultimately prevail despite the most malicious human or spiritual conspiracies.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Blessing")
* [Jeremiah 31:35-37](/jeremiah/31-35-37 "Jeremiah 31:35-37 - God's Enduring Covenant with Israel")
* [Romans 11:28-29](/romans/11-28-29 "Romans 11:28-29 - God's Unchanging Call to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Psalms 83:4 describes an ancient threat, its profound themes resonate powerfully with believers today, offering crucial insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the significance of our identity in Christ. We are reminded that the forces of darkness consistently seek to undermine, dilute, and even eradicate the influence of God's people and the Christian faith in every generation. This calls for unwavering spiritual vigilance, fervent and persistent prayer, and a firm resolve to stand securely in our identity as God's redeemed children. Just as Israel's enemies sought to erase their "name" and national distinctiveness, contemporary pressures often aim to diminish or compromise Christian identity, to silence the church's prophetic witness, or to marginalize its impact in society. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to hold fast to their unique identity as God's chosen and redeemed people, to boldly bear witness to His name, and to trust implicitly in His unwavering faithfulness. Despite the fierce intentions of their enemies throughout history, God has faithfully preserved His people, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty and His unshakeable commitment to His covenant promises. We can, therefore, find immense comfort, courage, and hope in knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even when faced with overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable threats.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what contemporary ways do you perceive societal or spiritual pressures attempting to "cut off" or erase the "name" of Christian faith or believers?**
* **How does understanding the spiritual dimension of opposition, as vividly portrayed in this verse, transform your approach to prayer and your engagement with the world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully "hold fast to your identity in Christ" in the face of cultural or spiritual pressures that seek to diminish it?**

### FAQ
**What does "cut them off from [being] a nation" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a desire for complete annihilation and ethnic cleansing, not merely conquest or subjugation. It expresses the intent to utterly destroy Israel's national identity, their distinct existence as a people, and their unique covenant relationship with God. In the ancient world, to "cut off" a nation meant to sever its historical continuity, its lineage, and its place among the peoples of the earth, effectively wiping it out of existence. This was the most extreme form of hostility, aiming for non-existence and the eradication of an entire people.

**Why is "that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" so significant?**

Answer: For ancient cultures, a "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) was far more than a mere label; it embodied a person's or a nation's character, reputation, legacy, and very essence. To desire that Israel's "name" be "no more in remembrance" was to seek the complete obliteration of their history, their unique identity as God's chosen people, and their covenant relationship with Him. It was an attempt to erase their past, present, and future, effectively denying God's promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Make Abraham a Great Nation")) and challenging God's own faithfulness and power to preserve His people and His redemptive plan.

**Does this psalm have any relevance to modern-day conflicts or spiritual warfare?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific historical context is ancient Israel, the underlying themes of organized opposition to God's people and His purposes are timeless and universal. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") profoundly reminds us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse in Psalm 83 powerfully highlights the spiritual dimension of such conflicts, where malevolent forces seek to diminish, silence, or even eradicate the influence and witness of God's people in the world. It calls believers to spiritual vigilance, fervent prayer, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate triumph over all opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:4, with its chilling depiction of enemies conspiring to erase Israel's name and nation from memory, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing spiritual battle against the Church, which is the new Israel of God, and in the triumphant victory of Christ over all such hostile forces. The ancient conspiracy against physical Israel foreshadows the relentless opposition faced by Jesus Himself during His earthly ministry ([John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World's Hatred of Jesus")) and, subsequently, by His body, the Church, throughout history ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail Against the Church")). Just as ancient adversaries sought to obliterate Israel's physical existence and memory, spiritual adversaries continuously attempt to undermine the Church's witness, dilute its distinct identity, and erase the "name" of Christ from public remembrance and influence. However, Christ's glorious resurrection and ascension guarantee the ultimate preservation of His people and the eternal remembrance of His exalted name, which is "a name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Jesus' Exalted Name")). Through His decisive death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus has definitively disarmed and triumphed over the hostile powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), ensuring that the gates of hell will never prevail against His Church, and that His name, along with the name of His redeemed people, will endure forever, thereby fulfilling God's ancient promise of an everlasting kingdom and a people who bear His glorious name.

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

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Psalms 74:8

They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.

Jeremiah 48:2

[There shall be] no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from [being] a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:9

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

Acts 9:1

¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.