Psalms 83:7

KJV

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;

KJV (with Strong's)

Gebal {H1381}, and Ammon {H5983}, and Amalek {H6002}; the Philistines {H6429} with the inhabitants {H3427}{H8802)} of Tyre {H6865};

Complete Jewish Bible

G'val, 'Amon and 'Amalek, P'leshet with those living in Tzor; (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre.

American Standard Version

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:7, embedded within Asaph's urgent lament, meticulously enumerates a formidable confederacy of historical enemies aligned against ancient Israel. This verse highlights the widespread and existential threat faced by God's chosen people, depicting a diverse coalition of nations—including Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the inhabitants of Tyre—united in their intent to utterly destroy Israel and erase its memory from the earth. The psalmist's detailed listing of these adversaries serves to emphasize the gravity of the peril while simultaneously setting the stage for a desperate plea for divine intervention and the ultimate vindication of God's name and sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 83 stands as a poignant communal lament and an imprecatory prayer, uniquely positioned as the only communal lament in Book 3 of the Psalter. The preceding verses (Psalms 83:1-5) establish the psalmist's urgent cry for God to break His silence and act against a burgeoning conspiracy. The nations listed in Psalms 83:6-8, including those in Psalms 83:7, are presented as actively consulting and conspiring "with one accord" against God's people, identifying themselves as enemies of God Himself. This enumeration of adversaries builds a comprehensive picture of the threat, leading into the psalmist's passionate appeal for God to defeat them decisively, not merely for Israel's sake, but for the universal recognition of His singular sovereignty, as expressed in [Psalm 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalm 83:18 - God's Name and Sovereignty"). The psalm's structure moves from a desperate plea to a detailed description of the threat, culminating in a confident prayer for God's judgment and the ultimate revelation of His glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific coalition of nations listed in Psalms 83:7 points to a complex geopolitical landscape. Gebal (Byblos) and Tyre represent the powerful Phoenician city-states to the north, typically maritime traders, whose inclusion here signals an unusual and alarming alliance. Ammon, located east of the Jordan, and Amalek, a nomadic desert people, were perennial adversaries with deep-seated historical animosity towards Israel, dating back to the wilderness wanderings and the period of the Judges (cf. [Judges 10:7](/judges/10-7 "Judges 10:7 - Ammonite Oppression") and [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")). The Philistines, residing on the southwestern coastal plain, were long-standing rivals who frequently engaged in conflict with Israel, particularly during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). This diverse grouping suggests a moment of profound national crisis, where traditional enemies, some even from distant regions, united with a common, destructive purpose against Israel, highlighting the perceived existential threat to God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 83:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **A Coalition Against God's People**, emphasizing that opposition to Israel is often a broad, multi-faceted, and deeply rooted phenomenon, reflecting a spiritual antagonism against God's redemptive plan. Secondly, despite the formidable nature of this alliance, the psalmist's prayer implicitly asserts **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Conspiracy**, underscoring a profound trust in God's ultimate control over nations and His ability to thwart even the most organized human efforts against His purposes. Finally, the detailed listing of these nations highlights the theme of **The Identity of Adversaries**, reminding readers that throughout history, God's people have faced concrete, identifiable foes, whose hostility often stems from ancient grievances or ideological opposition to the God of Israel. The psalm's ultimate aim is not just deliverance, but the vindication of God's name, so that all might "know that You alone, whose name is the Lord, are the [Most High over all the earth](/psalms/83-18 "Psalm 83:18 - God's Supreme Authority")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gebal (Hebrew, _Gevál'_):** An ancient Phoenician city, also known as Byblos, located on the Mediterranean coast north of Sidon. Its inclusion in this list is notable because while Phoenician cities like Tyre and Sidon sometimes had complex relationships with Israel (at times allied, at times hostile), Gebal is less frequently mentioned as a direct military antagonist. Its presence here suggests a comprehensive northern threat and indicates the broad scope of the anti-Israel confederacy, perhaps reflecting a strategic alliance or a general anti-Israel sentiment among the coastal powers.
* **Amalek (Hebrew, _‘Amalék'_):** A nomadic people traditionally considered one of Israel's most ancient and persistent foes. Their hostility began with an unprovoked attack on the Israelites during their wilderness exodus (cf. [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle at Rephidim")). God declared perpetual war against Amalek, and their name became synonymous with relentless, insidious opposition to God's people. Their inclusion here emphasizes the deep historical roots and enduring nature of the animosity faced by Israel, representing an enemy whose very existence seemed antithetical to Israel's peace and security.
* **Tyre (Hebrew, _Tzór'_):** A prominent Phoenician city-state, known for its immense wealth, maritime power, and extensive trade networks. While Tyre had periods of alliance with Israel (e.g., during David and Solomon's reigns, cf. [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Tyre")), its appearance in this hostile coalition signifies a dramatic shift in allegiance. This highlights the fluidity of ancient alliances and the potential for even former partners to turn against God's people when united by a common anti-Israel agenda. Its inclusion underscores the widespread nature of the conspiracy, reaching even powerful coastal entities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek;":** This initial grouping establishes a diverse set of enemies. Gebal, from the Phoenician coast to the north, represents a sea-faring, culturally distinct power. Ammon, from the Transjordanian plateau to the east, signifies a long-standing, often aggressive, land-based neighbor. Amalek, a nomadic group from the south, embodies an ancient, relentless, and ideologically opposed foe. The conjunction "and" links them together, emphasizing their unified purpose despite their disparate origins and historical contexts, highlighting the broad geographical scope of the threat.
* **"the Philistines":** This clause introduces another major, perennial enemy from the southwestern coastal plain. The Philistines were a formidable military power who frequently challenged Israel's control over its own territory, particularly during the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their inclusion underscores the immediate and tangible threat posed to Israel's heartland, representing a significant and well-known adversary whose presence would evoke immediate recognition of danger for the psalmist's audience.
* **"with the inhabitants of Tyre;":** The final element of the list, Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state, completes the encirclement. While Tyre had periods of cooperative relations with Israel, its appearance here among the enemies is particularly alarming. The phrase "with the inhabitants of Tyre" suggests a specific, perhaps recent, alignment of this influential city with the broader anti-Israel confederacy, solidifying the impression of a comprehensive and widespread conspiracy against God's people, leaving Israel seemingly surrounded by hostile forces.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:7 primarily employs **Enumeration** (or listing), a literary device where a series of names or items are presented to create a sense of comprehensiveness and magnitude. By meticulously listing these diverse nations, the psalmist emphasizes the widespread and formidable nature of the threat against Israel, painting a vivid picture of a nation surrounded by enemies. This detailed list also functions as a form of **Amplification**, magnifying the perceived danger and justifying the psalmist's urgent plea for divine intervention. Furthermore, the selection of these particular nations, each with its own history of antagonism towards Israel, serves as a form of **Historical Allusion**, leveraging the collective memory of past conflicts to underscore the depth and persistence of the current animosity. The very act of naming these enemies also carries an implicit **Imprecatory** undertone, setting them up as targets for God's judgment, which is explicitly requested in the subsequent verses of the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:7, by detailing the formidable coalition arrayed against Israel, highlights the enduring theological truth that God's people, throughout history, face opposition that is often both human and spiritual in origin. This opposition, whether from ancient nations or contemporary ideologies, ultimately sets itself against God's redemptive purposes and His covenant faithfulness. The psalmist's response is not despair, but a fervent appeal to God's sovereign power and His commitment to His chosen nation. This underscores the theme of divine protection and the necessity of prayer in times of existential threat, reminding believers that even when surrounded by seemingly insurmountable odds, their ultimate security rests in the hand of the Almighty. The psalm's plea for God to act so that the nations "may know that You alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth" (Psalms 83:18) elevates the conflict beyond mere geopolitical struggle to a cosmic demonstration of God's unrivaled supremacy.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage Against God's Anointed")
* [Isaiah 41:10-12](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10-12 - God's Promise to Help Israel")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific nations listed in Psalms 83:7 are historical entities, the underlying reality of a world often hostile to God's purposes and His people remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to recognize that opposition to faith, whether overt persecution or subtle cultural pressures, is not random but often stems from a concerted, though perhaps unseen, alignment of forces against divine truth. Like Asaph, we are called not to succumb to fear or despair when confronted by such adversaries, but to bring our anxieties and the threats we perceive directly to God in fervent prayer. The psalm serves as a powerful model for how to pray for God's intervention, not just for personal deliverance, but for the ultimate vindication of His name and the demonstration of His glory in a world that often denies Him. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power to protect, preserve, and ultimately triumph over all opposition, ensuring that His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "coalitions" or opposing forces do you perceive aligning against God's truth or His people in our world today?**
* **How does the psalmist's detailed naming of enemies encourage you to be specific in your prayers for protection and deliverance?**
* **In what ways does this psalm strengthen your trust in God's ultimate sovereignty amidst seemingly overwhelming opposition?**

### FAQ
**Who were Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and Tyre, and why are they listed together in Psalm 83:7?**

Answer: These are distinct historical peoples and city-states that had significant interactions with ancient Israel. Gebal (Byblos) and Tyre were powerful Phoenician city-states on the northern Mediterranean coast, known for trade. Ammon was a kingdom east of the Jordan River, a frequent rival. Amalek was a nomadic people from the south, considered an ancient and persistent foe of Israel since the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 17:8](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Battle with Amalek")). The Philistines were a formidable people inhabiting the southwestern coastal plain, often in conflict with Israel, especially during the period of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson and the Philistines")). They are listed together in Psalms 83:7 because the psalmist Asaph identifies them as part of a confederacy, a unified alliance, conspiring to "cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" (cf. [Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalm 83:4 - The Conspiracy Against Israel")). This listing emphasizes the widespread and existential nature of the threat against God's chosen people, suggesting a moment of grave national crisis where diverse enemies united against Israel's very existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 83:7 speaks to a specific historical threat against ancient Israel, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is profound. The confederacy of nations against Israel prefigures the cosmic opposition against God's ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, and His new covenant people, the Church. Just as these ancient enemies sought to "cut off" Israel, so too did the powers of sin, death, and spiritual darkness conspire against Christ, culminating in His crucifixion. However, in His resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over "principalities and powers" (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")), disarming them and making a public spectacle of their defeat. The existential threat to Israel, the physical embodiment of God's covenant, finds its resolution in Christ, who establishes an indestructible spiritual kingdom (cf. [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Furthermore, the Church, as the spiritual Israel (cf. [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")), continues to face opposition, yet we are assured that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Endures")). Thus, the plea in Psalm 83 for God to vindicate His name by defeating His enemies is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's victory, ensuring that God's people, now defined by faith in Him, will never be erased, and His glory will be known throughout all the earth (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

Joshua 13:5

And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

Ezekiel 27:3

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, [which art] a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I [am] of perfect beauty.

Ezekiel 27:9

The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.

1 Samuel 15:2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

Amos 1:9

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

1 Samuel 4:1

¶ And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.