Psalms 83:8

Psalm 83:8 (KJV) continues the psalmist Asaph's urgent prayer for divine intervention against a formidable coalition of nations threatening Israel. This specific verse adds a powerful empire to the list of adversaries and highlights a particular alliance.

Context

Psalm 83 is a desperate lament, a communal prayer likely uttered during a period when Israel faced an existential threat from surrounding peoples. The psalm lists ten distinct groups who have formed a confederacy, seeking to destroy God's people and blot out the name of Israel. Verses 6 and 7 detail many of these historical enemies, such as Edom, Moab, Ammon, and the Philistines. Verse 8 specifically names Assur (Assyria), a major ancient Near Eastern power, indicating the severity and widespread nature of the perceived threat. Their alliance, particularly in "holpen" (helped) the children of Lot (Moab and Ammon), underscores a historical pattern of hostility against Israel.

Key Themes

• A Formidable Alliance: The inclusion of Assyria signifies that the threat was not merely from minor skirmishes but from a powerful, organized, and widespread confederacy. This highlights the overwhelming odds Israel faced.
• Persistent Enmity Against God's People: The nations listed, including Moab and Ammon, had a long history of antagonism towards Israel, dating back to their origins. This psalm reflects a recurring pattern of spiritual and physical opposition to God's chosen nation.
• Divine Sovereignty and Justice: Despite the strength of the enemies, the psalmist's appeal is to God, implicitly trusting in His ultimate power to bring judgment upon those who oppose His purposes and His people. The psalm is a cry for God to assert His righteous rule.

Linguistic Insights

The term "holpen" is an archaic KJV word meaning "helped" or "supported." It clarifies that Assyria was actively aiding the other nations, specifically the descendants of Lot, in their hostile intentions against Israel. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse is a musical or liturgical notation found frequently in the Psalms. It typically indicates a pause for reflection, contemplation, or perhaps a musical interlude. In this context, it emphasizes the gravity of the alliance and the profound threat described, inviting the reader to ponder the implications of such a formidable enemy.

Practical Application

Psalm 83:8, within its broader context, reminds believers that opposition can come from unexpected or powerful sources, sometimes in concerted efforts. Just as ancient Israel faced a confederacy, individuals and communities today may encounter overwhelming challenges or alliances that seem designed to undermine faith or purpose. This verse encourages us to:

• Acknowledge the Threat: The psalmist doesn't downplay the danger but clearly identifies the adversaries.
• Turn to God in Prayer: The entire psalm is a model of fervent prayer when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. It encourages us to lay our fears and the details of our struggles before God.
• Trust in God's Ultimate Victory: Despite the power of the enemies, the psalmist's ultimate plea is for God to act and demonstrate His power, reminding us that God's sovereignty prevails over all human and geopolitical machinations. As Romans 8:31 states, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"