Psalms 83:8

KJV

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Assur {H804} also is joined {H3867}{H8738)} with them: they have holpen {H2220} the children {H1121} of Lot {H3876}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ashur too is allied with them, to reinforce the descendants of Lot.

Berean Standard Bible

Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah

American Standard Version

Assyria also is joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:8 is a critical verse within Asaph's urgent communal lament, revealing the formidable and widespread nature of the confederacy arrayed against Israel. It specifically names Assur (Assyria), a dominant regional power, as an active participant in this hostile alliance, particularly in lending its strength and support to the descendants of Lot (Moab and Ammon). The inclusion of such a powerful nation underscores the existential threat faced by God's people, prompting a desperate plea for divine intervention and the vindication of God's holy name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 83 is the final psalm of Book 3 of the Psalter, a fervent communal lament (or national lament) expressing a desperate plea for God's intervention against a formidable confederacy of hostile nations. The psalm opens with an urgent cry for God to act and not remain silent, as His enemies are in uproar and conspire against His people ([Psalms 83:1-3](/psalms/83-1-3 "Psalms 83:1-3 - A Plea for God's Intervention Against Enemies")). The psalmist, Asaph, then details the sinister conspiracy against God's people, articulating their stated goal: "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance" ([Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Enemy's Conspiracy to Erase Israel")). [Verses 6-7](/psalms/83-6-7 "Psalms 83:6-7 - Listing the Adversaries") enumerate several historical enemies of Israel, including Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagarenes, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, and the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre. [Verse 8](/psalms/83-8 "Psalms 83:8 - Assyria's Alliance") specifically adds Assur (Assyria) to this already formidable list, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the threat and the widespread reach of the conspiracy. The psalm then transitions into a fervent prayer for God to deal with these enemies as He did with past adversaries like Midian and Sisera ([Psalms 83:9-12](/psalms/83-9-12 "Psalms 83:9-12 - Prayer for Divine Judgment Like Past Victories")), culminating in a plea for God to make His name known and to humble the nations, so they might seek Him and acknowledge His supreme sovereignty ([Psalms 83:16-18](/psalms/83-16-18 "Psalms 83:16-18 - Prayer for God to Make His Name Known")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalms 83 is a subject of scholarly debate, with suggestions ranging from the time of Jehosaphat's miraculous victory over Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir (as recorded in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory Over Moab and Ammon")) to the Assyrian invasions of the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, or even post-exilic threats. Regardless of the exact event, the psalm vividly reflects a period when Israel faced a significant, multi-national threat to its very existence. The nations listed, such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon, were long-standing adversaries of Israel, often engaging in border conflicts, raids, or larger military campaigns. The "children of Lot" refers specifically to Moab and Ammon, whose origins are described in [Genesis 19:30-38](/genesis/19-30-38 "Genesis 19:30-38 - The Origin of Moab and Ammon"), establishing a deep-seated, often hostile, relationship with Israel. The inclusion of Assur (Assyria) is particularly significant. By the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, Assyria was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal military campaigns, imperial expansion, and policy of mass deportation. Their involvement would transform a regional skirmish into an existential crisis, making the threat truly overwhelming and necessitating divine intervention, as no human power could withstand such a confederacy.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 83 contributes to several profound themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Persistent Enmity Against God's People**. The confederacy represents a recurring pattern of opposition to Israel, not merely as a political entity but as the chosen nation through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold. The enemies' desire to "cut them off from being a nation" ([Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalms 83:4 - The Enemy's Conspiracy")) highlights this deep-seated, spiritual antagonism. Secondly, the psalm underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. Despite the overwhelming strength of the enemies, the psalmist's appeal is entirely to God, trusting in His ultimate power to bring judgment upon those who oppose His purposes and His people. The prayer is not for Israel's military might, but for God to act decisively and make His name known ([Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalms 83:18 - Knowing God's Name")). Finally, it highlights the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. Even in the face of apparent abandonment or overwhelming odds, the psalmist appeals to God's past acts of deliverance and His unchanging commitment to His covenant with Israel, implicitly trusting that He will preserve His people and His name. This unwavering trust in God's character is central to the psalmist's plea.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assur (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** This refers to Assyria, a powerful Mesopotamian empire that rose to prominence in the ancient Near East, particularly from the 9th to the 7th centuries BCE. Its inclusion in this list of enemies is highly significant, elevating the threat from a regional skirmish to an imperial confrontation. Assyria was known for its military might, brutal conquest, and deportation policies, making its alliance with Israel's traditional enemies a dire prospect. The psalmist's naming of Assur indicates the widespread and formidable nature of the conspiracy against God's people.
* **Holpen (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This KJV term translates the Hebrew noun `zᵉrôwaʻ`, meaning "arm," "strength," or "help." In this context, it signifies that Assyria was not merely a passive member of the confederacy but actively lending its "arm" or "strength" – its formidable military power and resources – to the "children of Lot" (Moab and Ammon). This active participation underscores the depth of the alliance and the coordinated effort to annihilate Israel, demonstrating a strategic and unified front against God's chosen nation. The use of this noun highlights the substantial and tangible support provided by Assyria.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _çelâh'_):** A term found frequently in the Psalms, its precise meaning is debated but generally understood as a musical or liturgical notation. It often indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a crescendo. In Psalms 83:8, positioned after the mention of such a powerful and active alliance, "Selah" serves to emphasize the gravity of the threat and invites the reader or worshiper to pause and contemplate the profound implications of this formidable coalition against God's people. It encourages a moment of solemn consideration of the danger and the urgent need for divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Assur also is joined with them:"** This clause introduces Assyria as a new and formidable member of the hostile coalition previously enumerated in [Psalms 83:6-7](/psalms/83-6-7 "Psalms 83:6-7 - The Nations Arrayed Against Israel"). The word "also" emphasizes that this powerful empire is not acting alone but has actively allied itself with the other nations, significantly increasing the perceived strength and danger of the conspiracy against Israel. It highlights the widespread nature of the opposition and the unprecedented scale of the threat.
* **"they have holpen the children of Lot."** This part of the verse clarifies the nature of Assyria's involvement: they are actively "helping" or "providing strength" to the "children of Lot," which refers to Moab and Ammon, two nations with a long history of antagonism towards Israel, stemming from their origins (as seen in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah; Origin of Moab and Ammon")). This specific alliance indicates a concerted, strategic effort to undermine or destroy Israel, with a major power lending its might to traditional enemies, making the threat truly existential.
* **"Selah."** This is a liturgical or musical notation, common in the Psalms. Here, it functions as a pause, inviting the reader or worshiper to reflect deeply on the preceding statement. In the context of a powerful empire like Assyria joining forces with Israel's ancient enemies, "Selah" emphasizes the gravity of the situation, the overwhelming nature of the threat, and the profound need for divine intervention that the psalmist is about to plead for. It is a call to solemn contemplation before the urgent prayer that follows.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:8, within the broader context of the psalm, employs several significant literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the psalmist systematically lists the various nations forming the confederacy against Israel, building a cumulative sense of overwhelming opposition. The inclusion of "Assur" (Assyria) represents a powerful use of **Climax** or **Escalation**, as it introduces the most formidable and globally recognized power into the list, intensifying the sense of threat and desperation to an unprecedented level. The entire psalm is structured as a **Lament**, a form of prayer characterized by a direct cry for help, a detailed description of distress, and an appeal to God's character and past actions of deliverance. The use of "Selah" at the end of the verse functions as a **Rhetorical Pause**, a deliberate break in the flow designed to prompt contemplation and underscore the gravity of the preceding statement. This pause serves to highlight the overwhelming nature of the alliance and the urgent need for divine intervention, inviting the worshiper to internalize the weight of the situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:8 powerfully articulates the persistent reality of spiritual opposition against God's people throughout history. The alliance described is not merely a geopolitical conflict but a manifestation of a deeper spiritual antagonism against God's purposes and His chosen nation. The psalmist's desperate plea for God to intervene speaks to the theological truth that ultimate victory belongs to God alone, and that His sovereignty extends over all human and geopolitical machinations. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds and powerful alliances, believers are called to trust in God's faithfulness and His ultimate triumph over all who oppose His kingdom. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face, where the forces of evil conspire against the church, God's new Israel, seeking to diminish or eradicate its witness.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium, Enmity Between the Seed of Woman and Serpent")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Spiritual Battle Against Principalities and Powers")
* [Revelation 12:17](/revelation/12-17 "Revelation 12:17 - The Dragon's War Against the Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 83:8, within its broader context, offers profound lessons for believers facing overwhelming opposition in their own lives and in the life of the church. Just as ancient Israel faced a formidable confederacy designed to "blot out their name," individuals and communities today may encounter powerful, coordinated challenges that seek to undermine faith, purpose, or the very existence of Christian witness. This verse encourages us not to minimize the reality of the threat, but to clearly identify the sources of opposition, whether spiritual, cultural, or systemic. However, the primary response modeled by the psalmist is not despair or self-reliance, but fervent, specific prayer that appeals to God's character and His past acts of deliverance. It calls us to remember that our ultimate security and victory do not lie in our own strength or strategies, but in the sovereign power of God, who is able to turn the tables on any adversary and make His name known through His decisive intervention. This psalm reminds us that even when the enemies seem overwhelming and their intentions are to erase God's people, our hope is firmly rooted in the God who reigns supreme over all nations and powers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assurs" or formidable alliances do you perceive to be arrayed against the Church or against your faith today, seeking to undermine or erase Christian witness?**
* **How does the psalmist's response of fervent prayer, rather than fear or self-reliance, challenge your own approach to overwhelming challenges in your life or community?**
* **In what ways can you, like Asaph, appeal to God's character and His past acts of deliverance when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" in Psalms 83:8?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms, typically interpreted as a musical or liturgical notation. While its exact meaning is debated, it generally indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a moment for heightened contemplation. In [Psalms 83:8](/psalms/83-8 "Psalms 83:8 - Assyria Joins the Alliance"), its placement after the mention of Assyria joining the formidable alliance against Israel underscores the gravity of the situation. It invites the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply consider the overwhelming nature of the threat and the profound implications of such a powerful coalition, thereby emphasizing the urgent need for divine intervention that the psalmist is pleading for throughout the psalm. It serves as a solemn underscore to the dire reality presented.

**Why is the inclusion of "Assur" (Assyria) so important in this list of enemies?**

Answer: The inclusion of "Assur" (Assyria) is critically important because it elevates the threat from a regional conflict to an imperial crisis. Many of the other nations listed in [Psalms 83:6-7](/psalms/83-6-7 "Psalms 83:6-7 - The Nations Against Israel") were long-standing, but often smaller, adversaries of Israel (e.g., Moab, Ammon, Edom). Assyria, however, was a dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, known for its vast military might, brutal conquest, and imperial ambitions. Their active participation ("holpen the children of Lot," meaning lending their strength) signifies a widespread, coordinated, and overwhelmingly powerful conspiracy against Israel, making the threat existential. It highlights the desperate situation that prompts the psalmist's urgent prayer for God's decisive intervention, as no human power could withstand such a confederacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:8, with its depiction of a formidable, multi-national alliance against God's chosen people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. While ancient Israel faced physical enemies, the New Testament reveals that the true adversaries of God's new covenant people, the Church, are not "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The True Nature of Our Warfare")). Just as Assyria joined with the "children of Lot" to oppose Israel, so too do spiritual forces conspire against Christ and His body, the Church, seeking to undermine its mission and witness. However, the ultimate victory over this confederacy of evil has already been secured by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. He disarmed "principalities and powers" on the cross, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The Church, though it faces ongoing opposition and persecution, is eternally secure in Christ, who has been given "all power in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")). The psalmist's prayer for God to make His name known and to humble the nations is ultimately fulfilled in the universal reign of Christ, before whom "every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Psalms 83:8 points us to the final, decisive victory of the Lamb of God over all His enemies and the eternal security of those who are in Him, awaiting His glorious return.

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

Deuteronomy 2:9

And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.

Genesis 25:3

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Genesis 10:11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

2 Kings 15:19

[And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

Genesis 19:37

And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same [is] the father of the Moabites unto this day.

Genesis 19:38

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same [is] the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Isaiah 33:2

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.