Psalms 83:15

Commentary on Psalms 83:15 (KJV)

Psalms 83:15: "So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm."

Context

Psalms 83 is a fervent prayer attributed to Asaph, a chief musician in David's time. It is an imprecatory psalm, meaning it contains a plea for divine judgment against enemies. The psalm opens with a desperate cry to God to not remain silent while a confederacy of nations plots to destroy Israel and blot out its name from remembrance. The psalmist identifies these nations (e.g., Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, Assyria) and recounts their malicious intent. Verse 15 is part of a series of petitions (verses 9-17) where the psalmist calls upon God to act against these adversaries, drawing parallels to God's past acts of deliverance and judgment against those who oppressed Israel.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Vengeance: The verse is a direct appeal for God to actively intervene and punish the enemies of Israel. It reflects a deep yearning for God's righteous judgment to be executed against those who threaten His people and His covenant.
• God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The use of "tempest" and "storm" highlights God's absolute power over natural elements. These are depicted not as random occurrences but as instruments of His divine will, which He can wield to discomfit and terrify His adversaries. This underscores the belief that God is the ultimate controller of all things, even the forces of nature, to achieve His purposes. Nahum 1:3 declares the Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm.
• Vindication of God's Name: While the immediate plea is for the destruction of enemies, the ultimate purpose of this judgment, as revealed in later verses of the psalm, is for the nations to "know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth" (Psalms 83:18). The judgment is not merely for revenge, but for God's glory and for His true identity to be revealed to all.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tempest" is suphah (סוּפָה), which often refers to a violent, destructive whirlwind or storm, frequently used metaphorically for divine wrath. The term "storm" comes from sa'ar (סַעַר), denoting a tempestuous wind or gale, also commonly associated with God's judgment and overwhelming power in the Old Testament. These terms convey an image of an irresistible, terrifying force, demonstrating God's ability to utterly overwhelm His adversaries through natural phenomena.

Practical Application

This verse, characteristic of imprecatory psalms, expresses a raw and intense cry for divine justice in the face of existential threat. While New Testament teachings emphasize love for enemies and leaving vengeance to God, this psalm reminds us that God is indeed a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people. It encourages us to trust in His ultimate plan for justice and vindication, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It also highlights that God's judgment, even through natural means, serves a divine purpose: to reveal His glory and establish His rightful reign, ensuring that all will acknowledge His supreme authority.