Psalms 83:6

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

The tabernacles {H168} of Edom {H123}, and the Ishmaelites {H3459}; of Moab {H4124}, and the Hagarenes {H1905};

the tents of Edom and the Yishma'elim, Mo'av and the Hagrim,

the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagarenes;

Commentary

Psalms 83:6 KJV is part of a desperate prayer by Asaph, a chief musician and seer, pleading with God to intervene against a formidable confederacy of nations threatening Israel. This verse specifically lists four of these hostile groups, emphasizing the widespread nature of the threat against God's chosen people.

Context

Psalm 83 is a communal lament and prayer for deliverance, likely composed during a time when Israel faced a significant military threat from surrounding nations. The psalmist calls upon God to act decisively against those who conspire against Him and His people. Verse 6 details specific peoples who have formed an alliance:

  • Edom: Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 36:1). They inhabited the mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea and had a long history of animosity and conflict with Israel.
  • Ishmaelites: Descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar (Genesis 16:12). These were nomadic tribes of the Arabian desert, often associated with raiding and hostility towards settled communities.
  • Moab: Descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:37). Their territory was east of the Dead Sea, and they were frequent adversaries of Israel throughout its history, known for their idolatry and opposition.
  • Hagarenes: Likely a nomadic tribe from the Arabian Desert, possibly related to or synonymous with the Ishmaelites, given their name's connection to Hagar. They are mentioned in other historical texts as formidable desert dwellers.

The mention of "tabernacles" (Hebrew: ืึนื”ึถืœ, 'ohel) refers to their tents or dwellings, signifying their presence, territories, or the nomadic nature of some of these peoples. It underscores the collective and organized nature of this threat, as these diverse groups, some traditional enemies and others new allies, united against Israel.

Key Themes

  • Confederacy Against God's People: The primary theme is the formation of a broad alliance of nations with the singular goal of destroying Israel, demonstrating a spiritual battle against God's chosen nation.
  • Historical Enmity: The verse highlights the long-standing hostility between Israel and its neighbors, rooted in historical, territorial, and sometimes ancestral conflicts.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Protection: Though surrounded by enemies, the psalmist's prayer in Psalm 83 ultimately appeals to God's power and faithfulness to defend His people, emphasizing that these nations are not just fighting Israel but are also fighting against God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tabernacles" is 'ohel (ืึนื”ึถืœ), which literally means "tent." In this context, it broadly refers to the dwellings or territories of these peoples, especially those who were nomadic or semi-nomadic. It can also metaphorically represent their entire populations or armies, indicating that their very existence and power were aligned against Israel.

Practical Application

While Psalms 83:6 describes ancient conflicts, its message resonates today. Believers can draw several applications:

  1. Awareness of Spiritual Opposition: Just as ancient Israel faced visible enemies, believers today face spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:12). This verse reminds us that forces, sometimes diverse and unexpected, can align against God's kingdom and His people.
  2. The Importance of Prayer: The psalmist's immediate response to this threat was fervent prayer. When confronted with opposition, our primary recourse is to seek God's intervention and protection (God is our refuge and strength).
  3. Trust in God's Deliverance: Despite the overwhelming odds described in the psalm, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's ability to scatter His enemies. This encourages us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and power to protect His own, even when circumstances seem dire.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 5:10 (4 votes)

    And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ It came to pass after this also, [that] the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them [other] beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

  • Psalms 137:7 (3 votes)

    ยถ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:19 (2 votes)

    And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 (2 votes)

    And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

  • Genesis 25:12 (2 votes)

    Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

  • Genesis 25:18 (2 votes)

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.