Psalm 83 Study Notes

83:6-7 While the context implies that all ten enemy nations originated from Lot (v. 9), only Moab and Ammon descended from him (Gn 19:36-38). The nations listed here divide into two separate groups. The Ishmaelites and the Hagrites are synonymous with Moab and Edom. The remaining nations make up a familiar list of all Israel’s fiercest enemies, with the exception of Gebal, about which little is known.

83:8 Assyria, as the enemy par excellence, lent support (lit “arm”), a term figuratively denoting military resources and strength.

83:9-12 In an extended imprecation (see note at 109:1-31), the lament evokes memories of the Lord’s intervention in two major victories. Sisera and Jabin were defeated by Deborah and Barak (Jdg 4-5), and the nation of Midian—including Oreb . . . Zeeb . . . Zebah, and Zalmunna—was defeated by Gideon (Jdg 6:1-8:21).

83:13 The opposition will be like straw, separated from the grain and blown away by the evening wind, implying that the enemy’s power lacked substance.

83:14-15 Storm imagery is associated with the execution of God’s wrath (18:7-15; 50:3; 107:24-30; Jnh 1:4).

83:16-18 Three Hebrew terms for shame in these verses reinforce the extent of the Lord’s judgment and his complete humiliation of the oppressors, culminating in the annihilation of hostile peoples. The fate the adversaries sought to inflict on God’s people (v. 4) will be exacted on them (see note at 7:14-16). Only then would the nations recognize the Lord as sovereign King.