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    Psalms 83 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 83 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 83

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    Psalms 83 Summary

    Psalm 83 is Asaph's final psalm, a prayer for God to act against a coalition of nations conspiring to destroy Israel. He lists ten enemy peoples who have formed an alliance, saying 'Let us destroy them as a nation.'

    Asaph asks God to defeat them as He defeated Midian, Sisera, and Jabin, so that they would know that the Lord alone is the Most High over all the earth.

    Key Themes

    Coalition against God's peoplePrayer for divine interventionHistorical victories recalledGod's supremacy

    Key Verses in Psalms 83

    "Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth."

    — Psalms 83:18

    The ultimate goal of the prayer is not just Israel's safety but God's name being known globally.

    Life Application

    When opposition seems overwhelming and coordinated, remember that God is the Most High over all the earth. No alliance can stand against His purposes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which nations are listed in Psalm 83?

    Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—representing enemies from every direction.

    Psalm 83 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Urgent, purposeful

    Best read for: National threats, praying against evil alliances

    Overview of Psalm 83: Do Not Keep Silent, O God

    Psalm 83 is Asaph's urgent prayer when multiple nations conspire together against Israel, saying 'let us cut them off from being a nation.' He names ten enemy nations forming a coalition and asks God to deal with them as He did with Sisera, Midian, and others. The ultimate goal isn't destruction but that the enemies 'may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.'

    Key Themes

    Coalition of Enemies
    God's Name
    Victory
    Universal Knowledge

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.”
    — Psalm 83:1 (KJV)
    “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.”
    — Psalm 83:18 (KJV)

    Reflection

    The prayer isn't ultimately for revenge but for revelation — that all nations would know Jehovah is God. Even prayers against enemies can be redemptive when aimed at God's glory.

    Historical Context

    The last psalm of Asaph catalogs a coalition of ten nations conspiring against Israel—'They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation.' This alliance mirrors historical threats Israel faced from surrounding peoples and has been applied to various geopolitical crises throughout history.

    How to Apply Psalm 83 Today

    When it feels like everyone is against you—or against God's people—remember that coalitions of opposition have formed before and failed. Pray specifically for those who oppose the faith, not with vengeance but with the psalm's ultimate request: 'That they may seek Your name, O Lord.'

    A Prayer from Psalm 83

    Do not keep silent, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people. Deal with them as with Midian. That they may seek Your name, O Lord. Let them know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. Amen.

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