Keraia
Psalm 83

Psalm 83:1

O God, Be Not Silent · Psalm 83:1–18
Read Psalm 83

Translations

Modern
A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God.
Traditional
A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
Literal
A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, keep no silence to You; do not be silent, and do not be still, O God.
Latin
Canticum Psalmi Asaph. Deus, quis similis erit tibi? ne taceas, neque compescaris, Deus:

Original

Hebrew
English
A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God.

Notes

Psalms 83:1–4

The enemy has successfully intimidated God’s people, so the poet prays that the Lord will hear and act.

Psalms 83:1–18

This community lament asks God to rescue his people and give them victory. The short and direct poetry suggests a time of great trouble. A strong group of nations plans to destroy Israel (Psalm 83:1–4) and joins together against God (83:5–8).

The psalmist remembers what happened to other enemies who attacked Israel in the past (Psalm 83:9–12). He prays that the same thing will happen to these enemies (83:13–16), so that they will recognize God’s power and give him honor (83:17–18).

It is not clear whether this psalm refers to one specific historical event or whether it gathers together several nations as a poetic picture of Israel’s enemies.

Theme notes and profiles

The Amalekites

People

Asaph: Levite musician, psalmist, and ancestor of temple singers LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Asaph Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Armies: March in Ranks: Confederated Intercession: Additional Instances of Asaph, for the Congregation Prayer: Pleas offered In Psalms: Afflictions