Keraia
Psalm 83

Psalm 83:16

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

Translations

Modern
Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD.
Traditional
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord.
Literal
Fill their faces with shame, and they shall seek Your name, O YHWH.
Latin
Imple facies eorum ignominia, et quærent nomen tuum, Domine.

Original

Hebrew
English
Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD.

Notes

Psalms 83:9–18

The psalmist prays that God will miraculously destroy the new coalition as he did three other enemies; doing so would bring him glory.

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.

Glossary

Asaph Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Judgments: Design of Prayer: Imprecatory Seekers: General Scriptures Concerning Seeking God: Includes Seeking: His Name