Keraia
Psalm 83

Psalm 83:8

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

Translations

Modern
Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah
Traditional
Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
Literal
Assyria also has joined with them; they have become an arm for the sons of Lot. Selah
Latin
Etenim Assur venit cum illis: facti sunt in adjutorium filiis Lot.

Original

Hebrew
English
Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah

Notes

Psalms 83:8

  • Assyria was located northeast of Israel and north of the Persian Gulf.

  • Lot's descendants were the Moabites and the Ammonites (Psalm 83:6–7).

Psalms 83:5–8

they form an alliance: The allies agreed to fight against God and his people. The nations named in this alliance lived around Israel and Judah.

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

Lot The Amalekites

People

Lot: Abraham's nephew; rescued from Sodom's destruction Selah: A musical or liturgical term of uncertain meaning

Places

Assyria: A powerful ancient empire, often in conflict with Israel

Glossary

Asaph Assur Assyria, Assyrians Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Armies: March in Ranks: Confederated