Psalm 83

 


Psalm 83 is the last "Psalm of Asaph."  It is a prayer for God not be silent but to take action against enemies who seek to wipe out the nation of Israel.  Specific enemies are named, and the imprecatory section calls upon God to defeat them just as He had in past examples recorded in the Book of Judges.  Yet overall, the hope is that humiliation of the enemies may cause them to seek the LORD's name and to recognize that He is "the Most High over all the earth" (v. 18).

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-8
    • Many of those listed in these verses have been enemies of Israel throughout history even to this day, but behind them all is Satan.  Why would Satan want "the name of Israel [to] be remembered no more" (v. 4)?
  • Verses 9-12
    • These verses list examples of how God defeated enemies of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges.  In what ways has God given us victory in our lives over the Enemy?
  • Verses 13-18
    • Pray now for God's consuming fire to cause enemies of God's people to seek God's name (v. 16) and to know that He is the "Most High over all the earth" (v. 18).

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "O God, Do Not Be Silent" (Psalm 83) by Wendell Kimbrough:  Link


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