Bible Commentaries
Psalms 83

Verses 1-18

The psalmist has a vision of the confederacy of all the enemies of the people of God. This he describes as to its process, it constitution, and its purpose. They have taken counsel together with the avowed purpose of the annihilation of the very first part of the psalm ends (vv. Psa 83:1-8 ).

The song then becomes a prayer definitely for the destruction of this confederacy, and the confusion of its purpose. Past victories are referred to, and in a strong and overwhelming sense of peril the cry for the Divine activity is poured forth. Here again, as constantly, this attitude of the singer must be accounted for according to his own declaration. In describing the confederacy he declared,

“For they have consulted together with one consent; Against Thee do they make a covenant.”

At the close of the prayer he says,

“That they may know that Thou alone, Whose name is Jehovah Art the Most High over all the earth.”

These singers of the ancient people were all inspired supremely with a passion for the honour of God. With them, as with the prophets, selfish motives were unknown. Selfishness sings no songs, and sees no visions. On the other hand, a passion for the glory of God is capable of great sternness, as well as of great tenderness.