Psalm 83:2

Translations

Modern

See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads.

Traditional

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

Literal

For behold, Your enemies roar, and those hating You have lifted up the head.

Latin

…quoniam ecce inimici tui sonuerunt, et qui oderunt te extulerunt caput.

Original

Hebrew

English

See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads.

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 Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Psalm 81:15
Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever.
Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”
Isaiah 17:12
Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters.
Judges 8:28
In this way Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. So the land had rest for forty years in the days of Gideon,
Isaiah 37:23
Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.
Acts 21:30
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
Psalm 2:1–2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Acts 23:10
The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.
Psalm 74:23
Do not disregard the clamor of Your adversaries, the uproar of Your enemies that ascends continually.
Psalm 93:3
The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves.
Acts 16:22
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.

Glossary

Asaph Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Armies: March in Ranks: Confederated Head: (Lifted Up) of Pride Prayer: Pleas offered In

Psalm 83:2

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