“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads.” (Psalm 83:1–2)
Psalm 83 is more than a prayer or a plea to God for vengeance on Israel’s enemies; it reveals that a 10-member confederacy wants to destroy the Chosen People and possess the Promised Land.
This psalm, however, was not written during a time of war. It was written some 3,000 years ago by King David’s worship leader, Asaph, during a time of great prosperity, liberty, and peace.
King David had decisively triumphed over Israel’s enemies, and Israel could expand freely since the superpowers of Egypt and Assyria were both declining. (Aish)
David’s kingdom, therefore, extended from the Red Sea to the Euphrates.
But Asaph was not just a worshiper; according to 2 Chronicles 29:30, he was also a chozeh
As a prophet, Asaph saw beyond this period of peace, to a time when this confederacy would seek the utter destruction of Israel. That time now seems to be nearing.
“Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” (Psalm 83:4)
Even though Asaph’s vision was received in a time of peace, it must have been cause for some concern since many named in the confederacy had previously demonstrated their hatred.
Of course, even today, conspiring against the Jewish People is considered nothing new. From the Philistines to the Nazis, the Jewish People have been plotted against.
“See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.” (Psalm 83:2–3)
