May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace. May they be ever ashamed and terrified;This phrase reflects a plea for the enemies of God to experience ongoing shame and fear. In the biblical context, shame often signifies a loss of honor and status, which was significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures where honor was highly valued. The psalmist's request for perpetual shame and terror suggests a desire for a lasting impact on those who oppose God. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of divine justice, where the wicked face consequences for their actions (Psalm 35:4, Isaiah 41:11). The use of "terrified" indicates a deep-seated fear, possibly reflecting the fear of God's power and judgment, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 2:25, where God instills fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies. may they perish in disgrace. Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 83, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms. 2. Israel The nation of Israel is the central focus of the psalm, as Asaph prays for God's protection over His people against their enemies. 3. Enemies of Israel The psalm lists various nations and groups that conspired against Israel, seeking its destruction. These include Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and others. 4. God's Judgment The event of divine intervention and judgment against the enemies of Israel is a central theme, as Asaph calls upon God to act decisively. 5. Historical Conflicts The psalm reflects the historical context of Israel's frequent conflicts with surrounding nations, emphasizing the need for divine deliverance. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareBelievers should recognize that spiritual battles are ongoing and require reliance on God's power and protection. Trust in Divine Justice Trusting God to execute justice allows believers to focus on living righteously without seeking personal vengeance. The Power of Prayer Asaph's prayer demonstrates the importance of interceding for God's intervention in times of trouble. God's Sovereignty Over Nations Understanding that God is sovereign over all nations can bring peace and confidence in His ultimate plan. The Consequences of Opposing God The fate of those who oppose God's people serves as a warning of the consequences of resisting His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Asaph's prayer in Psalm 83:17 reflect the nature of spiritual warfare faced by believers today?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our personal conflicts, as seen in Romans 12:19? 3. How does the historical context of Israel's enemies enhance our understanding of the psalm's message? 4. What can we learn from Asaph's example about the role of prayer in seeking God's intervention in difficult situations? 5. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in Isaiah 41:11, impact our perspective on current global events? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 2This psalm also speaks of nations conspiring against God's anointed, highlighting the futility of opposing God's plans. 2 Chronicles 20 The account of Jehoshaphat's victory over a coalition of enemies through divine intervention parallels the themes of Psalm 83. Romans 12:19 This New Testament passage echoes the theme of leaving vengeance to God, aligning with Asaph's plea for divine justice. Isaiah 41:11 This verse reassures God's people that those who oppose them will be put to shame, similar to the prayer in Psalm 83:17.
People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Abashed, Affrighted, Ashamed, Confounded, Destruction, Disappointed, Disgrace, Dismayed, Forever, Humiliated, Lost, Overcome, Perish, Shame, Troubled, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:9-18Library Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation … Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down. Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). The Third Commandment Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 83:17 NIVPsalm 83:17 NLT Psalm 83:17 ESV Psalm 83:17 NASB Psalm 83:17 KJV Psalm 83:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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