Psalm 83:18
May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.
That they may know
This phrase emphasizes the purpose of the psalmist's plea. The Hebrew root for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual awareness. The psalmist desires that the nations come to a profound understanding of God's sovereignty and power. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God's actions in history are meant to reveal His character and authority to all people.

that You, whose name is the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all capital letters signifies the Hebrew name "YHWH" or "Yahweh," which is the personal, covenantal name of God. This name is deeply significant in the Hebrew tradition, representing God's eternal existence and His faithfulness to His promises. The invocation of this name underscores the psalmist's appeal to God's covenantal faithfulness and His unique identity as the one true God.

are Most High
The phrase "Most High" translates the Hebrew "Elyon," a title that denotes God's supreme authority and exalted status above all other powers and deities. This title is used throughout the Old Testament to affirm God's unmatched sovereignty and His position as the ultimate ruler of the universe. It serves as a reminder of God's transcendence and His ability to execute justice and deliverance.

over all the earth
This phrase expands the scope of God's dominion to encompass the entire world, not just Israel. It reflects the biblical worldview that God's authority is universal, extending beyond national or ethnic boundaries. This global perspective is consistent with the biblical narrative that God's plan of redemption and revelation is intended for all nations, ultimately culminating in the Great Commission of the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist (Asaph)
Asaph is traditionally credited as the author of Psalm 83. He was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court, known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms.

2. The LORD (YHWH)
The central figure in this verse, the LORD is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel.

3. The Nations
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 83 involves a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, seeking to destroy God's people.

4. Israel
The nation of Israel is the target of the surrounding nations' hostility, and the psalm is a plea for God's intervention and vindication.

5. The Earth
The scope of God's sovereignty as described in this verse extends over all the earth, highlighting His universal dominion.
Teaching Points
The Uniqueness of God's Name
God's name, "the LORD" (YHWH), signifies His unique identity and covenant relationship with His people. Understanding and revering His name is crucial for believers.

God's Sovereignty Over the Earth
Recognizing God as "Most High over all the earth" calls believers to trust in His supreme authority and control over all circumstances, including global events and personal challenges.

The Call to Acknowledge God
The psalmist's prayer is for all to know and acknowledge God. This challenges believers to live in a way that reflects God's sovereignty and draws others to Him.

The Assurance of God's Victory
Despite opposition, God's ultimate victory is assured. Believers can find comfort and hope in His promise to protect and vindicate His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the meaning of God's name, "the LORD" (YHWH), deepen your relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you acknowledge God's sovereignty in your daily life, especially when facing challenges?

3. How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over the earth influence your perspective on current world events?

4. What practical steps can you take to help others recognize and acknowledge God as "Most High over all the earth"?

5. How do the themes in Psalm 83:18 connect with the New Testament understanding of Jesus' exaltation and authority?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:14
This verse connects to the revelation of God's name, "I AM," to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence and eternal nature, which is foundational to understanding "the LORD" in Psalm 83:18.

Isaiah 45:5-6
These verses affirm that there is no other God besides the LORD, reinforcing the exclusivity and supremacy of God over all the earth as stated in Psalm 83:18.

Philippians 2:9-11
This passage speaks of Jesus being exalted to the highest place, where every knee will bow, connecting to the theme of God's ultimate sovereignty and recognition by all.
The Inner Proofs of GodBp. W. E. McLaren.Psalm 83:18
An Appeal to HeavenHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Mental Tendencies in Relation to GodHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Soul SpoilersS. Conway Psalm 83:1-18
What God is to His PeopleC. Short Psalm 83:1-18
People
Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, Zeeb
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Alone, Chief, Gittith, Korah, Musician, Psalm, Sons, Thyself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 83:18

     1165   God, unique
     1235   God, the LORD
     8138   monotheism

Psalm 83:9-18

     5029   knowledge, of God

Psalm 83:16-18

     5816   consciousness

Psalm 83:17-18

     5836   disgrace

Library
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. 500
In 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
I. Does the Virtue of Religion Direct a Man To God Alone? S. Augustine, sermon, cccxxxiv. 3 " on Psalm lxxvi. 32 sermon, cccxi. 14-15 II. Is Religion a Virtue? III. Is Religion One Virtue? IV. Is Religion a Special Virtue Distinct From Others? V. Is Religion One of the Theological Virtues? VI. Is Religion To Be Preferred To the Other Moral Virtues? VII. Has Religion, Or Latria, Any External Acts? S. Augustine, of Care for the Dead, V. VIII. Is Religion the Same As Sanctity? Cardinal Cajetan,
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
To Anastasius, Presbyter [1714] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. That a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things (Matth. xii. 35; Luke vi. 45), this thy Charity has shewn, both in thy habitual life and lately also in thy epistle; wherein I find two persons at issue with regard to virtues; that is to say, thyself contending for charity, and another for fear and humility. And, though occupied with many things, though ignorant of the Greek language, I have nevertheless sat
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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