Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah Even Assyria has joined themAssyria was a powerful empire located in what is now northern Iraq. Known for its military prowess and expansionist policies, Assyria was a significant threat to Israel and its neighbors during the time of the Old Testament. The mention of Assyria joining the coalition against Israel highlights the severity of the threat faced by the Israelites. Historically, Assyria was known for its brutal conquests and deportations, which are documented in both biblical and extra-biblical sources. This phrase indicates a formidable alliance against Israel, as Assyria was a dominant force in the region. lending strength to the sons of Lot The "sons of Lot" refers to the Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. These groups often had contentious relationships with Israel, as seen in various Old Testament narratives. By aligning with Assyria, the Moabites and Ammonites gained significant military support, increasing the threat to Israel. This alliance underscores the persistent enmity between these nations and Israel, rooted in historical and familial tensions. The phrase also reflects the broader theme of Israel's neighbors conspiring against them, a recurring motif in the Psalms and prophetic literature. Selah The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical marker, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or emphasis. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it serves to draw attention to the preceding statement, inviting the reader or listener to consider the gravity of the situation described. In this context, "Selah" may prompt reflection on the formidable alliance against Israel and the need for divine intervention. Persons / Places / Events 1. AssyriaA powerful ancient empire known for its military might and influence. In the context of Psalm 83, Assyria represents a formidable ally to the enemies of Israel. 2. Sons of LotRefers to the Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. These groups were often in conflict with Israel. 3. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude. Teaching Points Understanding AlliancesRecognize how alliances can be formed against God's people, both historically and in contemporary spiritual battles. Historical Context and Spiritual LessonsStudy the historical context of biblical events to gain insights into God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Reflection and Pause (Selah)Incorporate moments of reflection in your spiritual journey to consider God's work and your response to His Word. God's Sovereignty Over NationsTrust in God's ultimate control over nations and powers, knowing that He can use even adversaries to fulfill His purposes. The Importance of VigilanceStay vigilant in prayer and spiritual readiness, aware of the spiritual forces that may align against God's people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the alliance between Assyria and the sons of Lot in Psalm 83:8 reflect the broader theme of opposition to God's people throughout the Bible? 2. In what ways can understanding the historical context of Assyria's role in the Bible enhance our comprehension of God's sovereignty? 3. How can the concept of "Selah" in Psalm 83:8 be applied to our personal spiritual practices today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the alliances formed against Israel that can be applied to spiritual warfare in our own lives? 5. How do other scriptures, such as Isaiah 10, help us understand God's use of nations like Assyria in His divine plan? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19Provides the background on Lot and the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites, highlighting the longstanding tensions between these groups and Israel. 2 Kings 15-19Chronicles the rise of Assyria as a dominant power and its interactions with Israel and Judah, illustrating the historical context of Assyria's involvement. Isaiah 10Discusses Assyria as an instrument of God's judgment, yet also subject to His ultimate authority, providing a broader theological perspective on Assyria's role. People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Arm, Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Descendants, Helped, Holpen, Joined, Lend, Lot, Selah, Sons, Strength, Strong, SupportDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:3-8 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Psalm 83:5-8 5205 alliance 5817 conspiracies 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 HistoryQuestion 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 Links Psalm 83:8 NIVPsalm 83:8 NLTPsalm 83:8 ESVPsalm 83:8 NASBPsalm 83:8 KJV
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