What is the meaning of Psalm 83:6? the tents of Edom Edom, the nation springing from Esau, is the first name on the Psalmist’s list. The picture of “tents” calls up nomadic encampments gathering for battle. • Family history: Esau settled in Seir and became Edom (Genesis 36:1, 8). • Long-running hostility: Edom refused Israel passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21) and later rejoiced over Jerusalem’s fall (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 1:10-14). • God’s response: Prophets spoke of Edom’s downfall (Isaiah 34:5-6; Malachi 1:4). The Psalm reminds us that old grudges can solidify into alliances against God’s people, yet the Lord keeps every promise concerning them. the Ishmaelites These are the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s son through Hagar. • Origins: God foretold Ishmael would become “a great nation” (Genesis 21:13, 18). • Desert traders: They appear carrying Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:25-28). • Border neighbors: Living east and south of Israel, they often interacted—and clashed—with their relatives (Judges 8:24). Their inclusion in Psalm 83 points to a family dispute grown into open warfare. Still, God’s covenant line through Isaac stands secure (Romans 9:7). of Moab Moab occupied the high plateau east of the Dead Sea, descending from Lot’s elder daughter (Genesis 19:36-37). • Frequent friction: Balak hired Balaam against Israel (Numbers 22–24), and Moab seduced Israel at Peor (Numbers 25:1-3). • Later conflicts: Judges 3:12-30 and 2 Kings 3 describe military struggles; the prophets pronounce judgment (Isaiah 16; Jeremiah 48). • Yet mercy offered: Ruth the Moabitess entered Messiah’s line (Ruth 4:13-22; Matthew 1:5). Psalm 83 gathers Moab into the coalition, showing how even kin nations opposed God’s plan—while He still braided grace into their story. the Hagrites The Hagrites (or Hagarites) were an Arabian tribe linked to Hagar, Ishmael’s mother. • Recorded battles: The tribe of Reuben fought and subdued them (1 Chronicles 5:10, 18-22). • Territory: They roamed the wilderness north of the Arabian Peninsula, south-east of Gilead. • Prophetic note: Psalm 60:7 names Hagarites alongside Moab and Edom, echoing the same regional tension. By listing them, the Psalm shows that even distant nomads rallied against Israel, yet the LORD’s hand delivered His people before and would do so again. summary Psalm 83:6 strings together four related peoples—Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagrites—painting a picture of a wide-ranging, family-linked coalition determined to erase Israel. Each name carries a backstory of ancient rivalry and prophetic consequence. The verse reassures us that God sees every alliance, remembers every promise, and will ultimately protect His covenant people, just as He has done throughout Scripture’s unfolding history. |
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