Peter Barnes: Psalm 83
(8 October 2017)
SERMON NOTES: GOD AND ISRAEL’S ENEMIES (Psalm 83)
This 83rd Psalm was written by Asaph who is the author of twelve Psalms (Ps.50; 73-83). It is not dated, but may come from Jehoshaphat’s day when Judah was under attack – 2 Chron.20:1.
- Those who hate God’s people hate God.
– 83:1. That is the prayer. What follows is the situation – 83:2-8. Israel is effectively encircled.
– John 15:18-19. It is not simply that Israel’s do not like Hebrew customs – 83:2 (‘your enemies’ i.e. God’s enemies; and ‘they hate you’, meaning they hate the God of Israel); 83:5, 12.
Spurgeon: ‘Men would be glad to cast the church out of the world because it rebukes them, and is thus a standing menace to their sinful peace.’
- Pray for their judgment.
– 83:9-15, 17. In verses 9-10 he is referring to Judges 4-5; in verse 11 there is a reference to the events of Gideon’s day in Judges 6-8.
– Blow them away, scatter them to the four winds, consume them with fire, let them perish in disgrace. The Bible has imprecatory prayers and Psalms, but they do not stand alone.
- Pray for conversions.
– 83:16, 18. Derek Kidner: ‘its ruling thought is of God’s vindication rather than man’s conversion.’ That is true, but the Psalmist does pray two things here.
– Israel’s enemies would seek God – 83:16.
– they would come to know Him – 83:18.
– 2 Chron.20:29-30; 1 Kings 8:41-43; Isa.37:14-20