who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The enemies didn't just want land; they declared their intention to seize "the pastures of God," revealing a profound spiritual arrogance that they believed they could claim God's inheritance and dispossess Him of His people. This wasn't merely a territorial dispute, but an audacious attempt to usurp God's ownership and relationship with Israel.
who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a desperate prayer from the people of God facing an overwhelming coalition of enemies. The surrounding verses describe this massive alliance, listing their names and intent to destroy Israel, highlighting their arrogant declaration: "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God." This brazen statement reveals their goal to seize not just the land, but the very places where God's people dwell and worship, effectively dispossessing God himself from His chosen land and people.
When enemies plotted to seize the land, they didn't just see houses, but something far more intimate. What did they truly covet?
The original wording here, translated as 'houses' in some versions, is better understood as 'pastures' or 'homesteads.' This subtle shift reveals a deeper spiritual truth.
A Land of Divine Provision
God didn't just give Israel territory; He gave them a land where His presence would dwell and His people would thrive, like sheep in well-tended pastures. The enemies' desire to 'take possession' wasn't merely for physical property, but for the blessings and divine favor associated with God's people and His chosen land.
The Enemy's True Target
This wasn't just about land acquisition. It was about uprooting God's people and severing their connection to the source of their provision and blessing – God Himself. They sought to claim what God had claimed as His own.
The enemies' greedy words were more than just a military objective; they were a direct challenge to God's sovereignty. What does this reveal about their hearts?
The statement, 'Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God,' wasn't just a statement of intent; it was an act of profound defiance against the Almighty.
Mocking God's Ownership
Ask a follow-up
By calling the land and its provisions 'the pastures of God,' the enemies implicitly acknowledged God's ownership, even as they planned to seize it. This was often done with derision, intending to mock the Israelites' faith and God's claimed protection. They sought to displace not just people, but God Himself from His rightful inheritance.
Spiritual Warfare in Words
This declaration is a potent example of how words can be weapons in spiritual warfare. The enemies weren't just strategizing; they were declaring their intent to usurp God's authority and claim His people and His land as their own. It highlights the blasphemous nature of rebellion against God.
Understand the original words
yarash · Hebrew Verb
The act of laying claim to property or territory, often implying forceful appropriation or the desire to own what has been designated for another purpose.
na'aveh elohim · Hebrew Noun
The dwelling place or habitation of God; used here to refer to the land of Israel which God gave to His covenant people.
This verse likely reflects the arrogant boasts of invading enemies who sought to dispossess God's people, viewing their land and its sanctuaries as spoils to be claimed, as seen in the historical conflicts faced by Israel and Judah.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites claim Canaan
After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered and settled in the land of Canaan, which they believed God had promised and given to them.
c. 1100 BC
Ammonites dispute Israelite claim
The Ammonites claimed that the land occupied by the Israelites east of the Jordan River rightfully belonged to them, leading to ongoing conflict.
c. 13th Century BC
Sisera and Jabin's oppression
King Jabin of Hazor, with his general Sisera, oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, seizing their lands and resources.
c. 11th Century BC
Gideon defeats Midianites
Gideon led a small Israelite force to a miraculous victory over the vast Midianite army, saving Israel from their oppression and plunder.
c. 9th Century BC— this verse
Confederacy against Jehoshaphat
A coalition of nations, including Moab, Ammon, and others, banded together to attack Judah and take possession of its lands during the reign of King Jehoshaphat.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Invasions and Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire launched multiple invasions of Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, and the exile of its people.
This passage shows a similar enemy boast, where the Ammonites and Moabites claim that the Israelites are trying to dispossess them of the land God gave them. It highlights the recurring theme of enemies coveting what God has given His people.
Judges 11:13Here, the Ammonites make a direct claim to the land Israel occupies, stating it was given to them by their god. This echoes the arrogance of claiming God's territory as their own.
1 Samuel 26:19David confronts Saul, accusing him of inciting him to pursue David and drive him from his inheritance. This reflects the pain of being driven from one's rightful place, which is what the enemies in Psalms 83 intended.
Ezekiel 36:12This prophecy speaks of God restoring Israel to their land, promising that it will be inhabited after being made desolate. It stands in stark contrast to the enemies' desire to seize and possess what God intended for His people.
clarkePsalms 83:12: "Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession."
Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession - Nearly the words spoken by the confederates when they came to attack Jehoshaphat. They come (says the king in address to God) to cast us out of thy possession which thou hast given us to inherit. See 2 Chronicles 20:11 .
ellicottPsalms 83:12: "Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession."
(12) Houses. —Rather, pastures. (See Psalm 79:7 .)
The enemies didn't just want land; they declared their intention to seize "the pastures of God," revealing a profound spiritual arrogance that they believed they could claim God's inheritance and dispossess Him of His people. This wasn't merely a territorial dispute, but an audacious attempt to usurp God's ownership and relationship with Israel.
This psalm is a desperate prayer from the people of God facing an overwhelming coalition of enemies. The surrounding verses describe this massive alliance, listing their names and intent to destroy Israel, highlighting their arrogant declaration: "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God." This brazen statement reveals their goal to seize not just the land, but the very places where God's people dwell and worship, effectively dispossessing God himself from His chosen land and people.
This psalm is a desperate prayer from the people of God facing an overwhelming coalition of enemies. The surrounding verses describe this massive alliance, listing their names and intent to destroy Israel, highlighting their arrogant declaration: "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God." This brazen statement reveals their goal to seize not just the land, but the very places where God's people dwell and worship, effectively dispossessing God himself from His chosen land and people.
"who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”" — The enemies didn't just want land; they declared their intention to seize "the pastures of God," revealing a profound spiritual arrogance that they believed they could claim God's inheritance and dis…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026