Psalms 83:12
who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 83:12
who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed here is that the enemies aren't just after land, they're claiming divine property. By saying "our God's pastures," they're not just taking territory; they're declaring God's chosen people and their inheritance are rightfully theirs, a direct insult to God's sovereignty. This reveals a deep spiritual rebellion, aiming to usurp God's place and claim His people for themselves.
This psalm is a passionate prayer calling for God's intervention against a confederacy of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist lists these enemies and recounts their arrogant declaration: they want to seize the fertile lands that God's people inhabit, essentially claiming God's inheritance for themselves. This boast fuels the prayer for divine judgment, mirroring past victories where God defeated similar oppressors who sought to usurp His people and their sacred lands.
When enemies looked at Israel's land, what did they really want to seize?
The psalmist uses powerful language here. The enemies didn't just want territory; they wanted to possess 'the houses of God.' This phrase is incredibly rich. It points not only to the physical dwellings of the Israelites but, more profoundly, to the land itself as God's chosen place to dwell among His people. It implies that taking the land was an act of desecrating God's presence and claiming what belonged to Him. Some commentators suggest 'pastures of God' might be a more accurate translation, evoking the imagery of God as the shepherd of His people, providing for them in their 'pastures'—their land. Either way, the enemies' ambition was to eradicate God's presence and people from the earth.
What does it reveal about a group when they claim ownership over what belongs to God?
The declaration, 'Let us take possession for ourselves...' is an act of profound arrogance and rebellion. It's not just about military conquest; it's about a theological claim. The enemies are essentially saying, 'We reject your God, and we will take what He has given to His people and claim it as our own.' This mirrors ancient claims where conquerors often believed their gods were superior and had therefore granted them victory and dominion. The psalmist exposes this pride, highlighting that such ambition is not merely political or military, but a direct affront to the Creator of all things. It's a dangerous delusion to believe you can possess or control anything truly belonging to 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 Psalm reflects a recurring historical reality for Israel: powerful enemies who not only sought to conquer them militarily but also to usurp their divinely appointed inheritance, viewing the very land and its people as God's possession to be stolen.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Settle in Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites conquered and settled the Promised Land, which they viewed as a divine inheritance given by God.
c. 1100 BC
Ammonite Claims on Israelite Land
The Ammonites advanced claims to lands held by the Israelites, citing ancient boundaries and asserting a right to possess them. This illustrates a recurring pattern of hostile nations coveting Israel's territory.
c. 12th century BC
Sisera and Jabin Oppress Israel
King Jabin of Canaan, with his general Sisera, brutally oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, seizing their lands and resources.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon Defeats Midianites
Gideon, with a small force, miraculously routed the vast Midianite army, saving Israel from their oppressive raids and plunder.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 83:12, as the Ammonites and Moabites confront Jehoshaphat, saying they have come to drive Israel out of the land God gave them.
Judges 11:13Similar to Psalm 83:12, the Ammonites lay claim to Israel's lands, arguing that they were given to them by their gods, not by the God of Israel, showing a pattern of nations coveting God's inheritance for His people.
Ezekiel 36:2-4This prophetic passage reveals the same predatory mindset as Psalm 83:12, with nations scoffing at Israel and plotting to seize their land, God's chosen territory.
Jeremiah 49:1Here, the Ammonites are accused of occupying the inheritance of Israel, mirroring the hostile intent described in Psalm 83:12 of enemies seeking to possess what God has designated as His.
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 .)
What's easily missed here is that the enemies aren't just after land, they're claiming divine property. By saying "our God's pastures," they're not just taking territory; they're declaring God's chosen people and their inheritance are rightfully theirs, a direct insult to God's sovereignty. This reveals a deep spiritual rebellion, aiming to usurp God's place and claim His people for themselves.
This psalm is a passionate prayer calling for God's intervention against a confederacy of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist lists these enemies and recounts their arrogant declaration: they want to seize the fertile lands that God's people inhabit, essentially claiming God's inheritance for themselves. This boast fuels the prayer for divine judgment, mirroring past victories where God defeated similar oppressors who sought to usurp His people and their sacred lands.
This psalm is a passionate prayer calling for God's intervention against a confederacy of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist lists these enemies and recounts their arrogant declaration: they want to seize the fertile lands that God's people inhabit, essentially claiming God's inheritance for themselves. This boast fuels the prayer for divine judgment, mirroring past victories where God defeated similar oppressors who sought to usurp His people and their sacred lands.
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c. 875-853 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War Begins
A coalition of nations, including Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel, attacked Judah, seeking to dethrone King Ahaz and install their own ruler.
c. 875-853 BC— this verse
Confederacy Attacks Jehoshaphat
A coalition of nations, including Moab, Ammon, and others, invaded Judah with the intent to plunder and seize territory, explicitly stating their desire to take possession of Israel's lands.
"who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”" — What's easily missed here is that the enemies aren't just after land, they're claiming divine property. By saying "our God's pastures," they're not just taking territory; they're declaring God's chos…