Psalm 83:16-17
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be shamed; it reveals a profound, paradoxical hope behind that shame. It’s a prayer that their utter failure and humiliation would be so undeniable that it would strip away their pride and force them to look up, not just acknowledging God's existence, but actively seeking Him as the powerful LORD of Israel.
Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a fervent prayer calling on God to intervene against a coalition of nations plotting against His people, Israel. The psalmist recounts the enemies' wicked plans and asks God to bring them to ruin and confusion. The ultimate desire behind this plea for divine judgment is that the enemies might be humbled and led to acknowledge and worship Yahweh, the true God, rather than pursuing their destructive course.
Ever felt the sting of public embarrassment or the deep ache of disappointment? The Psalmist asks for shame, but not out of malice. What's the surprising purpose behind this powerful emotion?
This verse reveals a profound truth: God can use shame not just as a punishment, but as a catalyst for change.
A Forced Confession
When enemies are filled with shame, it's because their plans have failed spectacularly. Their arrogance is exposed, their power is proven futile against God. This public failure humbles them, forcing a confrontation with their own limitations and God's sovereignty.
Beyond Mere Defeat
The shame isn't the end goal. It's a tool designed to strip away pride and self-reliance. By experiencing the futility of their own strength, the enemies are meant to see the undeniable power of the Lord. It’s a painful, but potentially transformative, encounter with reality.
The ultimate aim isn't just for enemies to be embarrassed, but to 'seek Your name.' What does it truly mean to seek God’s name, and why is the specific name 'LORD' (Jehovah) so significant here?
The phrase 'seek your name' is packed with meaning. It's far more than just uttering a word; it's about a fundamental shift in allegiance and understanding.
Acknowledging Who He Is
To seek God's name means to acknowledge Him for who He truly is – His character, His power, His faithfulness. It's to recognize Him as the sovereign God, the LORD (Jehovah), the self-existent One who is mightier than any earthly power.
Ask a follow-up
More Than a Forced Submission
While some commentators note this seeking might initially be a forced, almost slave-like recognition (like Pharaoh in Egypt), the deeper hope is for a genuine turning. It’s the desire that through experiencing God’s power, they would come to truly 'own and worship' Him as the only true God, not just a regional deity.
The Name Above All Names
Specifically asking them to seek 'LORD' (Jehovah) points to the covenant God of Israel. It’s a call for enemies to recognize this particular God, who is uniquely powerful and actively involved with His people, and ultimately, to understand His supreme authority over all.
Understand the original words
qalown · Hebrew Noun
A condition of humiliation, dishonor, or disappointment resulting from sin or failure to acknowledge God; in a redemptive sense, it can lead to repentance.
shem · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, a name represents the essence, character, reputation, and authority of a person; to know God's name is to know His true nature as He has revealed Himself.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal, and self-existent name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His faithfulness and His presence with His people.
bahal · Hebrew Verb
A state of psychological or spiritual terror, agitation, or confusion caused by the realization of divine judgment or power.
abad · Hebrew Verb
To be destroyed, to come to an end, or to experience ultimate loss of life or status, often as a consequence of opposing God.
The psalm’s prayer for enemies to be shamed into seeking God's name reflects a deep desire for divine justice and vindication, especially in the context of overwhelming threats from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon, and perhaps even from internal enemies or rivals within the broader region. The ultimate hope is not just destruction for enemies, but their recognition of Yahweh's supreme power.
c. 9th-8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire aggressively expanded its borders, often demanding tribute and subjugating neighboring kingdoms in the Levant. This created a climate of fear and instability for smaller nations like Israel.
c. 730s-720s BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
A coalition of Aramean (Syrian) and Israelite (northern kingdom) forces attempted to force Judah (the southern kingdom) into rebellion against the rising Assyrian power. This conflict, detailed in Isaiah 7, directly threatened Judah and Jerusalem.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, fell to the Assyrians under Sargon II. This marked the end of the northern kingdom and led to the exile of its population, a significant trauma for the people of God.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. Despite the immense pressure, Jerusalem miraculously survived a major Assyrian assault, a pivotal moment of divine deliverance.
c. 609-597 BC
Babylonian Ascendancy
Following the decline of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to power. They exerted increasing influence over Judah, leading to multiple deportations of its people, including the elite.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the Judean population. This was a catastrophic event, marking the end of the Davidic monarchy and the independent nation of Judah.
This passage echoes the plea for God's glory to be revealed, even through shame, so that people will acknowledge Him and turn to Him.
John 12:28Jesus Himself prayed for His name to be glorified, and this passage shows God answering such prayers, even through suffering and shame, to ultimately bring about His purposes.
Romans 11:33This verse expresses awe at the unfathomable wisdom of God's ways, aligning with the sentiment that even His judgments (leading to shame) serve a higher purpose of revealing His nature.
Philippians 2:10-11This passage reveals the ultimate outcome of God's redemptive plan: that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, a fulfillment of the desire that all would 'seek His name'.
clarkePsalms 83:16: "Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD."
That they may seek thy name - Let them be confounded in all their attempts on Israel; and see, so manifestly, that thou hast done it, that they may invoke thy name, and be converted to thee.
pulpitPsalms 83:16: "Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD."
Verse 16. - Fill their faces with shame; i.e. cause their enterprise to fail, and so bring them to shame and confusion of face. That they may seek thy Name, O Lord. A merciful purpose lies behind the greater number of Divine visitations. They are intended to scourge men into submission, and cause them to turn to God. The psalmist, being in full sympathy with God, desires that his merciful intentions may have effec…
The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be shamed; it reveals a profound, paradoxical hope behind that shame. It’s a prayer that their utter failure and humiliation would be so undeniable that it would strip away their pride and force them to look up, not just acknowledging God's existence, but actively seeking Him as the powerful LORD of Israel.
This psalm is a fervent prayer calling on God to intervene against a coalition of nations plotting against His people, Israel. The psalmist recounts the enemies' wicked plans and asks God to bring them to ruin and confusion. The ultimate desire behind this plea for divine judgment is that the enemies might be humbled and led to acknowledge and worship Yahweh, the true God, rather than pursuing their destructive course.
This psalm is a fervent prayer calling on God to intervene against a coalition of nations plotting against His people, Israel. The psalmist recounts the enemies' wicked plans and asks God to bring them to ruin and confusion. The ultimate desire behind this plea for divine judgment is that the enemies might be humbled and led to acknowledge and worship Yahweh, the true God, rather than pursuing their destructive course.
"Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace," — The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be shamed; it reveals a profound, paradoxical hope behind that shame. It’s a prayer that their utter failure and humiliation would be so undeniable that it w…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
