The phrase "make a tumult" isn't just about noise; it's like the roaring of a wild, uncontrollable sea, emphasizing the chaotic and overwhelming force of their aggression. This isn't just a political or military uprising, but a fierce, hate-filled rebellion directly against God Himself, showing their arrogance in "lifting up their head" against the Almighty.
For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a desperate cry to God amid a terrifying coalition of nations surrounding Israel. The psalmist sees these many peoples, who hate God and His people, rising up in a unified and menacing uproar, seeking to crush them. This verse captures the immediate alarm of the singer, recognizing not just a political threat but a spiritual one, where enemies of God's people are also described as God's own enemies who have become boldly defiant.
Why does the psalmist describe God's enemies as 'making a tumult' and 'roaring'? It's more than just noise; it's a deep-seated animosity.
The Hebrew word used here for 'tumult' doesn't just mean noise; it paints a picture of a wild, furious uproar, like the crashing waves of a stormy sea. This isn't just a political squabble; it's a deep-seated hatred directed at God himself.
A Different Kind of Enemy
These aren't just people who disagree with God's people. They actively 'hate' God. This hatred manifests as a violent, agitated energy – a chaotic surge against everything God stands for. It's a rejection of His rule, His truth, and His people.
The Head Lifted High
When the verse says they 'have lifted up their head,' it signifies arrogance and defiance. They are emboldened, confident in their opposition. This isn't a quiet dissent; it's a proud, open rebellion.
The psalmist calls them 'your enemies.' But are they only God's enemies, or enemies of Israel too? This is a crucial distinction.
This psalm makes a powerful theological point: the enemies of God's people are, fundamentally, God's enemies. Their opposition to Israel is not just a local conflict; it's an assault on God's purposes and His chosen people.
Unified in Opposition
Often, when nations or groups band together against God's people, their own historical enmities are set aside. The shared hatred for God and His people becomes a powerful, albeit unholy, unifying force. This psalm lists a diverse group, suggesting that this shared hatred can override deep-seated differences.
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The Stakes Are Divine
When we face opposition, remembering that it's directed at God himself can change our perspective. It elevates the struggle beyond mere human conflict. The battle isn't just for our survival or well-being; it's about God's name and His sovereign plan.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
Those who are hostile to God or His righteous cause. Biblically, these are individuals or nations who align themselves against God's rule and His people.
sane · Hebrew Verb/Participle
Those who possess intense, active animosity. This term characterizes an enmity that is deep-seated and personal, often implying a rejection of God's character and authority.
am · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant community of God, set apart from the nations to be His witnesses and possessors of His promises. They are the object of divine care and the target of spiritual and physical opposition.
tsaphan · Hebrew Verb/Participle
Something hidden, protected, or highly valued. In Scripture, it describes the special, intimate relationship between God and His people, whom He treats as His most valuable possession.
goy · Hebrew Noun
A corporate political entity defined by common ancestry, law, and territory. In the context of Israel, it is the identity through which God manifests His kingdom on earth.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The historical and spiritual identity of God’s covenant people. To destroy the "name" is to attempt to erase their existence and the memory of God’s work through them from human history.
This psalm likely arose during the post-exilic period, reflecting a time when fragmented enemies, reminiscent of past coalitions, threatened the vulnerable returned exiles. The 'uproar' and 'raised heads' vividly capture the sense of immediate danger and proud opposition faced by a people trying to re-establish themselves under God's protection.
c. 900 BC
Assyrian Empire Ascendant
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its rise, becoming a major power in the Near East. Their growing influence and military campaigns would eventually impact the region.
c. 8th century BC
Prophetic Warnings and Assyrian Threats
Prophets like Isaiah warn against foreign alliances and foretell judgment, often referencing the threat of Assyria and its allies against Judah.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
Assyria conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants. This event significantly alters the political and religious landscape for the remaining kingdom of Judah.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Rise and First Deportation
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, defeats the Assyrians and Egyptians. This marks the beginning of Babylonian dominance and the first major deportation of Judeans to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and leading to a massive exile of the Judean population.
c. 5th - 4th century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period and Rebuilding
Following the Babylonian exile, remnants of Judah return and begin rebuilding their Temple and community, facing ongoing threats and political instability from surrounding nations.
This passage describes Pharaoh's fear and plot against the Israelites, showing a similar pattern of enemies rising up with malicious intent against God's people.
Judges 5:20In the song of Deborah and Barak, the stars and heavenly bodies are depicted as fighting against Sisera, highlighting the cosmic scale of opposition to God's people and aligning with the idea of enemies making an uproar.
2 Chronicles 20:1This verse describes a great multitude gathering against Judah, directly paralleling the 'tumult' and 'lifting up the head' of enemies mentioned in Psalms 83:2.
Jeremiah 50:24This verse speaks of God opening His armory and bringing forth the weapons of His indignation against Babylon, reflecting the divine response to the uproar of enemies described in the psalm.
pulpitPsalms 83:2: "For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head."
Verse 2. - For, lo, thine enemies; i.e. Israel's enemies, who are also "thine enemies" (see the comment on Psalm 81:15). make a tumult; literally, make a roaring, like the roaring of the sea (comp. Psalm 46:3; Isaiah 17:12). And they that hate thee (compare "the haters of the Lord," in Psalm 81:15). Have lifted up the head; i.e. raised themselves up against thee - taken a menacing attitude (com…
clarkePsalms 83:2: "For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head."
Thine enemies make a tumult - They are not merely the enemies of thy people, but they are the enemies of thyself, thy worship, ordinances, and laws: "They make a tumult," they throng together. They - have lifted up the head - They have made an irruption into the land of Judea, and encamped at En-gedi, by the Dead Sea, 2 Chronicles 20:1, 2 Chronicles 20:2.
The phrase "make a tumult" isn't just about noise; it's like the roaring of a wild, uncontrollable sea, emphasizing the chaotic and overwhelming force of their aggression. This isn't just a political or military uprising, but a fierce, hate-filled rebellion directly against God Himself, showing their arrogance in "lifting up their head" against the Almighty.
This psalm is a desperate cry to God amid a terrifying coalition of nations surrounding Israel. The psalmist sees these many peoples, who hate God and His people, rising up in a unified and menacing uproar, seeking to crush them. This verse captures the immediate alarm of the singer, recognizing not just a political threat but a spiritual one, where enemies of God's people are also described as God's own enemies who have become boldly defiant.
This psalm is a desperate cry to God amid a terrifying coalition of nations surrounding Israel. The psalmist sees these many peoples, who hate God and His people, rising up in a unified and menacing uproar, seeking to crush them. This verse captures the immediate alarm of the singer, recognizing not just a political threat but a spiritual one, where enemies of God's people are also described as God's own enemies who have become boldly defiant.
"For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a n…" — The phrase "make a tumult" isn't just about noise; it's like the roaring of a wild, uncontrollable sea, emphasizing the chaotic and overwhelming force of their aggression. This isn't just a political…
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Last reviewed October 2026
