Psalms 83:3-5
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!” For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's people are described as his "hidden ones," not because they are invisible to Him, but because He keeps them safe in His presence, like treasured jewels. This highlights the incredible folly of their enemies who plot against those under God's direct and secure protection.
This psalm opens with a cry to God because hostile nations have formed a wicked alliance, gathering with cunning and malice to plot against God's chosen people, Israel. These enemies, described as "hidden ones," are those whom God uniquely protects and cherishes as His own, making the enemy's plans a direct affront to God Himself. The verses following this passage will list these nations, revealing the scope of their dangerous conspiracy.
Ever felt like people are scheming against you, even when you can't quite put your finger on it? This verse speaks to that very thing.
The enemies in Psalm 83 aren't just openly fighting; they're plotting. The Hebrew word here suggests a cunning, subtle, even malicious strategy. It's not just a bad idea, but a deliberate, artful design aimed at harm. This reminds us that opposition to God's people often operates in the shadows, using deception and manipulation rather than straightforward force.
The Nature of Their Plot
Why does God call His people 'hidden ones'? It's a term that speaks volumes about His protection and their value.
The enemies in Psalm 83 are targeting not just any people, but 'your treasured ones,' described as 'hidden ones.' This imagery powerfully conveys God's intimate care and possession of His people.
What 'Hidden Ones' Means
Understand the original words
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
This psalm vividly captures the feeling of being under siege, a terrifying reality for Judah during the 8th century BC Assyrian invasions. The enemies' 'crafty counsel' reflects a real geopolitical threat where nations formed alliances to dismantle and control weaker neighbors.
c. 10th century BC
United Monarchy Fractures
Following the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division weakens Israel, potentially inviting external enemies to plot against God's people.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansion and Threats
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its aggressive expansion, conquering numerous nations and threatening the stability of the region. This period saw frequent alliances and conflicts among smaller nations seeking to resist or survive Assyrian dominance.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire under Sargon II conquers and deports the population of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This catastrophic event would have instilled deep fear and a sense of vulnerability in the remaining Southern Kingdom of Judah, and their neighbors.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Campaign Against Judah
This Psalm speaks of God hiding his people in the 'secret of your presence,' echoing the idea in Psalms 83:3 of God's 'hidden ones' being under His special protection.
Exodus 19:5God calls Israel His 'treasured possession' here, which directly relates to the 'hidden ones' in Psalms 83:3, highlighting their unique status and God's protective care over them.
Jeremiah 49:20This passage describes a confederacy against Edom that is so swift and surprising it's compared to a lion coming out of the Jordan, reflecting the 'crafty counsel' and sudden plots mentioned in Psalms 83:3.
Matthew 26:3-4Here, the chief priests and elders 'took counsel' to arrest Jesus through 'craft and by stealth,' illustrating the 'crafty counsel' taken against God's treasured ones, just as described in Psalms 83:3.
1 Samuel 23:22This verse describes Saul's 'crafty' pursuit of David, showing how human enemies use cunning and deceit against those whom God favors and protects, mirroring the 'crafty counsel' in Psalms 83:3.
clarkePsalms 83:3: "They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones."
Consulted against thy hidden ones - צפוניך tsephuneycha, Thy hidden things; places; persons. "The hidden things in thy treasures." - Chaldee. "Thy holy ones." - Syriac. "Thy saints." - Vulgate and Septuagint; and so the Ethiopic and Arabic. The people of Israel are probably meant. Or perhaps the temple, the ark, and the treasures of the temple, are intended.
pulpitPsalms 83:3: "They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones."
Verse 3. - They have taken crafty counsel against thy people. Such a widespread confederacy as that described below (vers. 6-8) cannot have been formed without much secret consultation and plotting. And consulted against thy hidden ones; i.e. "those whom thou hidest in the covert of thy presence from the plottings of man" (Psalm 31:20, Revised Version: comp. Psalm 27:5).
God's people are described as his "hidden ones," not because they are invisible to Him, but because He keeps them safe in His presence, like treasured jewels. This highlights the incredible folly of their enemies who plot against those under God's direct and secure protection.
This psalm opens with a cry to God because hostile nations have formed a wicked alliance, gathering with cunning and malice to plot against God's chosen people, Israel. These enemies, described as "hidden ones," are those whom God uniquely protects and cherishes as His own, making the enemy's plans a direct affront to God Himself. The verses following this passage will list these nations, revealing the scope of their dangerous conspiracy.
This psalm opens with a cry to God because hostile nations have formed a wicked alliance, gathering with cunning and malice to plot against God's chosen people, Israel. These enemies, described as "hidden ones," are those whom God uniquely protects and cherishes as His own, making the enemy's plans a direct affront to God Himself. The verses following this passage will list these nations, revealing the scope of their dangerous conspiracy.
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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.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or treaty between parties. When made against God or His people, it represents a malicious, formal alliance designed to carry out evil intent.
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many of its fortified cities. Jerusalem is besieged but miraculously spared destruction, a pivotal event highlighting ongoing threats and divine protection.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Deportations
The Neo-Babylonian Empire rises to power, conquering Assyria and then Judah. Multiple deportations of the Judean elite and people occur, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
"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!” For they conspire with one acco…" — God's people are described as his "hidden ones," not because they are invisible to Him, but because He keeps them safe in His presence, like treasured jewels. This highlights the incredible folly of…
