For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a profound truth: the enemies' "covenant" wasn't just a pact against God's people, but a solemn, religious act against God Himself. They sealed their conspiracy with a ritual, implying their ultimate target was the divine authority they sought to undermine.
For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is detailing a formidable alliance of nations that have united with a singular, malicious purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. These ancient enemies, despite their own historical animosities, have put aside their differences, forming a solemn covenant, a pact sealed with ritual, to wage war against God's people. This verse highlights the deep, unified hatred driving this coalition, emphasizing that their conspiracy is not just against Israel, but fundamentally against God Himself.
Why would so many different groups band together? This verse reveals their shared, intense hatred.
The verse paints a picture of enemies acting with a single, unified goal. The phrase 'with one accord' or 'with one heart' emphasizes that there's no division among them. Their counsel is united, their purpose is the same: to oppose God.
This wasn't just a casual disagreement; they 'make a covenant.' In the ancient world, cutting a covenant was a solemn, religious act, often involving a sacrifice. It was a profound commitment, binding them together with the strongest possible ties. They weren't just signing a treaty; they were invoking divine sanctions, making a sacred vow against God and His people.
When enemies make a 'covenant,' who are they really fighting against?
The most striking aspect here is that the covenant is made 'against you.' The 'you' here is God Himself.
Even though their immediate target is God's people (as the rest of the psalm makes clear), their ultimate opposition is directed at the Almighty. They are not just fighting a human enemy; they are challenging the Creator of the universe. Their 'covenant' is an act of defiance against divine authority, a solemn oath to oppose God's purposes and His chosen people.
Understand the original words
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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.
’o-hă-lê · Hebrew Noun
Portable, temporary dwellings used by nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples; in a biblical context, often refers to the people groups living in them or their lifestyle.
‘am · Hebrew Noun
A group of people or nations, often implying those outside the covenant of Israel; used to denote the various peoples united against Israel in this context.
The psalm paints a vivid picture of a desperate cry for divine intervention amidst a coalition of nations united against God's people. The historical context shows that such alliances, driven by deep-seated animosity and strategic ambition, were a recurring threat to Israel and Judah, making the psalmist's appeal to God's sovereignty and power incredibly relevant.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
Following King David's reign, the united monarchy represented a significant period of strength and expansion for Israel, which would later be a target for regional powers.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, weakening them individually and making them vulnerable to external threats.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian Expansion
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire began its aggressive expansion, conquering and dominating much of the ancient Near East, creating a climate of fear and instability for smaller nations like Israel and Judah.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The kingdoms of Aram-Damascus (Syria) and Israel attempted to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance, leading to an invasion of Judah by Syria and Israel. This conflict and its aftermath highlighted regional tensions and the threat of larger empires.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian king Sargon II conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people and the further destabilization of the region.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquered Judah, initiating a series of deportations of its people, including the royal family and skilled workers. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 600 BC - 500 BC— this verse
Composition of Psalm 83
This psalm likely reflects a period of intense threat and conspiracy from surrounding nations against Judah, possibly during the Babylonian or post-exilic periods, when its very existence was imperiled.
This passage describes the ancient practice of cutting a covenant sacrifice, which is directly alluded to in Psalm 83:5 when it speaks of being 'confederate' or having 'cut a covenant' against God.
Luke 23:12Here, Pilate and Herod, who were previously at odds, made friends together against Jesus, mirroring the united, albeit wicked, front described in Psalm 83:5 against God.
Psalm 2:1-2These verses speak of rulers taking counsel together and standing up against the Lord and his Anointed, much like the conspiracy described in Psalm 83:5.
Zechariah 2:8This verse highlights God's protective stance over His people, stating that anyone who touches them touches the 'apple of his eye,' which is a powerful reminder of why a covenant against God's people is ultimately a covenant against God Himself.
Matthew 12:30Jesus' statement, 'Whoever is not with me is against me,' underscores the absolute nature of allegiance and opposition to God, echoing the stark contrast implied in Psalm 83:5 where the enemies' covenant is explicitly 'against you' (God).
pulpitPsalms 83:5: "For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:"
Verse 5. - For they have consulted together with one consent (comp. ver. 3). They are confederate against thee; literally, have entered into a covenant against thee. A formal treaty seems to be intended.
clarkePsalms 83:5: "For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:"
They have consulted together with one consent - With a united heart, לב יחדו leb yachdav, Their heart and soul are in the work. They are confederate against thee - "They have made a covenant," ברית יכריתו berith yachrithu, "they have cut the covenant sacrifice." They have slain an animal, divided him in twain, and passed between the pieces of the victim; and have thus bound themselves to accom…
This verse reveals a profound truth: the enemies' "covenant" wasn't just a pact against God's people, but a solemn, religious act against God Himself. They sealed their conspiracy with a ritual, implying their ultimate target was the divine authority they sought to undermine.
The psalmist is detailing a formidable alliance of nations that have united with a singular, malicious purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. These ancient enemies, despite their own historical animosities, have put aside their differences, forming a solemn covenant, a pact sealed with ritual, to wage war against God's people. This verse highlights the deep, unified hatred driving this coalition, emphasizing that their conspiracy is not just against Israel, but fundamentally against God Himself.
The psalmist is detailing a formidable alliance of nations that have united with a singular, malicious purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. These ancient enemies, despite their own historical animosities, have put aside their differences, forming a solemn covenant, a pact sealed with ritual, to wage war against God's people. This verse highlights the deep, unified hatred driving this coalition, emphasizing that their conspiracy is not just against Israel, but fundamentally against God Himself.
"For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;" — This verse reveals a profound truth: the enemies' "covenant" wasn't just a pact against God's people, but a solemn, religious act against God Himself. They sealed their conspiracy with a ritual, im…
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Last reviewed October 2026