the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text specifically mentions "tents" rather than cities or fortresses. This isn't just poetic language; it highlights that many of these confederates were nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, emphasizing their unified mobility and shared intent to attack. This detail underscores the broad and encompassing nature of the threat against Israel, coming from various groups, including those who lived a more transient lifestyle.
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a desperate prayer for deliverance from a massive coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The previous verses describe their unified intent and conspiracy against God's people, and this verse begins listing these sworn enemies, focusing on groups to the south and east, like the nomadic Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moabites, and Hagarenes who have pitched their tents in preparation for war. Their encampment signifies their serious intent to invade and destroy Israel, highlighting the immense danger the people faced.
Psalm 83 lists a formidable alliance of nations united against God's people. Who were they, and why did they band together?
This verse names four distinct groups allied against Israel:
These nations, representing both settled peoples (like Edom and Moab) and nomadic tribes (like Ishmaelites and Hagarenes), formed a powerful confederacy, driven by a shared hatred for Israel.
The psalm specifically mentions 'tents.' What does this detail tell us about these enemies and their intentions?
The mention of 'tents' is more than just a detail; it carries significant meaning:
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Understand the original words
’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 reflects a time of intense regional hostility towards Judah, likely during the height of the Assyrian or Babylonian Empires, when various neighboring peoples, some nomadic and some more settled, formed a coalition against God's people.
c. 1010 BC
David Defeats Edomites
King David decisively defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, establishing Israelite control over the region and securing its southern borders.
c. 931-874 BC
Shishak's Invasion of Judah
The Egyptian Pharaoh Shishak invaded Judah, capturing numerous cities and looting the Temple in Jerusalem, weakening the kingdom and likely emboldening surrounding nations.
c. 850 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Levant
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began expanding its influence, launching campaigns that would eventually bring the region, including the lands of Edom, Moab, and surrounding Arab tribes, under its control.
c. 734-732 BC
Tiglath-Pileser III's Conquests
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III conquered significant portions of the Levant, including Philistia and parts of Syria, exerting pressure on Israel and Judah and potentially disrupting existing regional alliances.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire under Sargon II conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel and exiled its population, leaving Judah increasingly vulnerable and its neighbors in turmoil.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem
Assyrian King Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, a pivotal event that demonstrated the immense power of the Assyrian Empire and the precariousness of Judah's position.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Conquests and Exile
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and deported many of its people into exile, profoundly reshaping the geopolitical landscape.
This passage lists the sons of Ishmael, connecting directly to the 'Ishmaelites' mentioned in Psalm 83:6 as part of the coalition against Israel.
Numbers 22:1-6This narrative shows the Moabites, along with the related people of Midian, actively plotting against Israel, highlighting their historical animosity towards God's people, as alluded to in Psalm 83:6.
1 Chronicles 5:10This historical account details conflicts between the tribes of Israel and the Hagrites (or Hagarenes), providing context for their inclusion as enemies in Psalm 83:6.
Obadiah 1:10-14The prophet Obadiah directly addresses the descendants of Esau (Edom) for their hostile actions against Judah during a time of crisis, mirroring the enmity of Edom mentioned in Psalm 83:6.
Jeremiah 49:7-22This prophetic oracle denounces Edom for their pride and mistreatment of their kin, reinforcing the consistent theme of Edom's opposition to Israel found in various biblical texts, including Psalm 83:6.
pulpitPsalms 83:6: "The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;"
Verse 6. - The tabernacles of Edom. Edom was always among the bitterest of Israel's enemies, and naturally took a part in almost every combination that was made against them. Though sometimes subjugated (2 Samuel 8:14; 1 Kings 11:15, 16), it continued hostile during the whole period of Israelite and Jewish history. Hence the constant denunciations of the prophets (Isaiah 11:14; Jeremiah 27:3; Jeremiah 49:7-…
clarkePsalms 83:6: "The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;"
The tabernacles of Edom - The tents of these different people are seen in the grand encampment. Tents are probably mentioned because it seas the custom of some of these people, particularly the lshmaelites, to live a migratory or wandering life; having no fixed habitation, but always abiding in tents. Their posterity remain to the present day, and act and live in the same manner. Hagarenes - These people dw…
The text specifically mentions "tents" rather than cities or fortresses. This isn't just poetic language; it highlights that many of these confederates were nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, emphasizing their unified mobility and shared intent to attack. This detail underscores the broad and encompassing nature of the threat against Israel, coming from various groups, including those who lived a more transient lifestyle.
This psalm is a desperate prayer for deliverance from a massive coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The previous verses describe their unified intent and conspiracy against God's people, and this verse begins listing these sworn enemies, focusing on groups to the south and east, like the nomadic Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moabites, and Hagarenes who have pitched their tents in preparation for war. Their encampment signifies their serious intent to invade and destroy Israel, highlighting the immense danger the people faced.
This psalm is a desperate prayer for deliverance from a massive coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The previous verses describe their unified intent and conspiracy against God's people, and this verse begins listing these sworn enemies, focusing on groups to the south and east, like the nomadic Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moabites, and Hagarenes who have pitched their tents in preparation for war. Their encampment signifies their serious intent to invade and destroy Israel, highlighting the immense danger the people faced.
"the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites," — The text specifically mentions "tents" rather than cities or fortresses. This isn't just poetic language; it highlights that many of these confederates were nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, emphasizi…
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Last reviewed October 2026