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 mention of "tents" isn't just a description of their dwellings; it emphasizes the nomadic and potentially temporary nature of this alliance, suggesting a gathering of disparate peoples united by their hostility rather than a settled, organized nation. This detail highlights their scattered origins and the sheer audacity of their combined effort against God's people.
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 psalm is a desperate prayer against a massive confederacy of nations who have banded together to destroy Israel. The psalmist lists these enemies, beginning with Edom, the descendants of Esau, and the Ishmaelites, Abraham's descendants through Hagar, along with Moab and the Hagarenes, all neighbors who often harbored hostility towards God's people. The imagery of their "tents" highlights the vastness of their encampment, a formidable invading force poised to strike.
Psalm 83 lists a formidable alliance against Israel. Have you ever felt like you're facing an overwhelming number of adversaries?
The psalm names several nations: Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and Hagarenes.
A Troubling Pattern
This consistent opposition from surrounding peoples is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting Israel's ongoing struggle for survival and God's faithfulness in delivering them.
Why does the psalm mention "tents" specifically? What does this detail reveal about these enemies?
The use of the word "tents" or "tabernacles" is not just a poetic flourish; it carries significant meaning.
Nomadic Life and Readiness
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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 enumerates a confederation of nations that were long-standing rivals or enemies of Israel, highlighting a recurring pattern of surrounding peoples seeking to undermine God's chosen people throughout their history.
c. 10th-9th century BC
Davidic Dynasty consolidates control
Following King David's successful campaigns, the Edomites were subdued and incorporated into the Israelite kingdom, though the relationship remained tense and prone to rebellion.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire expansion
The growing power of the Assyrian Empire began to exert influence and control over surrounding regions, including the territories of Israel and its neighbors.
c. 730s BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
A coalition of Aramean (Syrian) and Israelite forces attempted to force Judah into an alliance against Assyria. Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites were involved in conflicts related to this period.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to significant population displacement and increased pressure on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This event heightened regional instability.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile begins
After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, many Judeans were exiled. During this period, surrounding nations like Edom are noted for their hostility or complicity in the downfall of Judah.
Undated (likely post-exilic or Maccabean era)— this verse
Psalm 83 composition
The psalm, which names Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and Hagrites among confederated enemies, reflects anxieties about a widespread alliance against God's people. The specific historical context is debated but likely refers to a time of intense threat.
This passage details the descendants of Ishmael and Hagar, who are mentioned in Psalms 83, providing their lineage and geographic location, which helps understand their presence in the confederacy.
Numbers 22:1-6This account shows Moab's persistent hostility toward Israel, even seeking to curse them, highlighting the long-standing adversarial relationship that continues into the time of Psalms 83.
This passage specifically names the Hagrites (Hagarenes) and their defeat by the Reubenites, showing their historical conflict with Israelite tribes and their place among those who opposed them.
This prophecy focuses entirely on God's judgment against Edom for their pride and violence against their brother Israel, echoing the sentiment of enmity against Israel found in Psalms 83.
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 mention of "tents" isn't just a description of their dwellings; it emphasizes the nomadic and potentially temporary nature of this alliance, suggesting a gathering of disparate peoples united by their hostility rather than a settled, organized nation. This detail highlights their scattered origins and the sheer audacity of their combined effort against God's people.
This psalm is a desperate prayer against a massive confederacy of nations who have banded together to destroy Israel. The psalmist lists these enemies, beginning with Edom, the descendants of Esau, and the Ishmaelites, Abraham's descendants through Hagar, along with Moab and the Hagarenes, all neighbors who often harbored hostility towards God's people. The imagery of their "tents" highlights the vastness of their encampment, a formidable invading force poised to strike.
This psalm is a desperate prayer against a massive confederacy of nations who have banded together to destroy Israel. The psalmist lists these enemies, beginning with Edom, the descendants of Esau, and the Ishmaelites, Abraham's descendants through Hagar, along with Moab and the Hagarenes, all neighbors who often harbored hostility towards God's people. The imagery of their "tents" highlights the vastness of their encampment, a formidable invading force poised to strike.
"the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;" — The mention of "tents" isn't just a description of their dwellings; it emphasizes the nomadic and potentially temporary nature of this alliance, suggesting a gathering of disparate peoples united by…
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Last reviewed October 2026