Psalms 83:6-8
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to just see this as a list of nations, but the psalmist specifically mentions their "tents." This detail highlights the nomadic and transient nature of many of these enemies, implying their presence is an intrusion into the land, rather than a permanent settlement. It paints a vivid picture of invaders arriving with their temporary dwellings to wage war.
This psalm describes a powerful alliance of nations who have banded together with one purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. In this verse, the psalmist lists some of the key groups involved in this confederacy, highlighting their tents as a symbol of their united presence and readiness for war against God's people.
Ever wondered why the Bible mentions "tents" when listing Israel's enemies? It paints a vivid picture of their lifestyle and intentions.
The mention of "tents" (or "tabernacles") for groups like the Edomites and Ishmaelites in Psalm 83:6 isn't just about where they lived.
Nomadic Roots and Intentions
For groups like the Ishmaelites and Hagarenes, who were nomadic or semi-nomadic, "tents" directly described their dwelling places. They were people on the move, often living a pastoral or migratory life.
More Than Just a Dwelling
Even for groups like the Edomites, who had more settled territories, "tents" could symbolize their entire encampment and way of life. It’s a way of saying "their people," "their households," "their presence."
This language highlights the tangible, immediate threat these groups posed to Israel, arriving with their people and possessions, ready for conflict.
The names in Psalm 83:6 might sound obscure, but they represent deeply rooted, recurring conflicts for God's people throughout history.
Psalm 83 lists several nations that were consistently hostile to Israel. These weren't random enemies; they were often descendants of Abraham's family or close neighbors with long histories of conflict.
Edom: The Bitter Kinsman
The Edomites, descendants of Esau (Jacob's brother), were almost perpetual adversaries. Their proximity and shared ancestry often made their enmity more bitter. They consistently sided against Israel, leading to strong prophetic condemnations.
Moab and Ammon: Neighbors Turned Foes
Moab and Ammon, descendants of Lot, also had a complicated relationship with Israel, frequently opposing them despite shared patriarchal roots. They are often listed together as significant threats.
Ishmaelites and Hagarenes: Arabian Tribes
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.
se-lāh · Hebrew Noun/Interjection
A musical or liturgical term found in the Psalms, likely indicating a pause, a crescendo, or a call to reflect on what has just been sung or read.
zĕ-rō-a‘ · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, an arm is often a metaphor for power, strength, or ability to act; a 'strong arm' signifies the exertion of force or authority.
This psalm likely dates to a period of intense crisis for Judah, when surrounding nations, including Edom, Moab, Ishmaelites, and Hagarenes, formed a formidable alliance against them. This context highlights the desperate plea for divine intervention against a coalition that exploited Judah's vulnerability.
c. 10th-9th century BC
Davidic Kingdom Consolidation
Following King David's extensive conquests, the Edomites were subdued and incorporated into the Israelite kingdom, though they often remained resentful and rebellious.
c. 9th century BC
Reign of Saul and Hagarite Conflict
During Saul's reign, the Reubenites fought against the Hagarenes (or Hagarites), a nomadic Arab tribe east of Gilead, nearly destroying them and occupying their territory.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Dominance in the Region
The Assyrian Empire exerted increasing influence and control over the Near East, impacting the political landscape and potentially influencing alliances between various groups.
c. 730s BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the East
Assyrian military campaigns targeted Arab tribes and kingdoms east of the Jordan River, including Moab and potentially affecting Ishmaelite and Hagarene groups.
This passage directly names Ishmael's sons, linking them to the Ishmaelites mentioned in Psalm 83 as part of a larger Arab confederation. It highlights their lineage and tribal identity, providing historical context for their inclusion in the psalm's list of enemies.
1 Chronicles 5:10This verse, along with others in 1 Chronicles 5, details a war waged by the Reubenites against the Hagarenes, showing a historical conflict between Israelite tribes and the people mentioned in Psalm 83:6. It illustrates the ongoing tensions and battles between these groups.
Jeremiah 49:7The prophet Jeremiah pronounces judgment against Edom, mirroring the hostility toward them seen in Psalm 83. This prophetic oracle underscores Edom's consistent opposition to God's people and the consequences of that stance.
Judges 3:12This chapter recounts how the Moabites oppressed Israel for eighteen years, demonstrating a long history of animosity and conflict between Moab and Israel. It provides a specific instance of Moab acting as an adversary, aligning with Psalm 83's portrayal of them as enemies.
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…
It's easy to just see this as a list of nations, but the psalmist specifically mentions their "tents." This detail highlights the nomadic and transient nature of many of these enemies, implying their presence is an intrusion into the land, rather than a permanent settlement. It paints a vivid picture of invaders arriving with their temporary dwellings to wage war.
This psalm describes a powerful alliance of nations who have banded together with one purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. In this verse, the psalmist lists some of the key groups involved in this confederacy, highlighting their tents as a symbol of their united presence and readiness for war against God's people.
This psalm describes a powerful alliance of nations who have banded together with one purpose: to destroy Israel and erase its memory. In this verse, the psalmist lists some of the key groups involved in this confederacy, highlighting their tents as a symbol of their united presence and readiness for war against God's people.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 83:6-8 is available in the Sola app.
The Ishmaelites and Hagarenes represent peoples from the Arabian regions. While sometimes mentioned separately, they were often connected, stemming from Abraham's lineage through Hagar. Their inclusion points to a broad coalition against Israel.
These groups, whether driven by familial resentment, territorial disputes, or broader geopolitical alliances, formed a significant part of the opposition Israel faced.
Why would these diverse groups unite? Psalm 83 reveals their motive: they are "confederate against You [the LORD]."
The power of Psalm 83 lies not just in listing enemies, but in explaining their fundamental motivation. These nations weren't just attacking Israel; they were united against the God who had covenanted with Abraham and his descendants.
A Unified Front
These diverse tribes—nomadic Arabs, settled peoples, close relatives—came together in a conspiracy. Their shared goal was to "cut off" Israel, erasing them from existence (Psalm 83:4). This unity against God's people is a recurring theme in Scripture.
The Real Target: God
As commentators note, when Israel was attacked, God Himself felt attacked. He had chosen Israel, promised them land, and established a covenant. This alliance was a direct assault on God's promises, His chosen people, and His sovereign plan.
An Everlasting Battle
This ancient confederacy serves as a pattern. Throughout history, forces inimical to God's purposes have united against His people. The spiritual battle isn't just about human conflict; it's about allegiance to God or rebellion against Him. The enemies listed here represent a multifaceted opposition that ultimately aimed at undermining God's redemptive work.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, besieging Jerusalem. While Jerusalem was spared, many surrounding cities were destroyed, and Judah was forced into tribute.
c. 609-586 BC— this verse
Babylonian Rise and Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire rose to power, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile of the Judeans. Edomites are noted for their participation in this event.
"the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah" — It's easy to just see this as a list of nations, but the psalmist specifically mentions their "tents." This detail highlights the nomadic and transient nature of many of these enemies, implying their…
