Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is how the psalm lists ancient enemies of Israel, and then includes Tyre. While Tyre was known for its wealth and power, it wasn't always Israel's enemy; in fact, they’d previously been allies. This suggests that the alliance described was a desperate, broad coalition fueled by intense hatred, drawing in even former friends into their bitter opposition.
Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm describes a desperate prayer for deliverance, as an overwhelming coalition of nations has gathered to destroy Israel. The psalm lists several of Israel's long-standing enemies, including Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre, all united in their hostile intent. This description sets the stage for the plea to God for intervention against these formidable foes who have banded together against His people.
Ever feel like the whole world is against you? This Psalm paints a picture of a massive, coordinated effort to wipe God's people off the map.
Psalm 83 is a powerful lament detailing a coalition of nations plotting destruction. This verse, verse 7, names some key players in this ancient conspiracy:
The sheer diversity of these groups – from mountain dwellers to sea-faring peoples – underscores the immense pressure and isolation faced by God's people. It wasn't just one enemy, but a united front from many corners.
These nations weren't just fighting Israel; they were directly opposing the Lord Himself. Why did they do it, and what does that mean for us?
The crucial insight from Psalm 83 is that this confederacy wasn't merely a political dispute or a territorial squabble. The psalm states in verse 5, 'they have consulted together with one accord; they make a covenant against the LORD.'
Ask a follow-up
This understanding elevates the conflict beyond mere historical events. It reveals a spiritual battle where allegiance to God is the central issue.
c. 1000 BC - 700 BC
Philistine and Phoenician Dominance
The Philistines controlled the southern coast of Canaan, while Phoenician cities like Tyre and Gebal were major maritime powers and trade centers. Their influence and occasional conflicts with Israel are well-documented.
c. 9th - 8th century BC
Ammonite and Amalekite Raids
Ammon and Amalek, nomadic and settled peoples east and south of Canaan respectively, frequently raided Israelite territories, leading to ongoing conflict and divine judgment.
c. 734 BC - 701 BC
Assyrian Imperial Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire aggressively expanded its territory, impacting the political landscape of the Levant and often forcing smaller nations into alliances or subjugation.
Date uncertain, likely during periods of instability— this verse
Confederacy Against Israel
Various surrounding nations, including those listed in Psalms 83, formed alliances to attack and subdue Israel, particularly during times when the Davidic kingdom was weakened or facing external threats.
This passage from Ezekiel specifically mentions the 'ancients of Gebal' and their skilled shipbuilders, directly linking Gebal to maritime prowess and trade, similar to how Tyre is described in Psalms 83:7.
Judges 3:13This verse details how the children of Israel were oppressed by King Eglon of Moab and the Ammonites, highlighting the long-standing conflict and enmity between Israel and the peoples listed in Psalms 83:7.
1 Samuel 15:7Here, Saul attacks and defeats the Amalekites, describing them as inhabitants from Havilah to Shur, providing geographical context and reinforcing their historical role as adversaries of Israel.
Amos 1:9Amos condemns Tyre for its actions against Israel, specifically for delivering captives to Edom, showing a historical instance where Philistia and Tyre acted in concert against God's people, mirroring the confederacy in Psalms 83.
1 Chronicles 5:10This passage recounts the Reubenites' victory over the Hagarenes (implied to be associated with Ishmaelites or Arabs), showing how these groups, often neighbors or even enemies of Israel, were engaged in conflict and territorial disputes that align with the broader regional animosity depicted in the psalm.
pulpitPsalms 83:7: "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;"
Verse 7. - Gebal. There is no reason to doubt that the Phoenician town of the name, mentioned in Ezekiel 27:9, and alluded to in Joshua 13:5 and 1 Kings 5:18, is meant. A southern Gebal, in the vicinity of Edom, is a fiction. Gebal was one of the most important of the Phoenician cities from the time of Shalmaneser II. (B.C. 828-810) to that of Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. 635-560); see the author's 'History of Ph…
clarkePsalms 83:7: "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;"
Gebal - The Giblites, who were probably the persons here designed, were a tribe of the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan, and are mentioned as unconquered at the death of Joshua, Joshua 13:5 . They are called stone-squarers or Giblites, 1 Kings 5:18 , and were of considerable assistance to Hiram king of Tyre, in preparing timber and stones for the building of the temple. They appear to have been e…
What's striking here is how the psalm lists ancient enemies of Israel, and then includes Tyre. While Tyre was known for its wealth and power, it wasn't always Israel's enemy; in fact, they’d previously been allies. This suggests that the alliance described was a desperate, broad coalition fueled by intense hatred, drawing in even former friends into their bitter opposition.
This psalm describes a desperate prayer for deliverance, as an overwhelming coalition of nations has gathered to destroy Israel. The psalm lists several of Israel's long-standing enemies, including Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre, all united in their hostile intent. This description sets the stage for the plea to God for intervention against these formidable foes who have banded together against His people.
This psalm describes a desperate prayer for deliverance, as an overwhelming coalition of nations has gathered to destroy Israel. The psalm lists several of Israel's long-standing enemies, including Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre, all united in their hostile intent. This description sets the stage for the plea to God for intervention against these formidable foes who have banded together against His people.
"Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;" — What's striking here is how the psalm lists ancient enemies of Israel, and then includes Tyre. While Tyre was known for its wealth and power, it wasn't always Israel's enemy; in fact, they’d previous…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026