Psalms 83:7-8
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)
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It's easy to just see a list of ancient enemies here, but notice how the Psalm groups them: Philistia is explicitly linked with Tyre, suggesting a coastal alliance alongside the land-based groups. This detail highlights a strategic confederacy, not just a random collection of foes.
The psalm is building a case against enemies plotting against God's people. This verse lists a coalition of nations – Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre – who have joined forces. These groups, many of whom had historical grievances with Israel, are portrayed as forming a unified front against God's chosen people, setting the stage for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention.
This verse lists a chilling array of names – ancient peoples who rose against Israel. But who were they, and why are they important to know?
Psalm 83 paints a picture of a united front against God's people. The psalm names several groups, each representing a persistent threat to Israel:
Gebal
This is a fascinating one! Some scholars suggest it refers to the Giblites, skilled Phoenicians known for their stonework and ship-building, who even helped Solomon build the Temple. Others believe it might be a mountainous region near Edom. Regardless of the exact location, they were part of the ancient inhabitants of the land.
Ammon and Amalek
These were long-standing adversaries of Israel. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, and the Amalekites, known for their unprovoked attack on the Israelites fleeing Egypt, were persistent enemies.
Philistines and Tyre
The Philistines were Israel's archenemies, occupying the coastal plain. Tyre, a wealthy Phoenician city, is interesting here; while sometimes friendly, by this time they were also part of the opposition, perhaps seeing an opportunity to expand their influence or driven by hostility like that noted in Ezekiel.
This list isn't just history; it’s a snapshot of the kinds of forces that have always opposed God's people.
These aren't just names on a map. The way they are listed, and their historical baggage, tells us something deeper about the nature of the opposition.
What's striking is that this isn't just a random collection of hostile tribes. It seems to represent a deliberate, unified conspiracy.
A Unified Front
Scholars point out that these groups, though geographically diverse (some southern, some coastal, some eastern), are brought together here. This highlights that opposition to God's people isn't always organic; it can be a deliberate, orchestrated alliance. They are described as having 'consulted together with one consent' and entered into a covenant against God (verse 5).
Understand the original words
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 lists a coalition of nations that historically, and at various times, acted as adversaries to God's people. The specific mention of these groups evokes a long history of conflict, with some like Amalek being ancient enemies and others like Tyre showing shifting allegiances.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua's Conquest and Unconquered Tribes
After the conquest of Canaan, some tribes like the Gebalites remained unconquered in their territories. The Ammonites and Amalekites were also present in the region, often acting as adversaries to the Israelites.
c. 1000 BC
Temple Building and Phoenician Alliance
Phoenician cities like Tyre and Gebal assisted King Solomon in building the First Temple, indicating a period of alliance or at least trade relations.
c. 9th century BC
Assyrian Influence Grows
Assyrian power began to expand into the Levant, impacting regional politics and alliances, which would later influence the dynamics between various nations.
c. 8th century BC
Amos and Hosea Prophesy
Prophets like Amos and Hosea condemned surrounding nations, including Philistia and Tyre, for their complicity in oppressing Israel, suggesting ongoing hostility and perhaps forming alliances against Judah.
This passage names the 'elders of Gebal' as skilled shipbuilders for Tyre, showing Gebal's connection to Phoenician maritime power, relevant to its inclusion in Psalm 83.
Judges 3:13This verse describes the Moabites and Ammonites joining with King Eglon of Moab against Israel, illustrating a historical pattern of these groups allying against God's people.
1 Samuel 15:7This verse describes Saul smiting the Amalekites 'from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt,' highlighting their historical enmity and territorial presence against Israel.
Amos 1:6-8Amos condemns the Philistines and Tyre for handing over whole communities to Edom for enslavement, demonstrating their active participation in regional conflicts and animosity towards those associated with Israel.
Exodus 17:8-16This passage recounts the first major battle where the Amalekites attacked the Israelites as they left Egypt, establishing their long-standing and foundational hostility towards God's people.
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…
It's easy to just see a list of ancient enemies here, but notice how the Psalm groups them: Philistia is explicitly linked with Tyre, suggesting a coastal alliance alongside the land-based groups. This detail highlights a strategic confederacy, not just a random collection of foes.
The psalm is building a case against enemies plotting against God's people. This verse lists a coalition of nations – Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre – who have joined forces. These groups, many of whom had historical grievances with Israel, are portrayed as forming a unified front against God's chosen people, setting the stage for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention.
The psalm is building a case against enemies plotting against God's people. This verse lists a coalition of nations – Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines, and the people of Tyre – who have joined forces. These groups, many of whom had historical grievances with Israel, are portrayed as forming a unified front against God's chosen people, setting the stage for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention.
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Thematic Opposition
Many of these groups represent core adversaries that plagued Israel throughout its history – those who sought to deny them their promised land, attack their vulnerable flanks, or undermine their divine calling. Their inclusion here is symbolic of the totality of opposition God's people would face, both externally and sometimes even from those claiming kinship.
c. 7th century BC
Decline of Amalekites
The Amalekites, long-standing enemies of Israel, faced significant decline and were largely defeated by the time of King Hezekiah.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile and Tyre's Response
During the Babylonian conquest and exile of Jerusalem, Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem's destruction and later suffered a long siege by Nebuchadnezzar. This period saw shifting alliances and heightened animosity.
Unknown, likely during the divided monarchy— this verse
Confederacy Against God's People
A coalition of nations including Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, and Tyre formed a pact to attack the people of God. The exact historical moment is debated, but it reflects a consistent pattern of opposition faced by Israel and Judah throughout their history.
"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 a list of ancient enemies here, but notice how the Psalm groups them: Philistia is explicitly linked with Tyre, suggesting a coastal alliance alongside the land-based groups. Th…
