Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a surprising detail: the mighty Assyria isn't leading this coalition of enemies, but is actually acting as a "strong arm" or "help" for the descendants of Lot. This highlights how even powerful empires can be enlisted to support smaller, more personal grudges against God's people. It shows that the forces arrayed against us aren't always the biggest players, but can be secondary powers backing those with direct animosity.
Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues a prayer in Psalm 83 listing a coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The psalm details how these groups, originating from biblical enemies like Esau and Ishmael and now including Assyria, have banded together. They are described as providing military support ("been an arm") to the descendants of Lot (Moab and Ammon), highlighting the extent of the conspiracy to destroy God's people.
Ever feel like the forces against you are overwhelmingly powerful, like a mighty 'arm' extended to crush you? This verse describes just that, but with a surprising twist.
The verse states, "they have holpen the children of Lot." The Hebrew word for 'helped' here can also mean 'been an arm.' This imagery paints a vivid picture of powerful nations lending their strength to others.
It's one thing for enemies to fight, but what happens when those who should be allies become bitter foes? This verse highlights a deep, unsettling betrayal.
The alliance described in Psalm 83 is particularly striking because it involves nations with a shared ancestry, specifically the descendants of Lot (Moab and Ammon).
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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.
The inclusion of Assyria in this Psalm's confederacy points to the overwhelming power dynamics of the ancient Near East, where even powerful empires could be enlisted by smaller nations to pursue their own regional rivalries.
c. 931 BC
Division of the United Monarchy
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), creating internal weaknesses and new political dynamics.
c. 875 BC
Moab and Ammon Rebel
The Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot, begin to assert themselves and potentially form alliances against Israel, their Israelite kin.
c. 842 BC
Shalmaneser II of Assyria's Campaign
The Assyrian king Shalmaneser II campaigns in the region, receiving tribute from Jehu of Israel. This marks a significant Assyrian presence and influence that could be drawn upon by hostile neighbors.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian Invasions of Israel
Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria invades the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting large populations and establishing Assyrian control. This increases Assyrian power and proximity to Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel and destroys its capital, Samaria, scattering its people and further consolidating Assyrian dominance in the region.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event significantly heightens the threat of Assyria and involves various surrounding nations.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Alliance and Ambition
The Psalm describes a broad coalition of nations, including Assyria, allied against Judah. This reflects the geopolitical reality of powerful empires like Assyria being drawn into regional conflicts, often as a military 'arm' for smaller nations like Moab and Ammon.
This passage directly explains the 'children of Lot' as Moab and Ammon, providing the foundational relationship for the confederacy mentioned in Psalms 83:8.
2 Samuel 10:6This text describes a historical instance where the Ammonites hired Syrian auxiliaries, mirroring the idea of foreign powers aiding the 'children of Lot' as seen in Psalms 83:8.
2 Chronicles 20:1This chapter details a massive confederacy of nations, including Moab, Ammon, and others, against Judah, highlighting the same theme of a multi-national alliance against God's people found in Psalms 83.
Isaiah 33:2This verse speaks of God's judgment on those who plunder and deal treacherously, echoing the sentiment of divine intervention against nations that conspire, as implied in the context of Psalms 83.
Revelation 17:12This New Testament passage describes a future confederacy of kings and nations against God's people, drawing a parallel to the ancient alliance in Psalms 83 and showing the ongoing pattern of opposition to God's kingdom.
clarkePsalms 83:8: "Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah."
Asser also is joined - The Ammonites might have got those auxiliaries from beyond the Euphrates, against Jehosphaphat, as formerly they were brought against David. See 2 Samuel 10:16 . They have holpen the children of Lot - The Ammonites, who appear to have been the chief instigators in this war.
pulpitPsalms 83:8: "Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah."
Verse 8. - Assur also is joined with them. This is the climax. Assyria - the great empire - the most important of all the kingdoms of the earth - has joined the petty nations upon Israel's border, and holds a place in the great confederacy. From the historical books it would appear that this occurred but once, viz. in David's great war with the Ammonites and their allies (see the Introduction). They hav…
This verse reveals a surprising detail: the mighty Assyria isn't leading this coalition of enemies, but is actually acting as a "strong arm" or "help" for the descendants of Lot. This highlights how even powerful empires can be enlisted to support smaller, more personal grudges against God's people. It shows that the forces arrayed against us aren't always the biggest players, but can be secondary powers backing those with direct animosity.
This verse continues a prayer in Psalm 83 listing a coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The psalm details how these groups, originating from biblical enemies like Esau and Ishmael and now including Assyria, have banded together. They are described as providing military support ("been an arm") to the descendants of Lot (Moab and Ammon), highlighting the extent of the conspiracy to destroy God's people.
This verse continues a prayer in Psalm 83 listing a coalition of nations plotting against Israel. The psalm details how these groups, originating from biblical enemies like Esau and Ishmael and now including Assyria, have banded together. They are described as providing military support ("been an arm") to the descendants of Lot (Moab and Ammon), highlighting the extent of the conspiracy to destroy God's people.
"Asshur also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. Selah" — This verse reveals a surprising detail: the mighty Assyria isn't leading this coalition of enemies, but is actually acting as a "strong arm" or "help" for the descendants of Lot. This highlights how…
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Last reviewed October 2026