Psalms 83:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 83:6 mean?

Psalms 83:6 lists several groups—Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagarenes—who are named as part of a coalition opposing Israel. The verse is part of a larger psalm where the writer describes various nations coming together against God's people.

The psalm is attributed to Asaph, who is speaking to God about the threat these neighboring peoples pose. This verse specifically names some of the ancient enemies of Israel, highlighting the seriousness and unity of the opposition. The verse sets the stage for the psalm’s plea for God’s intervention against these hostile groups.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 83:6

• טָהֳלֵי (ohelé; "tabernacles"): This word refers to tents or dwellings, often used for nomadic peoples. Here, it suggests not just the people but their encampments, emphasizing the mobilization of entire groups.
• אֱדוֹם (Edom): Edom was a nation descended from Esau, often in conflict with Israel. Mentioning Edom underscores a long-standing rivalry.
• יִשְׁמְעֵאלִים (Yishma‘elim; "Ishmaelites"): Descendants of Ishmael, traditionally seen as distant relatives of Israel, often associated with desert tribes.
• מוֹאָב (Moav; "Moab"): Moab was another neighboring nation, descended from Lot, frequently at odds with Israel.
• הַגְרִים (Haggarim; "Hagarenes"): This group is less well-known but is thought to be related to Hagar, Abraham’s concubine, and her descendants, possibly nomadic tribes east of Israel.

Why Psalms 83:6 matters

• This verse helps clarify that the threat to Israel was not from a single enemy but from a broad alliance of neighboring peoples, making the situation more dire.
• Naming these specific groups connects the psalm to real historical tensions and rivalries, grounding the prayer in the lived experience of ancient Israel.
• The verse sets up the rest of the psalm, which is a call for God to act against these united enemies, highlighting the theme of trust in divine help when surrounded by opposition.