Psalms 83:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 83:8 mean?

Psalms 83:8 says that Assur (Assyria) has joined forces with other nations to help the descendants of Lot, meaning the Moabites and Ammonites, in their opposition against Israel. The verse highlights the unity of Israel’s enemies and their shared purpose.

The psalm is a prayer by Asaph, describing a coalition of nations plotting against Israel. In this verse, the mention of Assur (Assyria) shows that even distant and powerful nations are supporting Israel’s closer neighbors, the Moabites and Ammonites (descendants of Lot), in their hostility. The word "Selah" signals a pause, inviting the reader to reflect on the seriousness of this alliance.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 83:8

• אֲשּׁוּר (Assur, transliteration: 'Ashur'): Refers to Assyria, a major empire. Its involvement shows the threat is not just local but includes powerful, far-reaching nations.
• לָוָה (joined, transliteration: lavah): Means to join or ally with. This emphasizes that Assyria is not acting alone but is part of a larger coalition.
• זְרוֹעַ (holpen, transliteration: zeroa‘): Literally means "arm" or "strength," here used to mean "helped" or "supported." It suggests active, strong support, not just passive agreement.
• בְּנֵי (children, transliteration: bnei): Means "sons" or "descendants." In this context, it points to the Moabites and Ammonites as descendants of Lot.
• לוֹט (Lot, transliteration: Lot): Refers to the biblical figure Lot, whose descendants became the Moabites and Ammonites. Naming them this way recalls their origins and long history with Israel.
• סֶלָה (Selah, transliteration: selah): A musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader to stop and consider the gravity of what has been described.

Why Psalms 83:8 matters

• This verse clarifies that the threat to Israel was not just from neighboring tribes but included powerful empires like Assyria, making the danger much greater.
• By naming the "children of Lot," the verse connects current enemies to earlier biblical history, showing that old rivalries and alliances still influence events.
• The verse’s placement in the psalm highlights the seriousness of the coalition against Israel, setting the stage for the psalmist’s urgent prayer for God’s intervention.