Chapter 514 of 1163

PSALM 83

Asaph was perplexed (vv. 1–8). Israel was in danger, but God was silent and inactive. The nations were noisily forming a military confederacy against the Jews, but God was speechless and seemingly doing nothing. The enemy wanted to destroy the nation (v. 4) and take the land (v. 12), and apparently God was going to let them do it.

So, Asaph prayed (vv. 9–18) and reminded God of what He did to Israel’s enemies during the days of the judges (vv. 9–12). Then he shifted from history to nature and asked God to send a storm to wipe them out (vv. 13–15).

Asaph had a purpose in mind—not just the safety of Israel but the glory of the Lord (vv. 16–18). Some of the enemy soldiers might even trust in the God of Israel! It was not important that Israel’s name be preserved (v. 4), but it was important that God’s name be glorified.

When it seems that God is saying and doing nothing, rest assured that He is working on your behalf. He is not as noisy as the enemy, but He is more powerful; and He will win.

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