“Praying for Israel” (Ps. 83:1-8)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 5/6/2012 7:32:20 AM

 

My Worship Time                                                                                 Focus:  “Praying for Israel”

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                       Reference:  Psalm 83:1-8

 

            Message of the verses:  In today’s SD we will begin to look at Psalm 83.  This is the tenth psalm in a row that is credited Asaph, as this was mentioned when we looked at Psalm 73 that the next ten psalms would be written by Asaph.  We will look at several different introductions written by different Bible commentators to get a better idea what this psalm is about and then we will begin to look at the psalm.

 

            “Title:   A Psalm or Song of Asaph.  This is the last occasion upon which we shall meet with this eloquent writer.  The patriotic poet sings again of wars and dangers imminent, but it is no godless song of a thoughtless nation entering upon war with a light heart. Asaph the seer is well aware of the serious dangers arising from the powerful confederate nations, but his soul in faith stays itself upon Jehovah, while as a poet preacher he excites his countrymen to prayer by means of this sacred lyric.  The Asaph who penned this song was in all probability the person referred to in #2Ch 20:14, for the internal evidence referring the subject of the Psalm to the times of Jehoshaphat is overwhelming.  The division in the camp of the confederate peoples in the wilderness of Tekoa not only broke up their league, but led to a mutual slaughter, which crippled the power of some of the nations for many years after.  They thought to destroy Israel and destroyed each other.

 

“Division:  An appeal to God in a general manner fills #Ps 83:1-4; and then the psalmist enters into details of the league, #Ps 83:5-8.  This leads to an earnest entreaty for the overthrow of the enemy, #Ps 83:9-15, with an expression of desire that God’s glory may be promoted thereby.”  (Charles H. Spurgeon) 

 

“This psalm, a national lament which includes prayer and imprecations, may be best studied with a map since several individual national enemies of Israel are noted.  Second Chronicles 20:1-20 may record the specific historical event prompting this psalm, though some Bible students believe that the nations mentioned are only symbolic of all Israel’s enemies.  The psalmist begs God to rescue Israel from its enemies as He had done so many times in the past.”  (The John MacArthur Study Bible)

 

“This is the last of the psalms identified with Asaph (50, 73-83).  It describes a coalition of ten Gentile nations that attempted to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  Some students connect this psalm with Jehoshaphat’s great victory over a smaller coalition (2Chron. 20), although it’s possible that the historian did not list all the nations involved.  Second Chronicles 20:11 parallels 83:12, and 20:29 parallels 83:16 and 18, but these similarities are not proof that the psalmist wrote about the same event.  Israel has been the object of hatred and opposition since their years in Egypt, but God has kept His promises and preserved them (Gen. 12:1-3).  Pharaoh, Haman (The book of Ester), Hitler, and every other would-be destroyer of the Jews has ultimately been humiliated and defeated.  This reminds us that the church of Jesus Christ is likewise hated and attacked by the world (John 15:18-19; 17:14), and like the Jews in Asaph’s day, our defense is in prayer and faith in God’s promises (Acts 4:23-31).  Commenting on this psalm, Alexander Maclaren wrote, ‘The world is up in arms against God’s people, and what weapon has Israel? Nothing but prayer.’  But is there any better weapon?  As he saw the enemy armies surrounding Israel, Asaph lifted three heartfelt requests to the Lord.”   (Warren Wiersbe)

 

Lord, See What Is Happening!”  (Vv. 1-8):  “1 A Song, a Psalm of Asaph: O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. 2 For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, And those who hate You have exalted themselves. 3 They make shrewd plans against Your people, And conspire together against Your treasured ones. 4 They have said, "Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, That the name of Israel be remembered no more." 5 For they have conspired together with one mind; Against You they make a covenant: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have become a help to the children of Lot. Selah.”

 

We see from this psalm that there is a collation led by Moab and Ammon that would fight against Israel.  We must realize that these nations were actually fighting against God for Israel is the apple of God’s eye, and God’s chosen people.  God promised Abraham in Genesis 12:1-2 that He would bless those who blessed Abraham and that He would curse those who cursed Abraham (Israel).  There have been many people and nations who have tried to wipe Israel off the map, but Israel has always stood at the graves of those who has tried to do this.  Verses 6-8 tell who these nations that are involved in the collation are.  In verses 1—5 we see a wonderful prayer prayed by the psalmist in which he names two names of God, Elohim and El and in the end of the psalm he will mention two other names of God, Jehovah and El Elyon  (God Most High).  This name reminds us of when Abraham was fighting against the kings who had taken Lot and after the victory Abraham meet with Melchizedek.

 

Spiritual meaning for my life today:  God will keep His promises is something that I have been reminded of in this section of Scripture, for God will defeat all the enemies of Israel even today as we see that just a couple of days ago that Israel celebrated its 64^th anniversary of being back in the Promised Land.  Many believe that Israel going back to their land was a fulfillment of Ezekiel chapter 36-37.  In chapter 38-39 we see what will happen next for Israel.

I also see the importance of prayer from these verses, as Asaph prayed wonderfully to the Lord in a great time of trouble, trusting that the Lord will care for Israel.

           

            My Steps of Faith for Today:  Trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean not upon my own understanding.  In all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path.

 

5/6/2012 8:22:11 AM