King James Version

What Does Psalms 83:1 Mean?

Psalms 83:1 in the King James Version says “A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. of Asaph: or, for A...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 83 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. of Asaph: or, for Asaph”

Psalms 83:1 · KJV

Peace

Context

1

A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. of Asaph: or, for Asaph

2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. This urgent triple plea opens Psalm 83, a national lament during existential crisis. The Hebrew employs three parallel imperatives, intensifying the petition: al-techerash (אַל־תֶּחֱרַשׁ, "do not be silent"), ve-al-tishqot (וְאַל־תִּשְׁקֹט, "do not be quiet"), and ve-al-teshket (וְאַל־תֶּשְׁקֹט אֵל, "and do not be still, O God"). This rhetorical escalation conveys desperate urgency—Israel faces mortal danger and appeals to God to break His apparent silence.

"Keep not thou silence" addresses the terrifying experience of divine absence. When enemies threaten and God seems uninvolved, faith feels abandoned. Yet even this protest is itself an act of faith—the psalmist appeals TO God ABOUT God's silence, trusting that He hears prayer even when He seems not to answer. This paradox runs throughout Scripture: authentic faith can simultaneously cry "Where are you?" while trusting God is present.

The repetition of "O God" (Elohim, אֱלֹהִים) frames the verse, beginning and ending with direct address to the divine. This is covenant language—not appealing to an unknown deity but to Israel's known God who has demonstrated faithfulness throughout history. The appeal rests on God's revealed character and past deliverance. Why should He who rescued Israel from Egypt, defeated Pharaoh's army, and established His people in Canaan now remain silent when enemies conspire again?

This opening verse establishes the psalm's tension: God's apparent inactivity versus enemies' active conspiracy (vv. 2-8). The remainder of the psalm describes the threat, then petitions God for intervention (vv. 9-18). The prayer teaches that lament isn't doubt but desperate faith—bringing our fears, complaints, and urgent needs directly to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Crisis and Israel's Enemies

Psalm 83 likely emerged during a specific historical crisis when surrounding nations confederated against Israel, though scholars debate the exact period. Verses 6-8 list ten enemies: Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagarenes, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria—representing a comprehensive coalition of Israel's traditional adversaries. This extensive alliance suggests either the divided kingdom period (when Israel faced multiple enemies simultaneously) or possibly the post-exilic period when Judah's vulnerability invited foreign aggression.

Some interpreters connect this psalm to 2 Chronicles 20, when Moab, Ammon, and Edomites attacked Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign (873-849 BC). Jehoshaphat's prayer (2 Chronicles 20:6-12) shares thematic similarities with Psalm 83: appealing to God's past faithfulness, describing the enemy conspiracy, and confessing "we have no might against this great company... neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." God miraculously delivered Judah when the enemy armies turned on each other.

The psalm reflects the reality of Israel's geopolitical situation throughout biblical history. Surrounded by hostile nations, lacking natural defenses like mountains or seas, Israel's survival depended on divine protection. When enemies confederated, the threat became existential—hence the desperate plea for God to act. This situation typifies the church's experience throughout history: a vulnerable minority surrounded by hostile forces, dependent entirely on God's intervention for survival.

The psalm also anticipates eschatological conflict. Just as ancient enemies conspired to destroy Israel, Revelation depicts nations gathering against God's people in the last days (Revelation 20:8-9). Yet the outcome is certain: God will arise and judge His enemies, vindicating His covenant people and establishing His kingdom forever.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should believers respond when God seems silent in the face of urgent threats or crises?
  2. What does it reveal about faith that the psalmist can cry "Keep not thou silence" while still praying TO God?
  3. How does understanding Israel's historical vulnerability help modern believers appreciate prayers for divine intervention against overwhelming odds?
  4. In what situations today might Christians or the church feel surrounded by hostile forces and dependent on God's deliverance?
  5. What is the relationship between crying out for God to act (lament) and trusting His timing and wisdom (faith)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֱלֹהִ֥ים1 of 9

“O God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַל2 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

דֳּמִי3 of 9

“Keep not thou silence”

H1824

quiet

לָ֑ךְ4 of 9
H0
אַל5 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֶּחֱרַ֖שׁ6 of 9

“hold not thy peace”

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

וְאַל7 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁקֹ֣ט8 of 9

“and be not still”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

אֵֽל׃9 of 9

“O God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 83:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 83:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:1Psalms 35:22Psalms 50:3Psalms 109:1-2Isaiah 42:14Psalms 44:23

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