Psalm 83 6

Psalm 83:6 kjv

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

Psalm 83:6 nkjv

The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites;

Psalm 83:6 niv

the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

Psalm 83:6 esv

the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,

Psalm 83:6 nlt

these Edomites and Ishmaelites;
Moabites and Hagrites;

Psalm 83 verses

Psalm 83 6 Meaning

Psalm 83:6 details the initial nations that form a formidable confederacy intent on eradicating God's chosen people, Israel. It specifically names the descendants of Edom and the Ishmaelites, along with Moab and the Hagrites, highlighting their combined and determined hostility. This verse marks the beginning of the comprehensive list of adversaries seeking to destroy God's heritage.

Psalm 83 6 Context

Psalm 83 is an urgent communal lament or prayer for divine intervention against a formidable confederacy of surrounding nations. The psalmist Asaph perceives their unity as an existential threat aimed at destroying Israel and eradicating their memory (Ps 83:4), viewing it as an assault not merely on God's people but on God's divine presence and name itself. Verse 6 initiates the specific enumeration of these confederates, primarily identifying traditional adversaries located to Israel's south and east. These nations – Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagrites – represent distinct tribal and national groups with a long history of animosity towards God's covenant people. Their combined threat highlights the intense spiritual and physical warfare faced by Israel, calling for God to demonstrate His power and protect His heritage.

Psalm 83 6 Word analysis

• The tents (אֹהֱלֵי - 'ohalei): Refers to temporary dwellings or military encampments. It emphasizes the nomadic or semi-nomadic nature of some of these peoples or signifies their mobilized forces ready for conflict. It suggests a widespread, mobile threat rather than fixed border disputes, indicating a state of assembly and aggression.

• of Edom (אֱדוֹם - Edom): Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, typically located southeast of the Dead Sea. Edomites had a long history of deep-seated animosity and conflict with Israel (Num 20:18-21). Their gloating over Jerusalem's fall led to severe prophetic judgment (Obad 1:10-14). Their inclusion underscores ancient, inherited antagonism.

• and the Ishmaelites (וְיִשְׁמְעֵאלִים - v'Yishma'elim): Descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's first son through Hagar. Primarily nomadic desert dwellers and traders (Gen 37:25). Their presence denotes a significant threat from the vast Arabian Desert regions bordering Israel to the south and east.

• Moab (מוֹאָב - Mo'av): Descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Gen 19:37). Located directly east of the Dead Sea, north of Edom. Moabites were consistent adversaries, notably in their attempts to curse Israel (Num 22-25) and subsequent oppression (Jdg 3:12-30). Their enmity was deeply rooted and idolatrous.

• and the Hagrites (וְהַגְרִים - v'Hagrim): Likely a tribal group directly descended from Hagar or closely associated with her and the Ishmaelites. They were known for inhabiting regions east of Gilead and frequently clashed with Israelite tribes like Reuben (1 Chr 5:10, 19-20). Their listing reinforces the widespread eastern/southern confederacy and the deep ancestral ties among these enemies.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "The tents of Edom": This phrase accentuates Edom's gathered strength, likely referring to their military encampments and mobilized forces rather than merely their civilian population. It highlights their active, aggressive participation in the plot.
  • "Edom and the Ishmaelites": Juxtaposing these two nations emphasizes a comprehensive alliance originating from Israel's southern and southeastern flanks. It combines a more established kingdom (Edom) with nomadic, widespread tribal groups (Ishmaelites), indicating a broad-reaching, concerted effort of historical enemies against God's people.
  • "Moab and the Hagrites": This pairing continues the pattern of listing closely related or geographically adjacent adversaries from Israel's eastern border. Moab, a well-known foe, is joined by the Hagrites, suggesting a complete encirclement of hostility and reinforcing the scale and diversity of the confederacy.

Psalm 83 6 Bonus section

• The fact that several nations listed, like Edom, Ishmaelites, and Moab, share common ancestry with Israel through Abraham or Lot underscores a tragic element of "kindred" nations becoming bitter enemies, highlighting profound historical conflicts and unresolved animosities.
• The meticulous detailing of specific nations provides a grounded, realistic portrayal of the dangers Israel faced, distinguishing this lament from a generalized cry against unspecified foes. It illustrates that spiritual opposition often takes the tangible form of identifiable human and national threats.

Psalm 83 6 Commentary

Psalm 83:6 serves as the vital entry point to the list of specific nations forming the anti-Israelite alliance. Each named group—Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagrites—carries a long history of enmity against God's covenant people. The term "tents" preceding "Edom" may indicate their military readiness, emphasizing not merely the existence of these nations but their current active, unified hostile posture. This initial quartet reveals the breadth of the threat, stemming primarily from Israel's southern and eastern neighbors, groups who shared familial connections to Abraham and Lot, making their hostility a profound act of betrayal. The psalmist precisely identifies these traditional adversaries to appeal for God's divine judgment against those who ultimately plot against His Name and His people.