Tehillim 83 | Psalm of National Distress

Psalm 83 is traditionally recited in times of war or national crisis — and understandably so. The psalm describes a coalition of many nations uniting against Israel, with the express intent to wipe them off the face of the earth: “They say, ‘Let us go and obliterate them as a nation, and Israel's name will be mentioned no more’” (verse 5).

The poet explains that this alliance of the nations against Israel is, in essence, a rebellion against God Himself: “Yes, their hearts conspire as one; they have formed a pact against You” (verse 6). Therefore, he pleads with God not to remain silent or still in the face of such aggression.

The psalm references Israel’s past victories—against Sisera and Yavin (Shoftim 4), and against the kings and officers of Midyan (Shoftim 7–8)—and asks that the fate of the current enemies mirror those earlier triumphs. But the closing of the psalm reveals a deeper hope: not only that the enemies will be defeated, but that their defeat will open the door to recognition of God and repentance: “Fill their faces with humiliation until they seek Your name, Lord” (verse 17). These nations, who had formed a pact and challenged God, will come to seek His Name and acknowledge His sovereignty: “Then they will know that Your name, Yours alone, is the Lord, Most High over all the earth” (verse 19).