Psalm 83 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 83 is a psalm of supplication or lament. It is such a desperate, urgent plea for help that it presents only three of the basic elements of that type of psalm. See the discussion of the types of psalms in the introduction to the book of Psalms. 1. Cry for help (1) 2. Description of troubles (2–8) 3. Petition (9–18)Many interpreters believe that this psalm was written during the reign of Jehoshaphat when a large army composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, supported by other nations, invaded and attacked Judah, as described in [2 Chronicles 20:1–30](../2ch/20/01.md). Yahweh inspired a Levite from the clan of Asaph to reassure the king and nation that he would defeat these invaders. The outcome was exactly what this psalm envisions and pleads for: “the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard how Yahweh had fought with the enemies of Israel.” It may be helpful to read this passage before translating this psalm.