Psalm 83:6

Psalm 83:6, in plain English

Here are the actual nations involved: Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagrites—each one a real military and political threat.

Why it's here

These weren't distant, theoretical enemies. Edom was descended from Esau (Israel's brother), Moab and Ammon from Lot (Abraham's nephew). They were near neighbors, which made them both familiar and dangerous. The psalmist names them specifically because they were real, and his audience would have understood the military implications of each one.

Who's speaking

Asaph, laying out the specific coalition arrayed against Israel.

Where it sits in the story

Throughout Israel's history, these nations appear repeatedly as adversaries. Naming them reminds Israel's readers that God knows exactly who is against them—nothing is hidden from Him.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist begins enumerating the specific nations comprising this anti-Israel coalition, starting with Edom and the Ishmaelites.

Language and setting

Edom (descended from Esau) and Ishmael (Abraham's son through Hagar) occupy unique positions in Israel's genealogical consciousness—not foreign enemies but familial rivals with blood claims to Abraham's inheritance. The Hagrites (descendants of Hagar, Ishmael's mother) represent the nomadic populations of the Arabian steppe. This enumeration isn't merely geographical but theological: the enemies include those with the deepest kinship claims, whose opposition carries the sting of familial betrayal.

Voice

The psalmist providing historical-political specificity.

Significance

This reflects centuries of Levantine geopolitical conflict—Edomite opposition during the Babylonian exile (Obadiah's condemnation), Ishmaelite raids during the settlement period, and the persistent frontier tensions with Arabian pastoral populations throughout the monarchic period.

4saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”

5For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You—

6the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

7of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre.

8Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot.

Read all of Psalm 83 — Every enemy of Israel has allied against them. Do to them as you did to Midian — let them know that You alone are the Most High.