Psalms 83:17 - Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever. Yes, let them be confounded and perish;
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What does "Psalms 83:17" mean?
Psalm 83:17 is a strong expression of a desire for the complete and utter defeat of enemies. To understand it, we need to consider the context of the psalm and the language used:
Context: Psalm 83 is a lament and imprecatory prayer (a prayer calling down curses or judgment). The psalmist is crying out to God for protection against a coalition of nations conspiring to wipe out Israel. The psalm describes the enemies' intentions as wanting to eliminate Israel's name so they would no longer be remembered as a nation.
"Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever":
Disappointed: This means their plans and hopes for Israel's destruction should be thwarted.
Dismayed: This suggests they should be filled with fear and consternation as they watch their schemes fail.
Forever: This is the most challenging part of the verse. In the Old Testament, "forever" (olam) often implied a long, indefinite period, rather than literal eternity as we might understand it today. The psalmist is asking for a lasting and decisive defeat.
"Yes, let them be confounded and perish":
Confounded: This means they should be utterly confused, humiliated, and brought to shame. Their strategies should backfire, and they should be stripped of their pride.
Perish: This is a strong word indicating destruction, annihilation, or complete ruin. It goes beyond mere defeat and asks for the enemies' ultimate downfall.
Interpretation and Considerations:
Imprecatory Psalms: Psalms like 83, which express intense anger and a desire for vengeance, are often difficult for modern readers. It's important to remember they reflect the raw emotions of people facing existential threats. They are cries to God for justice in a world where enemies seem to be prevailing.
Old Testament vs. New Testament: Some interpret the imprecatory psalms in light of the New Testament teachings of love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. They believe that these Psalms should not be taken as a model for personal behavior but rather as an expression of the psalmist's heartfelt pain and yearning for God's intervention.
Justice and Divine Sovereignty: The psalmist believes that God is the ultimate judge and that it is His responsibility to bring justice. The psalms express a desire for God to uphold righteousness and punish evildoers. The psalmist is essentially asking God to do what is morally right.
Not Necessarily a Call for Personal Vengeance: It's crucial to understand that the psalmist is not advocating for individual acts of revenge. Instead, they are appealing to God to intervene and protect His people from annihilation.
In summary, Psalm 83:17 is a powerful expression of the psalmist's plea for God to protect Israel by utterly defeating its enemies. It reflects the intensity of the threat they faced and the psalmist's deep desire for God's justice and protection.
Psalms 83:17 - Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever. Yes, let them be confounded and perish;
What does "Psalms 83:17" mean?
Psalm 83:17 is a strong expression of a desire for the complete and utter defeat of enemies. To understand it, we need to consider the context of the psalm and the language used:
Context: Psalm 83 is a lament and imprecatory prayer (a prayer calling down curses or judgment). The psalmist is crying out to God for protection against a coalition of nations conspiring to wipe out Israel. The psalm describes the enemies' intentions as wanting to eliminate Israel's name so they would no longer be remembered as a nation.
"Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever":
Disappointed: This means their plans and hopes for Israel's destruction should be thwarted.
Dismayed: This suggests they should be filled with fear and consternation as they watch their schemes fail.
Forever: This is the most challenging part of the verse. In the Old Testament, "forever" (olam) often implied a long, indefinite period, rather than literal eternity as we might understand it today. The psalmist is asking for a lasting and decisive defeat.
"Yes, let them be confounded and perish":
Confounded: This means they should be utterly confused, humiliated, and brought to shame. Their strategies should backfire, and they should be stripped of their pride.
Perish: This is a strong word indicating destruction, annihilation, or complete ruin. It goes beyond mere defeat and asks for the enemies' ultimate downfall.
Interpretation and Considerations:
Imprecatory Psalms: Psalms like 83, which express intense anger and a desire for vengeance, are often difficult for modern readers. It's important to remember they reflect the raw emotions of people facing existential threats. They are cries to God for justice in a world where enemies seem to be prevailing.
Old Testament vs. New Testament: Some interpret the imprecatory psalms in light of the New Testament teachings of love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. They believe that these Psalms should not be taken as a model for personal behavior but rather as an expression of the psalmist's heartfelt pain and yearning for God's intervention.
Justice and Divine Sovereignty: The psalmist believes that God is the ultimate judge and that it is His responsibility to bring justice. The psalms express a desire for God to uphold righteousness and punish evildoers. The psalmist is essentially asking God to do what is morally right.
Not Necessarily a Call for Personal Vengeance: It's crucial to understand that the psalmist is not advocating for individual acts of revenge. Instead, they are appealing to God to intervene and protect His people from annihilation.
In summary, Psalm 83:17 is a powerful expression of the psalmist's plea for God to protect Israel by utterly defeating its enemies. It reflects the intensity of the threat they faced and the psalmist's deep desire for God's justice and protection.