Psalm 83 is a cry for help when surrounded by enemies. The psalm is written at a time in Judah’s history when she was surrounded by enemies — to the southwest, to the northeast, and to the east. These enemies have allied themselves against them. The psalmist laments the grave situation they are facing. He cries out to God to deliver them from their enemies.
In much the same way, the church faces a similar dilemma today. The bride of Christ is hewn in by an alliances of enemies, on every side who seek to destroy her. Commenting on this psalm, Alexander Maclaren wrote, “The world is up in arms against God’s people, and what weapon has Israel? Nothing but prayer.” Like Judah, our defense is in prayer to God.
