the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,
This psalm was written when King Jehoshaphat faced a dreadful confederacy of enemies, not only Ammonites and Moabites, but forces mustered from Syria and distant lands that nearly overwhelmed Judah. The poet enumerates these many nations to show how urgent the prayer for God's aid must be, and to stir us to greater confidence that He will defend His Church against all who conspire to extinguish it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 83:1-18
The tabernacles of Edom. Nearest of kin, yet first in enmity. Their sire despised the birthright, and they despise the possessors of it. Leaving their rock built mansions for the tents of war, the Edomites invaded the land of Israel. And the Ishmaelites. A persecuting spirit ran in their blood, they perpetuated the old grudge between the child of the bondwoman and the son of the freewoman. Of Moab.
When God seems to hold His silence and sit by unmoved, His people have leave to cry out, Lord, speak for us by providence and against our enemies; speak deliverance to us and disappointment to them. With Him saying and doing are the same thing.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 83:1-8