of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre.
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
Gebal was probably a near neighbour of Edom, though there was a Gebal in the region of Tyre and Sidon. And Ammon, and Amalek. Two other hereditary foes of Israel, fierce and remorseless as ravening wolves. In the roll of infamy let these names remain detestably immortalised. How thick they stand. Their name is legion, for they are many.
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