What does Psalm 83:8 mean?
This completes a list of nations which surrounded Israel and conspired for her complete obliteration (Psalm 83:1–5). So far, the list has included Edom, Ishmael, Moab, the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, and Tyre (Psalm 83:6–7).Last to be mentioned is Asshur, or Assyria: an enormously powerful nation also known for plaguing Israel (Genesis 10:11; Jonah 1:1–2; 2 Kings 5:1–9; 17:6). That Asaph calls Assyria the "strong arm of the children of Lot" suggests that the Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:34–38) were leading this coalition to destroy the nation of Israel. Later in Israel's history, Assyria would conquer and forcibly relocate many Israelites (2 Kings 17:6; 18:11).
The combined enemies in Asaph's list represent a geographical surrounding of Israel. These enemies planned to attack Israel together, implying they would do so from all sides: north, south, east, and west. The situation resembles an era after the exile (Ezekiel 1:1) when hateful, jealous nations bordering Israel conspired. They sought to destroy Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's broken walls (Nehemiah 1:1–3). At first, they tried to discourage Nehemiah and his workers by ridiculing their rebuilding efforts (Nehemiah 4:1–3). When the ridicule failed, they "plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 4:8).
This section ends with the word selah. The exact meaning of the term is unknown. However, it seems to suggest a pause for reflection, or a musical interlude.
