Psalms 83:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 83:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; And they that hate thee have lifted up the head.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; And they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
Psalms 83:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 83

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; And they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult, etc.] Or “a noise” f1189: wicked men are commonly noisy, roaring out their blasphemies against God, belching out oaths and curses, and breathing threatenings and slaughter against the saints; especially a numerous army of them, consisting of many people and nations, as this did; who are called the Lord’s “enemies”, being the enemies of his people, and their cause and his are one and the same; and besides, all wicked men are enemies to God, and all that is good, in their minds, and which appears by their actions; yea, they are enmity itself unto him: and they that hate thee have lift up the head; are haughty, proud, and arrogant; speak loftily, and with a…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult - Are excited; are aroused; are moving in a wild, furious, tumultuous manner, rushing on to the accomplishment of their designs. They come like rolling waves of the sea. See the word used here explained in the notes at Psalms 2:1, where it is rendered, in the text, “rage;” in the margin, “tumultuously assemble.” And they that hate thee - Thine enemies; the enemies of thy cause, and of thy people. Who they were is specified in Psalms 83:6-8. Have lifted up the head - Have become proud; bold; confident of success, all of which is indicated by the phrase “lifted up the head.” The head is bowed down in penitence and trouble; pride lifts it up; boldness,…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“lo: Psa 2:1, Psa 2:2, Psa 74:4, Psa 74:23; Kg2 19:28; Isa 37:29; Jer 1:19; Mat 27:24; Act 4:25-27, Act 16:22, Act 17:5, Act 19:28-41, Act 21:30, Act 22:22, Act 23:10 that hate: Psa 81:15 lifted: Psa 75:4, Psa 75:5, Psa 93:3; Isa 37:23; Dan 5:20-23 Psalms 83:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification