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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 83  Listen to Psalm 83 This psalm is a prayer asking God to frustrate all the enemies coming against Israel, and is the last psalm by Asaph a musician and prophet at the time of David. He requests that God speaks and takes action against the 10 enemies, who are joining forces and plotting as a coalition against Israel. Nowhere else in scripture do we see so many planning against God’s people at one time. It could be relating to the situation described in 2 Chronicles 20, but Asaph feels many are aiming to destroy the nation of Israel and intending that the name of Israel is to be remembered no more. He knows, however, of the covenant, where God pledges that a Chosen People will come through Abraham (Genesis 22:17–18), through Isaac (Genesis 26:2–4), and through Jacob (Genesis 28:14) and that God will give them a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18; Joshua 1:4). Countries are still actively conspiring today to either take over the land of Israel and make it their own or to prevent Israel from being a Jewish state and many are praying today, just like Asaph did then, for protection for Israel, as nations on all sides and other world communities threaten to destroy Israel. There has not been a people so encircled by fear and persecution as the Jews have been over the years. Yet they have prospered. The only explanation of the growth despite severe persecution is that the hand of God has been on his people and blessed them. The land of Israel belongs to God. In Genesis 12:3 it says God will bless those who bless Abraham’s descendants and curse those who curse them. All peoples on earth will be blessed through them. The psalmist then remembers how God has rescued Israel many times in the past, citing individuals described in Judges 4-8 and is sure he can trust God to it again. He goes on to ask God to make the enemies suffer - being blown about, feel the heat of fire and be terrified by the storm sent by God, so they are ashamed and die in disgrace. Asaph prays that by being brought to their knees with shame they will seek Yahweh - the one true God. He wants them to acknowledge that the God of Israel is the Most High over all the earth. The psalm starts with asking God not to remain silent and ends with the hope that God’s fame and glory would go out to the ends of the earth. It also reminds us that we must keep a watchful eye on the Middle East and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), as well as diligently study God’s Word to seek the truth about Israel. Father, we pray your peace and protection for the land of Israel and that all people will come to see that you are the Most High over all the earth.