What does Psalms 83:3 mean?
"They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones." - Psalms 83:3

Psalms 83:3 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones." This verse is part of a psalm attributed to Asaph, which is a lamentation and a prayer for God to intervene on behalf of His people. The psalm expresses the distress and fear of the psalmist as he looks upon the enemies of Israel conspiring to destroy God's chosen people.
The verse itself highlights the cunning and deceitful nature of the enemies of Israel, who have "taken crafty counsel" and "consulted against thy hidden ones." The use of the term "hidden ones" may refer to God's faithful and righteous people who are hidden or protected by God. The enemies are plotting against those who are dear to God, and their scheming is characterized by deceit and treachery.
The imagery in this verse is powerful and emphasizes the malicious intent of the enemies of God's people. The use of the word "crafty" suggests that the enemies are using cunning and deception in their plans against Israel. This paints a picture of a dangerous and calculated plot, adding to the urgency and desperation of the psalmist's plea for God's intervention.
This verse also speaks to the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of God's people facing opposition and persecution from their enemies. The psalmist's words reflect the enduring reality of this conflict, and the need for divine protection and deliverance.
In the context of the psalm as a whole, Psalm 83 is a call for God to act on behalf of His people and to bring judgment upon their enemies. The psalmist lists various nations and peoples who have conspired against Israel, and he pleads with God to intervene and put an end to their schemes. The psalm expresses a deep sense of urgency and distress, as the psalmist implores God to not remain silent in the face of such grave threats.
The symbolism in this verse reflects the broader biblical motif of the righteous being opposed by the wicked. Throughout the Bible, God's people are depicted as being under siege from the forces of darkness, and the enemies of God often resort to cunning and treachery in their efforts to undermine and destroy His chosen ones. This verse captures the tension and struggle between the forces of good and evil, and the need for divine protection and intervention.
Ultimately, Psalm 83:3 is a poignant and evocative plea for God's intervention in the face of treacherous enemies. The verse captures the urgency and fear of the psalmist as he observes the malicious schemes of those who seek to harm God's people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing spiritual warfare that rages around us, and the need for God's protection and deliverance in the midst of such opposition. As such, this verse continues to resonate with believers today, serving as a timeless expression of faith in God's sovereignty and a call for His intervention in the face of adversity.
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Psalms 83:3 - "They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones."
"They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones." - Psalms 83:3
"Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;" - Psalms 83:7
"As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;" - Psalms 83:14
Psalms 83:7 - "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;"
Psalms 83:6 - "The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;"
Psalms 83:10 - "Which perished at En-dor: they became as dung for the earth."
Psalms 83:5 - "For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:"
Psalms 83:14 - "As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;"
Psalms 83:8 - "Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah."
"Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:" - Psalms 83:9
Psalms 83:13 - "O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind."
Psalms 83:16 - "Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD."
Psalms 83:9 - "Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:"
Psalms 83:12 - "Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession."
Psalms 83:11 - "Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:"
Psalms 83:17 - "Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:"
"O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind." - Psalms 83:13
"The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;" - Psalms 83:6
Psalms 83:15 - "So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm."
Psalms 83:1 - "Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God."
"Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:" - Psalms 83:11
"Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God." - Psalms 83:1
Psalms 119:83 - "For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes."
Psalms 83:18 - "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
"Which perished at En-dor: they became as dung for the earth." - Psalms 83:10
Psalms 83:4 - "They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."
"For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:" - Psalms 83:5
Psalms 83:2 - "For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
"Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah." - Psalms 83:8