Psalm 83 (82):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

One can view this passage in various ways concerning the Church and the presence of heresies. It may be understood literally as an account of the Jews facing assaults from all directions. “For behold, Thy enemies have made a noise.” Here, the adversaries are characterized by their cacophony, seeking to be identified with such clamor. “For behold, Thy enemies have made a noise.” Note the phrasing: “have made a noise,” which suggests the clashing of cymbals echoing in my ears. In its true sense, noise is simply audible sound without intelligible words. Thus, the meaning behind his words is that, although they seemed to argue with me, I could perceive nothing that resembled genuine speech but rather a mere uproar.

Similar to the tumultuous sea, they are restless and disruptive, engaging with us arrogantly and defiantly. Their animosity towards You drives them to wage war against us; for in their hostility towards You, they also turn against those who are faithful to You.

In this passage, David articulates why God should not be patient with His foes. He states that these adversaries make a tumultuous outcry against Your people, or against us in Your name, akin to the cacophony generated by a vast army of men. Alternatively, this outcry can be seen as a bold declaration against those who had previously nursed hostility in secrecy, now confronting us openly due to their arrogance and pride. They have lifted their heads—this phrase indicates a rising up with overconfidence in their champions and allies. Some interpret this as a reference to the rising of the Aspides, as serpents, seeking to strike, subtly raise their heads from the ground; similarly, those who oppose the glory of Christ elevate themselves, yet they ultimately fall from His presence.

Due to Your patience, it is asserted that sinners have become so arrogant that they have made their transgressions loud, boldly displaying their unrighteousness as if they were heralding it, raising their heads without shame for their wrongdoings. Furthermore, they boast of their actions as if there is no one they need to fear. The prophet refers to sinners as adversaries of God; in their self-destructive ways, they become foes to themselves. God, who deeply loves humanity and does not wish for the sinner's demise, perceives those who lead themselves to ruin as His enemies.

In this passage, the Prophet illustrates the peril faced by the faithful, indicating that their adversaries assailed them not just through brute strength and ambition, but also through their deceitful strategies, leaving the Israelites with little hope of evading death. The statement, “They shall make a noise, and lift up the head,” conveys that the foes, trusting in their own might, acted with fierce pride and aggression. Such arrogance poses a significant challenge to the hearts of the righteous; consequently, the saints often appeal to God for assistance, emphasizing the pride of their enemies and beseeching Him to diminish it. It is important to recognize that all who afflict the Church are classified as adversaries of God.

The Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit through David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, in order to declare the prophetic message regarding the impending persecution of the Jewish people, and particularly the faithful followers of Christ throughout various eras, with a special emphasis on the time of the Antichrist. In this Psalm, the prophet voices a heartfelt supplication on behalf of the Holy Church, appealing to God during times of persecution. Evil serves as a demonic seduction that leads to idolatry and sinful actions. Due to God's forbearance, adversaries grew arrogant to the extent that they became boisterous and insolent. Those who rage against God's people and His saints are, in essence, waging war against Him, for they are His servants and brethren.