Psalm 83 (82):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The countries referenced earlier have supported the descendants of Lot in their conflict against us. The descendants of Lot refer to the Moabites and the Ammonites. This reveals that the forces of evil conspire together to lead souls to ruin, aiming to bring about the downfall of all and the erasure of the infamous Israel. The Psalmist then lists those surrounding nations, whose summons brought other nations to join them.

‘For Asshur came with them.’ Asshur, Nebuchadnezzar, the enemy of God who took His people into exile. While it may appear that various nations are each pursuing their own interests, Asshur, representing the evil one, serves as their leader, those who became allies of the sons of Lot. The name ‘Lot’ signifies ‘deviating.’ The demons, having once been angels, fell with the devil and became his followers, as John reveals in the Revelation: the dragon fell and took a third of the stars with him (see Rev. 8:12). Now, what does the psalmist convey? Those who come alongside all nations and wage war against Your people, with Asshur arriving among them—whose leader is the devil—have joined the ranks of the sons of Lot, meaning the demons who have turned away from You; they act in the same manner.

Asshur also joined them. At this time, the Assyrians were not in power. The prophetic message highlights the significance of the Samaritans, who were the descendants of the Assyrians that settled in the cities after the exile of the ten tribes. They were involved in the intercession of the sons of Lot. The prophetic words clarify that the Moabites and Ammonites were primarily in rebellion against God's people and allied themselves with other nations.

Asshur joined in their ranks. This group is referred to as Assyrians, a term that David also uses to identify the Samaritans, as they were descendants of Assyrian colonizers who, as noted by Theodoret, relocated from Assyria to Samaria following the exile of the twelve tribes. The mention of alliance here is unnecessary. They engaged in supplication alongside the descendants of Lot, who are known as the Moabites and the Ammonites, as previously indicated. Thus, before these nations were established, he describes them as allies and supporters of the descendants of Lot, meaning the Moabites and Ammonites, due to their particular hostility towards the Jews, as they rallied additional nations against them. Isychius states that their intercession signifies coming to their assistance.

Not with the residents of Tyre, but rather with the Moabites and Ammonites, as well as other nations connected to the Jews; these groups initiated the conflict, not out of their own desire, but prompted by their relatives. Thus, the prophet notes that "they became an intercession for the children of Lot," meaning they came to offer their assistance. Be cautious, therefore, of those who are internal adversaries, as they can provoke external foes, and do not place your trust in relatives, for they can often turn against you. Heed the warning issued by the prophet. There is a shift in tone, as the prophet moves towards prayer.

The nations that conspired together to eliminate God's people from the earth are listed here. First, we have the territories of Edom, encompassing all the Edomite clans and their villages. This group originated from Esau, who was also known as Edom, and shares a kinship with Judah. The Ishmaelites, another nation, descended from Ishmael, the son of Abraham, whom he fathered with Hagar, the maidservant. Moab is derived from the son of Lot, who took the name Moab. The Hagarites originated from Hagar, Abraham's servant, by way of another husband whom she wed after being released from Abraham, now referred to as Ottomans or Turks. The identity of Geval, a nation mentioned in this context, remains unclear as this name appears only here in Scripture.

The Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and crafted by David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, to vocalize its prophetic message regarding the impending trials faced by the Jewish people and, in particular, by the faithful followers of Christ throughout history, especially during the reign of the Antichrist. In this context, the prophet earnestly appeals to God, representing the voice of the Holy Church in times of persecution (Theodoret). Evil serves as a demonic lure, drawing individuals toward idolatry and sin. Due to God’s forbearance, adversaries grew arrogant, becoming increasingly defiant. Those who rage against God’s people and His saints are, in truth, waging war against Him, whose servants and brothers they are.