Friday - Psalm 83 - That Men May Know

 

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ONTRARY to the voice of the ancient infidel Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), God is not dead. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1, 36:1 & 53:1).  However, there are many more practical atheists, agnostics and polytheists than there are philosophical infidels like Nietzsche. These everyday unregenerate characters were the ones Asaph was targeting in this prayer.  Psalm 83:18 clearly indicates Asaph's burden.

In a logical world, God's detractors wouldn't be detractors at all.  They would only be disinterested.  It's interesting that unbelievers typically find it necessary to blaspheme and dissuade.  Humanity apart from God is not known for its indifference to Him, but for its antagonism against Him and against His adherents.  It was true in the days of Israel's original rise.  It is still true today during our time.  The conspiracy is strong (Psalm 83:5).  Many different banners fly over the various camps. There are so many people who do not know or won't admit that the God of the Bible stands alone as the most-high God, ruler of heaven and earth. God's enemies are abundant and prolific.

Asaph prayed for God to dismantle the resistance of His detractors to the point where they would have no choice but to acquiesce at the least, or better yet that they would learn to submit humbly and with conviction (Psalm 83:16).  He asked for divine action, intervention and retribution so that the men of this world would know that God alone has the ultimate jurisdiction over this universe.