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Book of Psalms - Chapter 83 - Verse 6

83:6
The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

Meaning

Within this verse from the book of Psalms, the mention of the tabernacles of Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagarenes points to various tribes or groups of people who were adversaries of the Israelites. Edom refers to the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, who had a longstanding rivalry with the Israelites. The Ishmaelites are descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, who also had conflicts with the Israelites. Moab was a neighboring nation to Israel, and the Hagarenes were a nomadic people thought to be descended from Hagar, the servant of Sarah and mother of Ishmael. This verse serves to remind readers of the historical enmities and conflicts that the Israelites faced from surrounding nations, highlighting the challenges and threats they had to overcome in their journey. It emphasizes the complex geopolitical landscape of the time and the importance of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the mention of the tabernacles of Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Hagarenes sheds light on the historical context of the Old Testament. Each of these groups represents a neighboring nation to Israel, with whom they had varied relationships. Edom was descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob, and often represented Israel's enemies. The Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, who also had a strained relationship with Israel. Moab and the Hagarenes were also neighboring nations that at times were in conflict with Israel. Understanding the identities of these groups gives insight into the geopolitical landscape of ancient Israel and the challenges they faced. The mention of these nations serves as a reminder of the complexities and conflicts that Israel encountered during its history, as well as the importance of historical context in interpreting biblical passages.

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