Psalms 83:8
“Assyria also is joined with them. They have helped the children of Lot. Selah.”
What does Psalms 83:8 mean?
This verse is part of a psalm listing nations and groups allied against Israel, and it describes how Assyria has joined forces with enemies to the east (the descendants of Lot, referring to Moab and Ammon). The psalmist is essentially saying that Israel faces threats from a coordinated coalition, not isolated attacks. The word "Selah" at the end is a musical or liturgical pause found throughout the Psalms, inviting readers to pause and reflect on what's been said. In this moment, the writer is highlighting the weight and seriousness of the situation: Israel is surrounded by enemies working together. For anyone reading this during a difficult season when troubles seem to pile on from every direction, it captures that real feeling of being overwhelmed. At the same time, the psalm's larger purpose is to bring this burden before God in prayer, turning anxiety into petition rather than letting it settle into despair.