Oh how history has conspired against the treasured ones of God! History is cyclical and we are once again seeing us move deeper and deeper into the persecution of God’s people.
In this case it was the sin of Israel that had led them to be ransacked by their enemies. But even in this, Asaph appeals for God to rise up and again deal with their enemies.
“God, do not keep silent. Do not be deaf. God; do not be idle. See how how Your enemies make an uproar; those who hate You have acted arrogantly. They devise clever schemes against Your people; they conspire against Your treasured ones” (Ps 83:1-3).
Let’s pause for a moment. And remind ourselves that we are God’s treasured ones. Even in our troubles this is true. Even when we don’t feel it this is true. Even when our enemies seem to have the upper hand this is true. We are treasured.
It’s because of this that Asaph can say even in the discipline of God to deal with those who kick Israel while they are down.
“pursue them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your storm. Cover their faces with shame so that they will seek Your name Yahweh…May they know that You alone–whose name is Yahweh–are the Most High over all the earth” (Ps 83:16,18).
