Psa 83:6-8 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 6 The tabernacles of Edom - The tents of these different people are seen in the grand encampment. Tents are probably mentioned because it seas the custom of some of these people, particularly the lshmaelites, to live a migratory or wandering life; having no fixed habitation, but always abiding in tents. Their posterity remain to the present day, and act and live in the same manner. Hagarenes - These people dwelt on the east of Gilead; and were nearly destroyed in the days of Saul, being totally expelled from their country, , but afterwards recovered some strength and consequence; but where they dwelt after their expulsion by the Israelites is not known.

Psalms 83:6-8

Verse 6

The tabernacles of Edom - The tents of these different people are seen in the grand encampment. Tents are probably mentioned because it seas the custom of some of these people, particularly the lshmaelites, to live a migratory or wandering life; having no fixed habitation, but always abiding in tents. Their posterity remain to the present day, and act and live in the same manner.

Hagarenes - These people dwelt on the east of Gilead; and were nearly destroyed in the days of Saul, being totally expelled from their country, 1Chr 5:10, but afterwards recovered some strength and consequence; but where they dwelt after their expulsion by the Israelites is not known. Verse 7

Gebal - The Giblites, who were probably the persons here designed, were a tribe of the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan, and are mentioned as unconquered at the death of Joshua, Jos 13:5. They are called stone-squarers or Giblites, 1Kgs 5:18, and were of considerable assistance to Hiram king of Tyre, in preparing timber and stones for the building of the temple. They appear to have been eminent in the days of Ezekiel, who terms them the "ancients of Gebal, and the wise men - thereof," who were ship-builders, Eze 27:3. What is now called Gibyle, a place on the Mediterranean Sea, between Tripoli and Sidon, is supposed to be the remains of the city of the Giblites.

Ammon and Moab were then descendants of the children of Lot. Their bad origin is sufficiently known. See Gen 19:30, etc. Calmet supposes that Ammon is put here for Men or Maon, the Meonians, a people who lived in the neighborhood of the Amalekites and Idumeans. See the notes on 2Chr 20:1; 2Chr 26:7.

Amalek - The Amalekites are well known as the ancient and inveterate enemies of the Israelites. They were neighbors to the Idumeans.

The Philistines - These were tributaries to Jehoshaphat, 2Chr 17:11; but it seems they took advantage of the present times, to join in the great confederacy against him.

The inhabitants of Tyre - These probably joined the confederacy in hopes of making conquests, and extending their territory on the main land. Verse 8

Asser also is joined - The Ammonites might have got those auxiliaries from beyond the Euphrates, against Jehosphaphat, as formerly they were brought against David. See 2Sam 10:16.

They have holpen the children of Lot - The Ammonites, who appear to have been the chief instigators in this war.