Psalms 83:12
Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִ֣ירֲשָׁה
in possession
H3423
נִ֣ירֲשָׁה
in possession
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
3 of 7
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֵ֝֗ת
H853
אֵ֝֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The land of Canaan held enormous strategic and agricultural value—situated at the crossroads of three continents (Africa, Asia, Europe), controlling vital trade routes, containing fertile valleys and abundant water sources. Surrounding nations coveted this territory for economic and military reasons. But Israel's claim rested on divine gift, not human conquest—God promised it to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21), confirmed it to Israel (Deuteronomy 11:24-25), and drove out Canaanites to establish His people there (Joshua 21:43-45). When enemies conspired to seize it, they challenged God's covenant promises and His sovereign right to bestow territory as inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that opposition to God's people is ultimately opposition to God Himself affect your response to persecution or hostility?
- What modern parallels exist to enemies seeking to possess "the houses of God"—attempting to claim what God has established or promised?
- Why does Satan consistently target God's covenant people throughout history, and how does understanding this spiritual warfare inform Christian perseverance?
Analysis & Commentary
Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. This verse reveals the confederacy's motivation: seizing ne'ot Elohim (נְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים, "the pastures/dwelling places of God"). The term ne'ot (נְאוֹת) can mean pastures, dwelling places, or beautiful habitations. The phrase likely refers to Canaan itself—the Promised Land, God's gift to Israel, where His temple stood and His name dwelt. The enemies don't merely want territory; they want God's inheritance, His possession.
Nirshah lanu (נִירְשָׁה לָּנוּ, "let us possess/inherit for ourselves") uses language of inheritance and possession. This echoes the Canaanites' original claim to the land that God dispossessed and gave to Israel. Now their descendants conspire to reverse that judgment, to repossess what God Himself allocated. The audacity is staggering—they claim ownership of God's property, challenging His right to bestow inheritance as He chooses.
The theological issue transcends real estate. These enemies attack God's sovereign right to choose, bless, and establish His covenant people. Their conspiracy ultimately targets God's purposes and authority. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: Pharaoh refused to release Israel (God's firstborn son, Exodus 4:22-23); Haman plotted Jewish genocide; Antiochus desecrated the temple; Rome destroyed Jerusalem. Satanic opposition always aims at God's covenant people and purposes because attacking them attacks God's redemptive plan.