Psalms 83:14

Authorized King James Version

As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּאֵ֥שׁ
As the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#2
תִּבְעַר
burneth
to be(-come) brutish
#3
יָ֑עַר
a wood
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#4
וּ֝כְלֶהָבָ֗ה
and as the flame
flame
#5
תְּלַהֵ֥ט
on fire
properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze
#6
הָרִֽים׃
the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection