Psalms 83:1-18 - Homilies By C. Short

What God is to his people.

The following general truths may be gathered up from this psalm.

I. THAT SOMETIMES THE CHURCH OF GOD IS THREATENED BY A COMBINATION OF MANY DANGERS . As now—by science, philosophy, historical criticism, the spirit of commerce and the spirit of mammon, and what is called a worldly spirit.

II. GOD AND HIS PEOPLE ARE ONE . ( Psalms 83:5 .)

1 . One in the closest relation. Father and children; Redeemer and redeemed.

2 . One in work and purpose.

III. THIS ONENESS GIVES THEM CONFIDENCE THAT GOD WILL SHIELD THEM FROM ALL REAL DANGER . And therefore they cry to him for defence and deliverance in all times of perplexity and danger.

IV. THE PAST EXPERIENCES OF THE CHURCH STRENGTHEN THIS CONFIDENCE . The history of the Church shows that God has been her "Sun and Shield."

V. THAT THE VICTORIES OF THE CHURCH OVER VARIOUS FORMS OF EVIL ARE A REVELATION OF THE NAME OF GOD . ( Psalms 83:18 .) God thus makes himself known to wicked men. "The end of all God's judgments, as of all history, is the same—that all should confess that he is One and Supreme.— S.