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Day 232

Psalm 83:14a "As the fire burns the woods..."

Day 232 – Psalm 83

“As the fire burns the woods…” Psalm 83:14a

PRAYER FROM A DEEPLY BURDENED HEART

Asaph struggled much with the problem of enemies who threatened Israel. Their wicked threats were breathed out loud against Israel (Psalm 83:4,12). What could Israel do? What could Asaph do for his nation?

“As the fire burns the woods,
And as the flame sets the mountains on fire.”
Psalm 83:14

1. The same vein of thought

a) This text was written in the same vein as the previous verse.
b) Powerful imagery was employed in prayer.

2. “As the fire burns the woods”

a) The woods
i) This would be a veiled reference to the mighty armies of the enemies.
ii) There were so many enemies (many trees make a wood).
iii) They were powerful enemies (tall trees represented strong enemies).
iv) Jotham, the son of Gideon once told a parable using the imagery of trees to mock Abimelech who wanted to be made king of Israel (Judges 9:7-21).
b) The fire
i) If only God would create a Divine fire.
ii) This Divine fire would then burn the woods (enemies).

3. “And as the flame sets the mountains on fire”

a) This imagery is an extension of the earlier imagery of a fire.
b) If this Divine fire could be kindled against the enemy then this fire could become a conflagration.
c) This conflagration would be such a huge fire it would even set the mountains on fire.
i) Mighty woods were often found on mountain slopes.
ii) But these mighty woods would be consumed by the flames of God!