The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 83
The possible meaning of the number 83 is derived from events primarily in Scripture.
Moses was 80 years old and his older brother Aaron was 83 when they confronted Pharaoh to free his Israelite slaves (Exodus 7:7). This confrontation took place in c. 1445 B.C. It would take the miraculous performance of ten plagues before the children of Israel were allowed to leave Egypt. The day they left the land was 430 years, to the day, after God's covenant with Abraham (Exodus 12:40 - 41, Galatians 3:16 - 17).
According to "The Bible in 100 Numbers," there are 83 different types of plants and flowers found in Scripture.
Appearances of the number eighty-three
Only Numbers 7, with 89 verses, and Psalm 119, with 176, are the only Biblical chapters that have 83 or more verses.
The book of 2Timothy, the last known work written by the Apostle Paul, has 4 chapters and 83 total verses.
Number 83 and the Psalms
Psalm 83 is one of the twelve Psalms written by or for Asaph. He was a Levite (priest) who was one of King David's three chief musicians (1Chronicles 15:17, 19). The Psalm itself calls upon God to defend his people against a multitude of enemies.
Keep not silent, O God; do not be quiet, and do not be still, O God, for lo, Your enemies are in an uproar; and those who hate You have lifted up their head.
They take crafty counsel against Your people, and plot together against Your hidden ones. They have said, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, so that the name Israel may be remembered no more" (verses 1 - 4).
Psalm 83, in verses 6 to 11, lists seventeen total enemies of Israel. Seven of these God had already destroyed while the remaining ten will soon try to annihilate the Israelites and "cut them off from being a nation."
Verse 83 of Psalm 119 uses a rather unique analogy to describe what King David experienced while waiting for God to judge his enemies (verse 84).
My soul faints for Your salvation; I hope in Your word. My eyes fail for Your word, saying, "When will You comfort me?" For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes (verses 81 - 83).
Wineskins, in ancient times, were hung up in smoke to dry them before they were used. David was stating he felt like a dried and shriveled up wineskin while he was persecuted and waiting for God to answer his prayers.
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 83
Psalms is the only book that has at least eighty-three chapters.
Verse 83 of Numbers 7 mentions a peace offering made by one of Israel's princes. Twelve such offerings, one for each tribe, were given to celebrate the dedication of the tabernacle and altar in the wilderness (verse 1). These type of offerings symbolized complete peace with God.