Psalm 83:10-12
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The verse paints a picture of utter disgrace not just through defeat, but by their bodies becoming literal "dung for the ground." This isn't just a metaphor for being trampled underfoot; it evokes the revulsion of being left unburied, a fate considered so dishonorable it would defile the very land.
who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a plea for God to intervene against nations plotting to destroy Israel, and here the psalmist recalls past victories. The prayer references the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and the destruction of Sisera's army near the Kishon river, highlighting how God utterly vanquished them. These historical examples serve as a powerful reminder that the same God who delivered Israel then can and will deliver them now from their current enemies.
Ever feel like you're facing impossible odds? This verse reminds us that God has a history of turning the tide.
The psalmist is calling to mind historical moments of God's powerful intervention for Israel. While the exact battle referenced at En-dor isn't explicitly detailed in the Judges narrative, commentators agree it points to significant defeats of Israel's enemies.
These weren't just any battles; they were divine interventions that secured Israel's survival and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His people. The psalmist recalls these events to bolster faith in God's continued power to act.
What does it mean to become 'dung for the ground'? This isn't just a graphic image; it speaks volumes about God's judgment.
The phrase 'became dung for the ground' is a powerful and visceral image of utter destruction and contempt.
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Understand the original words
šā-maḏ · Hebrew Verb
To bring to nothing, to annihilate, or to ruin; used in reference to God’s judgment upon the wicked or enemies of His people.
dō-men · Hebrew Noun
Refuse or excrement; used here metaphorically to describe the complete humiliation, worthlessness, and ignominious end of those who opposed God.
nadib · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to leaders of high rank or social status; in this context, it denotes the powerful figures opposing God's people.
nasik · Hebrew Noun
A title for individuals in positions of authority or leadership over a group or nation; here it refers to the enemies of Israel.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
The act of laying claim to property or territory, often implying forceful appropriation or the desire to own what has been designated for another purpose.
na'aveh elohim · Hebrew Noun
The dwelling place or habitation of God; used here to refer to the land of Israel which God gave to His covenant people.
This verse powerfully invokes the memory of Israel's past victories, particularly Gideon's miraculous triumph over the Midianites. By referencing the defeat near Endor and the resulting carnage, the psalmist calls for a similar, decisive divine intervention against contemporary enemies, reminding God of His faithfulness to deliver His people.
c. 13th century BC
Israelites Oppressed by Jabin
King Jabin of Canaan, with his general Sisera, heavily oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, controlling major trade routes with his chariots. This period of suffering set the stage for a divine intervention.
c. 13th century BC
Deborah and Barak's Victory
The prophetess Deborah called Barak to lead the Israelites against Jabin's forces. In a decisive battle near the Kishon River, near Megiddo and Taanach, the Israelites, with divine aid, routed Sisera's army. Sisera himself fled and was later killed by Jael.
c. 13th century BC
Midianite Oppression
Following the victory over Jabin, Israel later fell under the brutal oppression of the Midianites, who plundered their lands annually, forcing Israelites to hide in mountain caves.
c. 12th century BC— this verse
Gideon Defeats the Midianites
God called Gideon to deliver Israel. With an incredibly small force of 300 men, Gideon achieved a miraculous victory over the vast Midianite army, causing them to scatter and even turn on each other in confusion. The pursuit and final defeat of Midianite leaders like Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna followed.
c. 10th century BC
Jabin's Army Destroyed Near Endor
While the primary narrative of Gideon's victory doesn't explicitly mention Endor, the region near the battle sites of Megiddo and Taanach, where the Midianites and potentially remnants of Jabin's forces were defeated, included Endor. This obscure location became a symbol for utter destruction.
This passage details Gideon's victory over the Midianites, whose subsequent flight and destruction are described in terms that echo the imagery of Psalm 83:10, emphasizing the utter defeat and disposal of the enemy.
2 Kings 9:37This verse describes how Jezebel's body was left unburied and became like dung on the field, providing a parallel to the ignominious and undignified end of the enemies mentioned in Psalm 83:10.
Jeremiah 8:2Jeremiah speaks of the bones of people and their leaders being spread out and becoming like dung, highlighting the theme of desecrated and unburied remains as a consequence of judgment.
Judges 5:19-21This poetic account of the battle against Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River describes a great slaughter, a conceptual precursor to the 'perished at En-dor' reference, as En-dor was in the same general battle area.
clarkePsalms 83:10: "Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth."
Perished at En-dor - This refers to the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon, who were encamped in the valley of Jezreel, at the foot of Mount Gilboa, and near to Tabor, Judges 6:33 ; Judges 7:1 , and consequently in the environs of En-dor. There Gideon attacked and defeated them; and, in various places during their flight, they were destroyed, and left to rot upon the earth. Judges 7:22-25 .
cambridgePsalms 83:10: "Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth."
10 . En-dor is not mentioned in the narrative of Judges, but it was situated in the same valley as Taanach and Megiddo, which are named in Jdg 5:19 , and is mentioned along with them in Joshua 17:11 . as dung ] Omit as . A contemptuous expression for the fate of un-buried corpses. Cp 2 Kings 9:37 ; Jeremiah 8:2 ; &c.
The verse paints a picture of utter disgrace not just through defeat, but by their bodies becoming literal "dung for the ground." This isn't just a metaphor for being trampled underfoot; it evokes the revulsion of being left unburied, a fate considered so dishonorable it would defile the very land.
This psalm is a plea for God to intervene against nations plotting to destroy Israel, and here the psalmist recalls past victories. The prayer references the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and the destruction of Sisera's army near the Kishon river, highlighting how God utterly vanquished them. These historical examples serve as a powerful reminder that the same God who delivered Israel then can and will deliver them now from their current enemies.
This psalm is a plea for God to intervene against nations plotting to destroy Israel, and here the psalmist recalls past victories. The prayer references the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and the destruction of Sisera's army near the Kishon river, highlighting how God utterly vanquished them. These historical examples serve as a powerful reminder that the same God who delivered Israel then can and will deliver them now from their current enemies.
"who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God.”" — The verse paints a picture of utter disgrace not just through defeat, but by their bodies becoming literal "dung for the ground." This isn't just a metaphor for being trampled underfoot; it evokes th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
