Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be defeated; it specifically calls for their leaders to be made like Oreb and Zeeb, who were princes, and Zebah and Zalmunna, who were kings. This detail highlights a desire for utter ruin not just of the masses, but of the very top leadership, reflecting a deep understanding of how crucial leaders are in orchestrating conflict.
Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm is a desperate prayer for God's intervention against a coalition of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist recalls past victories where God decisively defeated Israel's enemies, like the Midianites, and asks for a similar, complete annihilation of the current foes. The prayer specifically asks that the enemies' leaders be disgraced and destroyed, just as the Midianite princes Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna were utterly vanquished by Gideon.
Ever feel like your prayers are just words floating in the air? This psalm shows us how God's people have historically rooted their pleas in His past actions.
The psalmist isn't just making a general wish for enemies to be defeated; he's calling on God to act in ways that echo His powerful interventions in the past.
Remembering Past Victories
The mention of Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna isn't random. These were key figures in the Midianite army, famously defeated by Gideon. The psalmist is reminding God (and himself!) of this specific, astonishing victory.
A Pattern of Deliverance
By invoking these names, the psalmist is saying, 'God, remember how you delivered us from these oppressive forces before. Do it again!' It’s a prayer built on the foundation of God's faithfulness, drawing strength from historical precedent.
Who were these guys, Oreb and Zeeb? And Zebah and Zalmunna? Their names carry a heavy weight of defeat and divine judgment.
The specific names in this verse aren't just names; they represent a complete and humiliating downfall for Israel's enemies.
Princes and Kings, Taken Down
Oreb and Zeeb were described as 'princes' or 'generals' of the Midianites. They were captured and killed during the pursuit of the Midianite army. Zebah and Zalmunna were outright 'kings' of Midian, who met their end at Gideon's own hand after their forces were routed.
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A Prayer for Utter Defeat
The psalmist's prayer is for the current enemies to experience a similar, decisive destruction. It's a plea for God to bring their leaders – their 'nobles' and 'princes' – to the same level of ignominy and defeat as these historical figures.
Understand the original words
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.
This verse directly references the dramatic and decisive victory of Gideon over the Midianites, a foundational story of deliverance in Israel's history. The Psalmist invokes this powerful memory to pray for a similar, overwhelming defeat of his generation's enemies.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Gideon's Victory over Midian
Gideon, with a vastly outnumbered force, miraculously defeats the Midianite oppressors. Key leaders Oreb and Zeeb are captured and killed by Ephraim, while the kings Zebah and Zalmunna are later pursued and executed by Gideon himself.
c. 1100 BC
Sisera and Jabin's Defeat
Barak and Deborah lead Israel to a decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, captain of Jabin, king of Hazor, at the Brook Kishon.
c. 870 BC
Edomite and Philistine Raids
Historical records indicate raids and conflicts involving Edomites and Philistines against Judah during the reign of Jehoshaphat, though likely not the large-scale confederacy described in the Psalm.
c. 730 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III begins a period of aggressive expansion, subjugating many nations in the region, including those surrounding Israel and Judah.
c. 160 BC
Maccabean Period Uprisings
During the Maccabean revolt against Seleucid rule, various surrounding nations allied against the Jewish people, reflecting a period of intense conflict and regional hostility.
This passage directly describes the capture and death of Oreb and Zeeb, referred to in the psalm, highlighting their defeat by Gideon's forces.
Judges 8:10-12This passage details the defeat and capture of Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian mentioned in the psalm, by Gideon.
Isaiah 9:4This prophecy echoes the victory over the Midianites, likening future oppression to 'the day of Midian' and promising deliverance, reinforcing the historical precedent.
Psalms 83:9-10These verses immediately precede the one in question and explicitly call for God to treat enemies as He did the Midianites and Sisera, providing the context for the specific examples given.
clarkePsalms 83:11: "Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:"
Lake their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb - They were two of the chiefs, or generals, of the Midianites; and were slain in the pursuit of the Midianites, by the men of Ephraim; and their heads brought to Gideon on the other side of JorDaniel Judges 7:24 , Judges 7:25 . Yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna - These were kings of Midian, who were encamped at Karkor with fiftee…
cambridgePsalms 83:11: "Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:"
11 . The Psalmist returns to Gideon’s victory. Oreb and Zeeb (‘Raven’ and ‘Wolf’) were the princes, i.e. generals, of the Midianites ( Jdg 7:25 ; Isaiah 10:26 ); Zebah and Zalmunna were the kings of Midian ( Jdg 8:5 ff., Jdg 8:12 ; Jdg 8:18 ff.).
The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be defeated; it specifically calls for their leaders to be made like Oreb and Zeeb, who were princes, and Zebah and Zalmunna, who were kings. This detail highlights a desire for utter ruin not just of the masses, but of the very top leadership, reflecting a deep understanding of how crucial leaders are in orchestrating conflict.
The psalm is a desperate prayer for God's intervention against a coalition of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist recalls past victories where God decisively defeated Israel's enemies, like the Midianites, and asks for a similar, complete annihilation of the current foes. The prayer specifically asks that the enemies' leaders be disgraced and destroyed, just as the Midianite princes Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna were utterly vanquished by Gideon.
The psalm is a desperate prayer for God's intervention against a coalition of nations plotting Israel's destruction. The psalmist recalls past victories where God decisively defeated Israel's enemies, like the Midianites, and asks for a similar, complete annihilation of the current foes. The prayer specifically asks that the enemies' leaders be disgraced and destroyed, just as the Midianite princes Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna were utterly vanquished by Gideon.
"Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna," — The verse doesn't just ask for enemies to be defeated; it specifically calls for their leaders to be made like Oreb and Zeeb, who were princes, and Zebah and Zalmunna, who were kings. This detail hig…
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Last reviewed October 2026