Psalm 83:11-12
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The verse doesn't just name generals and kings; it distinguishes between them, asking that the "nobles" be like Oreb and Zeeb (who were defeated and captured in battle) and the "princes" be like Zebah and Zalmunna (who were kings and executed by Gideon). This subtle difference emphasizes a prayer for the complete and utter downfall of their enemies, from their leaders down to their highest royal figures.
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)
The psalmist, seeing a great coalition of nations plotting against Israel, cries out to God for intervention. He recalls God's past victories over Israel's enemies, specifically referencing the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon, and prays for a similar utter destruction of these new aggressors. This verse specifically asks that the enemy leaders be annihilated just as their ancient counterparts, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, were defeated and killed.
When facing overwhelming odds, where do you turn for courage? The Psalmist looks back.
The enemies of God's people have gathered, plotting destruction. In this verse, the Psalmist cries out to God, not just with a plea for help, but by calling to mind specific, decisive victories God granted in the past.
The Midianite Campaign
By naming these specific figures, the Psalmist isn't just asking God to defeat their current enemies. He's reminding God (and himself!) of God's faithfulness and power demonstrated in history. It's a strategic move of faith, invoking God's track record of judgment against His enemies and deliverance for His people.
What does God intend for those who actively oppose Him and His people?
This verse isn't just a historical reference; it's a prayer for God's decisive action. The Psalmist is asking God to bring about a similar, utter destruction upon the current enemies of His people.
A Pattern of Judgment
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This teaches us that God not only protects His people but also actively judges those who conspitiously work against Him and His purposes. The enemies' defeat is meant to be so complete that their leaders are reduced to the same ignominious end 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.
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.
The verse draws a powerful image from Israel's history, specifically Gideon's decisive victory over the Midianites. By calling for enemies to be like Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, the psalmist invokes the memory of utter defeat and humiliation, reminding God of His past interventions and urging Him to act similarly against present foes.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Gideon Defeats Midianites
Gideon, a judge of Israel, led a small army to a stunning victory over the vast Midianite forces. This victory involved the capture and execution of Midianite leaders Oreb and Zeeb, and later the kings Zebah and Zalmunna.
c. 1100 BC
Sisera and Jabin's Defeat
The Israelite judge Deborah and general Barak led Israel to victory over Canaanite forces led by Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army. This event, occurring around the same period as Gideon's victories, serves as another example of God's deliverance.
c. 9th Century BC
Asaph's Ministry
The psalmist, Asaph, served as a musician and prophet in King David's and King Solomon's courts. The Psalms attributed to him often reflect on Israel's history and God's faithfulness, including laments and calls for deliverance.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire Rises
The powerful Assyrian Empire began its aggressive expansion, posing a significant threat to the surrounding nations, including Israel and its neighbors. This growing military power created a climate of fear and instability in the ancient Near East.
This passage describes Gideon's victory over the Midianites, specifically mentioning the capture and death of Oreb and Zeeb, who are called princes, directly paralleling the request in Psalm 83:11.
Judges 8:10-21This narrative details Gideon's continued pursuit and defeat of the Midianites, culminating in the capture and execution of their kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, fulfilling the latter part of the plea in Psalm 83:11.
Isaiah 9:4This prophecy references the victory over Midian as a historical precedent for God's future deliverance, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 83 where past victories are invoked for present need.
Psalms 83:9-10The verses immediately preceding Psalm 83:11 explicitly call upon God to act against His enemies by doing to them as He did to the Midianites and Sisera, providing the context for the specific request for their leaders to be made like Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna.
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 name generals and kings; it distinguishes between them, asking that the "nobles" be like Oreb and Zeeb (who were defeated and captured in battle) and the "princes" be like Zebah and Zalmunna (who were kings and executed by Gideon). This subtle difference emphasizes a prayer for the complete and utter downfall of their enemies, from their leaders down to their highest royal figures.
The psalmist, seeing a great coalition of nations plotting against Israel, cries out to God for intervention. He recalls God's past victories over Israel's enemies, specifically referencing the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon, and prays for a similar utter destruction of these new aggressors. This verse specifically asks that the enemy leaders be annihilated just as their ancient counterparts, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, were defeated and killed.
The psalmist, seeing a great coalition of nations plotting against Israel, cries out to God for intervention. He recalls God's past victories over Israel's enemies, specifically referencing the decisive defeat of the Midianites by Gideon, and prays for a similar utter destruction of these new aggressors. This verse specifically asks that the enemy leaders be annihilated just as their ancient counterparts, Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, were defeated and killed.
"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 doesn't just name generals and kings; it distinguishes between them, asking that the "nobles" be like Oreb and Zeeb (who were defeated and captured in battle) and the "princes" be like Zeba…
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Last reviewed October 2026
