Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, Make their nobles like Oreb and ZeebThis phrase calls upon historical events recorded in the Book of Judges, where Oreb and Zeeb were Midianite princes defeated by Gideon and his men (Judges 7:25). The Hebrew root for "nobles" (נְדִיבֵיהֶם, nedivehem) suggests individuals of high status or leadership. The psalmist is invoking a divine judgment upon the enemies of Israel, asking God to bring about a similar downfall as that of these Midianite leaders. Historically, the defeat of Oreb and Zeeb was a significant victory for Israel, symbolizing God's deliverance and justice. This plea reflects a desire for God to act decisively against those who oppose His people, reinforcing the belief in divine retribution and protection. and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna Persons / Places / Events 1. Oreb and ZeebThese were Midianite leaders defeated by Gideon as recorded in Judges 7. Their defeat symbolizes God's deliverance of Israel from its enemies. 2. Zebah and Zalmunna Also Midianite kings, captured and executed by Gideon in Judges 8. Their downfall represents the ultimate triumph of God's justice over those who oppose His people. 3. Gideon A judge of Israel who led a small army to victory against the Midianites, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. 4. Midianites A nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the Judges. Their defeat is a recurring theme of God's deliverance. 5. Psalm 83 A communal lament and imprecatory prayer asking God to act against Israel's enemies, reflecting a plea for divine intervention and justice. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and their leaders. Just as He dealt with the Midianite leaders, He can bring justice and deliverance in our time. The Power of Prayer Psalm 83 is a prayer for deliverance. Believers are encouraged to bring their concerns about injustice and oppression to God, trusting in His power to act. Remembering God's Past Deliverances Reflecting on past victories, like those over Oreb and Zeeb, strengthens our faith in God's ability to deliver us from current challenges. Justice and Righteousness God’s justice is sure and will prevail. We are called to live righteously and trust in His timing for justice. Spiritual Warfare The battles against physical enemies in the Old Testament can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles. Believers are called to stand firm in faith, using spiritual weapons. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the defeat of Oreb and Zeeb by Gideon encourage us to trust in God's deliverance today?2. In what ways can we apply the prayerful attitude of Psalm 83 in our own lives when facing opposition or injustice? 3. How does the account of Gideon and the Midianites illustrate the concept of God using the weak to overcome the strong? 4. What are some modern-day "Midianites" (challenges or oppressors) that believers face, and how can we seek God's intervention? 5. How can reflecting on God's past acts of deliverance, as seen in the accounts of Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna, strengthen our faith in His promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 7-8The account of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, where Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna are mentioned, provides the historical context for Psalm 83:11. Psalm 2 This psalm also speaks of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate victory over those who oppose Him, similar to the themes in Psalm 83. Isaiah 10:26 References the defeat of Midian at the rock of Oreb, connecting the historical event to God's ongoing deliverance of His people.
People Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, ZeebPlaces JerusalemTopics Chiefs, Nobles, Oreb, Princes, Rulers, Yea, Yes, Zalmunna, Zalmun'na, Zebah, ZeebDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 83:9-18Library Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation … Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down. Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). The Third Commandment Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 83:11 NIVPsalm 83:11 NLT Psalm 83:11 ESV Psalm 83:11 NASB Psalm 83:11 KJV Psalm 83:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |