Psalm 83:9
Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon,
Do to them as You did to Midian
This phrase calls upon the historical account of God's deliverance of Israel from the Midianites, as recorded in Judges 6-8. The Hebrew root for "Midian" (מִדְיָן) refers to a nomadic tribe that oppressed Israel until God raised Gideon to defeat them. This victory was miraculous, achieved with only 300 men, emphasizing God's power and sovereignty. The psalmist's invocation of this event is a plea for divine intervention, reminding the faithful of God's past faithfulness and encouraging trust in His ability to deliver His people from overwhelming odds.

as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon
The mention of "Sisera and Jabin" recalls the narrative in Judges 4-5, where God delivered Israel from the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. The Hebrew root for "Sisera" (סִיסְרָא) and "Jabin" (יָבִין) are tied to this account of divine intervention. The "River Kishon" (נַחַל קִישׁוֹן) was the site of Sisera's defeat, where God caused a rainstorm to flood the river, bogging down the enemy's chariots. This historical context underscores God's control over nature and His ability to orchestrate events for the deliverance of His people. The psalmist's reference serves as a reminder of God's past victories and a call for similar deliverance in the present.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Midian
A nomadic tribe that often opposed Israel. The reference here is likely to the victory of Gideon over the Midianites, as recorded in Judges 7, where God delivered Israel through a miraculous and strategic victory.

2. Sisera
The commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor. He was defeated by the Israelites under the leadership of Deborah and Barak, as recounted in Judges 4.

3. Jabin
The king of Canaan who reigned in Hazor. His army, led by Sisera, was defeated by the Israelites at the River Kishon.

4. River Kishon
A river in the northern part of Israel where the battle against Sisera took place. It was here that God intervened, causing a flood that helped the Israelites defeat Sisera's forces.
Teaching Points
God's Deliverance
Just as God delivered Israel from powerful enemies in the past, He is capable of delivering us from our own struggles and adversaries today. Trust in His power and timing.

Faith and Obedience
The victories over Midian and Sisera were achieved through faith and obedience to God's instructions. We are called to trust and obey God, even when the odds seem against us.

Divine Justice
The psalmist's plea for God to act as He did in the past reflects a desire for divine justice. We can pray for God's justice in our lives and the world, trusting that He will act righteously.

Remembrance of God's Works
Recalling God's past deeds strengthens our faith and encourages us to rely on Him. Regularly reflect on how God has worked in your life and in the lives of others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the historical context of the battles against Midian and Sisera enhance our understanding of Psalm 83:9?

2. In what ways can we apply the lessons of faith and obedience from Gideon's and Deborah's accounts to our current challenges?

3. How does recalling God's past deliverances encourage us in our present circumstances?

4. What are some modern-day "enemies" or challenges that we can bring before God, asking for His intervention as the psalmist did?

5. How can we cultivate a habit of remembering and sharing God's past works in our lives to strengthen our faith and the faith of others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 4-5
These chapters provide the detailed account of the battle against Sisera and Jabin, highlighting God's deliverance through Deborah and Barak.

Judges 7
This chapter describes Gideon's victory over the Midianites, emphasizing God's power and the importance of faith and obedience.

Psalm 83:1-8
The preceding verses of Psalm 83 list the enemies of Israel and their conspiracy against God's people, setting the context for the plea in verse 9.
An Appeal to HeavenHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Mental Tendencies in Relation to GodHomilistPsalm 83:1-18
Soul SpoilersS. Conway Psalm 83:1-18
What God is to His PeopleC. Short Psalm 83:1-18
Prayer Based on Experience and on HistoryR. Tuck Psalm 83:8-11
People
Amalek, Asaph, Hagarites, Hagrites, Ishmaelites, Jabin, Korah, Midianites, Oreb, Psalmist, Sisera, Zalmunna, Zebah, Zeeb
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Brook, Deal, Jabin, Kishon, Kison, Midian, Mid'ian, Midianites, River, Sisera, Sis'era, Stream, Torrent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 83:9

     4260   rivers and streams

Psalm 83:9-18

     5029   knowledge, of God

Library
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. 500
In 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
I. Does the Virtue of Religion Direct a Man To God Alone? S. Augustine, sermon, cccxxxiv. 3 " on Psalm lxxvi. 32 sermon, cccxi. 14-15 II. Is Religion a Virtue? III. Is Religion One Virtue? IV. Is Religion a Special Virtue Distinct From Others? V. Is Religion One of the Theological Virtues? VI. Is Religion To Be Preferred To the Other Moral Virtues? VII. Has Religion, Or Latria, Any External Acts? S. Augustine, of Care for the Dead, V. VIII. Is Religion the Same As Sanctity? Cardinal Cajetan,
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter .
To Anastasius, Presbyter [1714] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. That a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things (Matth. xii. 35; Luke vi. 45), this thy Charity has shewn, both in thy habitual life and lately also in thy epistle; wherein I find two persons at issue with regard to virtues; that is to say, thyself contending for charity, and another for fear and humility. And, though occupied with many things, though ignorant of the Greek language, I have nevertheless sat
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Epistle cxxi. To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville).
To Leander, Bishop of Hispalis (Seville). Gregory to Leander, Bishop of Spain. I have the epistle of thy Holiness, written with the pen of charity alone. For what the tongue transferred to the paper had got its tincture from the heart. Good and wise men were present when it was read, and at once their bowels were stirred with emotion. Everyone began to seize thee in his heart with the hand of love, for that in that epistle the sweetness of thy disposition was not to be heard, but seen. All severally
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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