Psalms 83:9

Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:

Psalms 83:9 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 83 is a prayer of Asaph, asking God to act against nations that threaten Israel. The psalmist pleads for God to intervene, recalling how the Lord defeated enemies in the past. Verse 9 names two such victories: the defeat of the Midianites and the overthrow of Sisera and Jabin at the brook of Kison.

Meaning

The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). In the days of Gideon, they oppressed Israel until God reduced Gideon’s army to three hundred men and caused the Midianites to turn on one another (Judges 7:20-22). Sisera was the commander of Jabin’s Canaanite army, and Jabin was king of Canaan during the time of the judges. God routed their forces at the brook Kishon, and Sisera died at the hand of Jael (Judges 4-5).

By mentioning these events, the psalmist asks God to deal with current enemies in the same way. He is not seeking personal revenge but calling for God’s righteous judgment. The prayer rests on God’s proven faithfulness, not on Israel’s military strength. The psalmist’s confidence is grounded in God’s character and power, not in human ability.

Biblical connections

The same pattern appears in Judges 4-5, where Deborah and Barak sing of God’s victory over Sisera. In Judges 7, Gideon’s small army shows that deliverance comes from the Lord alone. These accounts confirm that God fights for His people and can repeat His mighty acts. The brook Kishon, a torrent from Mount Tabor, was the site of God’s decisive intervention.

Application

When we face opposition, we can pray with confidence, remembering how God has helped His people before. We do not need to rely on our own power. We can ask God to act justly and to defend us, trusting that He is able to save. This verse encourages us to recall God’s past deliverances as a basis for present trust.

Reflection

This verse encourages us to look back at God’s past works as a foundation for present trust. It reminds us that God is faithful and that His justice will prevail. We can bring our fears and struggles to Him, knowing that He hears and answers.