Psalms 83:9
Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Psalms 83:9
This verse is part of a psalm that whole-heartedly pleads for God to act against a coalition of nations hostile to Israel. The opening cry catalogs adversaries who conspire against God’s people, and the Psalmist asks God to defeat them with the same judgments that once scattered opponents of Israel. Verse 9 references historical victories in which Israel’s enemies were humbled: "Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison." The Midianite defeat (Judges 6–7) and the Sisera/Jabin defeat at the brook of Kishon (Judges 4–5) are notable earlier demonstrations of divine justice. The psalmist is not advocating personal vengeance but appealing to God’s past acts of deliverance as authoritative precedent. The language echoes liturgical memory: recall that Yahweh has intervened decisively in the past, especially against entrenched powers that oppressed Israel. In that cultural setting, invoking these named foes would signal a well-known pattern: human schemes crumble when faced with divine sovereignty. The verse places trust in God to re-enact a familiar, faithful method of salvation—justice exercised on behalf of the vulnerable and covenant people.
This line emphasizes God’s sovereignty over history and his tendency to oppose oppressive powers. It frames deliverance as a corporate act: God’s judgment against hostile forces secures the refuge and integrity of the community. The reference to Midian and Sisera/Jabin links the psalm to the broader biblical witness that victory comes by God’s initiative, not human prowess. It also invites readers to recognize God’s faithfulness across generations; what God did before, he can do again. Theologically, it reinforces the theme that enemies of the people of God are not merely political rivals but rival powers opposing God’s rule. The verse underscores hope that God’s justice will prevail, even when circumstances seem overpowering. It also hints at the righteous use of history as admonition and encouragement: remember God’s acts, trust his character, and align with his purposes rather than with fear or retaliation.
If you feel overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable opposition—whether in personal life, church, or community—this verse invites you to anchor reliance in God’s track record of rescue. Recall stories of deliverance in your tradition or in your own life where God moved in surprising ways. The call is not to orchestrate revenge but to trust the One who judges with perfect wisdom. Practical steps: spend time in prayerful remembrance of God’s faithfulness, note what realistic strategies exist (faithful witness, seeking justice, restorative dialogue) while leaving ultimate outcomes to God, and resist retaliatory impulses. The Psalmist’s rhetoric serves as a reminder that history is a stage for God’s sovereignty. In conversations about conflict, point to God’s past acts of mercy and justice, inviting others to join in patient faith and righteous action. The aim is not retribution but the renewal of trust in God’s reign.
Cross-References: Psalm 44:2-3; Judges 6-7; Judges 4-5; Psalm 25:20; Isaiah 54:17