Psalms 83:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to reduce the enemies' leaders to the same fate as Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna.
The Context of Psalms 83:11
Prayer for the destruction of the enemy leaders, following historical precedent.
What Does Psalms 83:11 Mean?
Oreb and Zeeb were Midianite commanders slain by Gideon's men. Zebah and Zalmunna were Midianite kings captured and executed. All four were high-ranking enemies brought to death. By equating the present confederacy's leaders with these ancient foes, the psalmist asks God to ensure their leadership is eliminated.
This prayer for the downfall of enemy leadership is grounded in the precedent of God's previous acts. The psalmist does not ask for mercy for the enemies' rulers but for God's justice—the same justice that already proved itself in history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 83:11
What does Psalms 83:11 mean?
The psalmist asks God to reduce the enemies' leaders to the same fate as Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna.
What is the context of Psalms 83:11?
Prayer for the destruction of the enemy leaders, following historical precedent.