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

PSALMS 83:9KJV
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Psalms 83:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 83:9 mean?

Psalms 83:9 is a prayer asking God to deal with Israel’s enemies in the same way He did with the Midianites, Sisera, and Jabin at the brook of Kison. The verse recalls past victories where God defeated powerful foes, asking for a similar deliverance now.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally Asaph) is speaking to God about hostile nations threatening Israel. By mentioning the Midianites, Sisera, and Jabin, the verse points to well-known stories from Israel’s history where God intervened and brought victory against overwhelming odds. The reference to the brook of Kison (Kishon) roots these events in specific battles, reminding listeners of God’s past faithfulness and power.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 83:9

  • "Do" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word means "to do" or "to act." Here, it is a direct request for God to act in the present as He did in the past, emphasizing a desire for the same kind of decisive intervention.
  • "Midianites" (מִדְיָנִי, Midyani): Refers to the people defeated by Gideon in Judges 7. Mentioning them highlights a miraculous victory where a small force overcame a much larger enemy.
  • "Sisera" (סִיסְרָא, Sisera) and "Jabin" (יָבִין, Yavin): Sisera was a Canaanite general and Jabin was his king, both defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges 4. Their defeat was seen as a clear sign of God’s deliverance.
  • "Brook" (נַחַל, nachal) "Kison" (קִישׁוֹן, Kishon): Refers to the Kishon River, the site of Sisera’s defeat. Naming the place makes the prayer more vivid and connects it to a real historical event.

Why Psalms 83:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the psalmist is not just asking for any kind of help, but specifically for God to act as He has before, showing confidence in God’s consistent character.
  • By naming specific enemies and battles, the verse connects the current crisis to Israel’s collective memory, encouraging faith by recalling God’s past interventions.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to call for God’s justice against those who threaten His people, grounding the request in historical precedent rather than personal vengeance.

Where else these words appear

“Kison” Hebrew H7028 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 4:7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.
  • Judges 4:13 And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

“Jabin” Hebrew H2985 · used in 7 verses

  • Joshua 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
  • Judges 4:7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.
  • Judges 4:23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.

“Sisera” Hebrew H5516 · used in 19 verses

  • Judges 4:2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
  • Judges 4:15 And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
  • Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.

“Midianites” Hebrew H4080 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
  • Judges 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.