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.