Psalm 83:10

O God, Be Not Silent · Psalm 83:1–18
Read Psalm 83

Translations

Modern
…who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.
Traditional
Which perished at En–dor: they became as dung for the earth.
Literal
They perished at Endor; they became dung for the earth!
Latin
Disperierunt in Endor; facti sunt ut stercus terræ.

Original

Hebrew
English
…who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.

Notes

The Midianites, led by Oreb and Zeeb and ruled by Zebah and Zalmunna, were Israel's enemies during Gideon's time (Judges 7:1–8:5). Barak's alliance defeated Sisera and Jabin (Judges 4).

The psalmist prays that God will miraculously destroy the new coalition as he did three other enemies; doing so would bring him glory.

This community lament asks God to rescue his people and give them victory. The short and direct poetry suggests a time of great trouble. A strong group of nations plans to destroy Israel (Psalm 83:1–4) and joins together against God (83:5–8).

The psalmist remembers what happened to other enemies who attacked Israel in the past (Psalm 83:9–12). He prays that the same thing will happen to these enemies (83:13–16), so that they will recognize God’s power and give him honor (83:17–18).

It is not clear whether this psalm refers to one specific historical event or whether it gathers together several nations as a poetic picture of Israel’s enemies.

Places

En-dor: Canaanite city; site of Saul's consultation with medium

Glossary

Asaph Endor Music Psalms, Book of Valley of Jezreel

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Armies: March in Ranks: Confederated En-Dor: Deborah Triumphs At, Over Sisera Midianites: Completeness of Their Destruction, Alluded To