Psalms 83:11

Authorized King James Version

Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁיתֵ֣מוֹ
Make
to place (in a very wide application)
#2
נְ֭דִיבֵימוֹ
their nobles
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
#3
כְּעֹרֵ֣ב
like Oreb
oreb, the name of a midianite and of the cliff near the jordan
#4
וְכִזְאֵ֑ב
and like Zeeb
zeeb, a midianitish prince
#5
וּֽכְזֶ֥בַח
as Zebah
zebach, a midianitish prince
#6
וּ֝כְצַלְמֻנָּ֗ע
and as Zalmunna
tsalmunna, a midianite
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
נְסִיכֵֽימוֹ׃
yea all their princes
properly, something poured out, i.e., a libation; by implication, a prince (as anointed)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection