Psalms 83:10

KJV

[Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which perished {H8045}{H8738)} at Endor {H5874}: they became as dung {H1828} for the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they were destroyed at 'Ein-Dor and became manure for the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Who perished at Endor, Who became as dung for the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 83:10 powerfully depicts the complete and ignominious destruction of God's enemies, drawing upon a specific historical act of divine judgment. The verse serves as a stark and visceral reminder of God's sovereign power to decisively defeat those who conspire against His people and purposes, reducing their might and pride to utter worthlessness. It underscores the futility of human strength when arrayed against the Almighty, promising ultimate vindication and deliverance for God's chosen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 83 is a fervent communal lament and a desperate prayer for divine intervention against a formidable confederacy of nations that have united to threaten Israel's very existence and to blot out God's name from the earth. The psalmist, Asaph, implores God to break His silence and act decisively in the face of this existential threat. Verses 9-11 form a specific and urgent appeal to God's past acts of deliverance, recalling historical victories where God decisively defeated Israel's adversaries. Verse 10, therefore, functions as a powerful historical precedent, invoking the specific defeat of Sisera and Jabin's armies as a model for the judgment the psalmist desires upon the current enemies. This appeal grounds the present plea in God's proven faithfulness and omnipotence, reinforcing the expectation that He will act similarly again to preserve His people and His glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reference to "Endor" in Psalms 83:10 alludes to a pivotal historical event recounted in the book of Judges. While Endor itself was a town, the battle it references occurred nearby, specifically near the [Kishon River](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Kishon River"), where the Israelite forces, under the leadership of the prophetess Deborah and commander Barak, achieved a miraculous victory over the Canaanite army of King Jabin of Hazor, commanded by Sisera. This decisive defeat is detailed in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak") and celebrated with poetic fervor in the [Song of Deborah in Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah"). The phrase "they became as dung for the earth" carries profound cultural weight in the ancient Near East. To be left unburied was a catastrophic disgrace and a severe curse, signifying the complete obliteration of one's honor, legacy, and even spiritual well-being. Bodies left exposed to decompose on the ground were reduced to the lowest form of refuse, indistinguishable from common waste, emphasizing the utter contempt and degradation of the vanquished, a fate far worse than death itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 83 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, where God actively intervenes to bring about the utter destruction and disgrace of those who oppose His people and His divine will. It highlights **God's Sovereign Power and Deliverance**, serving as a testament to His ability to protect His covenant people and execute justice against formidable adversaries, regardless of their perceived strength. Furthermore, it underscores the **Transient Nature of Opposing Power**, demonstrating that all human alliances, military might, and schemes, no matter how formidable, are ultimately rendered worthless and brought to naught when they stand in defiance of the Almighty. The fate of those at Endor serves as a chilling reminder that God alone is supreme, and His purposes will prevail, as seen in His consistent intervention on behalf of His people throughout history, from the miraculous deliverance at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") to the numerous victories in the [Promised Land](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - Conquest of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perished (Hebrew, _shâmad'_):** This primitive root signifies to desolate, destroy, bring to nought, overthrow, or utterly perish. In this context, it emphasizes the completeness and finality of the defeat of God's enemies. It is not merely a setback or a retreat, but a total annihilation of their military force and, by extension, their power, influence, and very existence as a threat.
* **Dung (Hebrew, _dômen'_):** This powerful and visceral term refers specifically to manure or refuse. Its use here is not merely descriptive but highly contemptuous, conveying extreme worthlessness, degradation, and abject humiliation. To become "dung for the earth" means to be utterly despised, dishonored, and reduced to the lowest possible state, serving as a stark symbol of God's judgment and the enemy's complete disgrace, their bodies becoming indistinguishable from common waste.
* **Earth (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** Derived from the word for "red," this term refers to soil, ground, or land. In this context, it underscores the fate of the perished enemies: their bodies are not granted a proper burial but are left to decompose on the very ground they sought to conquer, becoming literally part of the soil, stripped of all dignity and memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Which] perished at Endor":** This clause directly references the historical defeat of Sisera's Canaanite army by the Israelites, as recorded in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak"). The location "Endor" serves as a metonymy for the battle that took place nearby, emphasizing a specific, well-known instance of God's decisive intervention and judgment against Israel's enemies. The use of "perished" highlights the complete and irreversible destruction of the opposing forces, signifying their utter demise.
* **"they became [as] dung for the earth":** This vivid and graphic simile describes the ultimate, humiliating fate of the defeated enemies. Their bodies were left unburied on the battlefield, not only signifying a profound cultural disgrace but also depicting their utter worthlessness and degradation. Reduced to fertilizer for the ground, this imagery underscores the severity of God's judgment, stripping the enemies of all dignity, honor, and lasting memory, reducing them to mere refuse and a part of the soil they once stood upon.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 83:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment and the utter humiliation of God's enemies. The most striking is the **simile** "they became as dung for the earth," which uses a direct, vivid, and repulsive comparison to emphasize the utter worthlessness and degradation of the vanquished. This is closely related to powerful **imagery**, as the verse evokes a visceral and grotesque picture of bodies left unburied and decomposing, transforming into common waste. This imagery functions as a powerful **metaphor** for the complete annihilation of the enemy's power, pride, and legacy, reducing them to nothingness. The verse also utilizes **allusion**, referencing the specific historical event of Sisera's defeat near Endor (as recounted in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak") and celebrated in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah")). This allusion grounds the psalmist's prayer in God's proven historical faithfulness and power, establishing a precedent for future divine intervention. Furthermore, the language carries an element of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the humiliation to underscore the severity and finality of God's judgment, ensuring the audience grasps the totality of the defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 83:10 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God is sovereign over all nations and their schemes, and He will ultimately execute righteous judgment against those who oppose His divine purposes and His covenant people. This verse serves as a profound reminder that human power, no matter how formidable or arrogant, is ultimately fleeting and subject to God's supreme authority. The graphic imagery of enemies becoming "dung for the earth" underscores the complete and utter humiliation that awaits those who defy the Almighty, demonstrating that God not only defeats His adversaries but also strips them of all dignity, legacy, and lasting memory. It assures believers that God is actively involved in history, protecting His own and bringing justice to bear, even when circumstances appear dire and the forces arrayed against them seem overwhelming. This divine intervention ensures that God's name and glory are vindicated among the nations.

* [Judges 4:15](/judges/4-15 "Judges 4:15 - Sisera's Defeat")
* [Judges 5:21](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Kishon River")
* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges Righteously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 83:10 offers both profound reassurance and a sober warning for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, conflict, and opposition to God's truth, this verse reminds us that God remains on His throne, actively involved in human history, and holds ultimate control over nations and their schemes. When faced with spiritual battles, personal adversaries, or societal challenges that seem overwhelming, we can draw immense comfort from the knowledge that God has a track record of decisively defeating His enemies and delivering His people. Just as He delivered Israel from powerful foes in the past, He remains faithful to protect and vindicate those who trust in Him. This verse calls us to place our hope not in human strength or political alliances, but in the unfailing power and justice of God alone. Conversely, it serves as a stark warning to all who would oppose God or His purposes, reminding us that ultimately, all human power that stands against God's will is destined for humiliation and destruction. It compels us to align our lives with God's will, recognizing that true flourishing and lasting significance come only from submission to His righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical defeat at Endor, referenced in this verse, strengthen your faith in God's ability to deliver His people today?**
* **What does the imagery of enemies becoming "dung for the earth" teach us about the ultimate fate of those who oppose God and His purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust God's sovereign judgment and deliverance more fully, rather than relying on human strength?**
* **How might this verse encourage you to stand firm in your faith and witness, even when facing significant opposition or ridicule?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist ask for such a harsh judgment on God's enemies?**

Answer: The psalmist's plea for harsh judgment, as seen in Psalms 83:10, stems from a deep-seated desire for God's glory and the vindication of His holy name, not merely personal revenge. The enemies listed in Psalm 83 were not just Israel's adversaries; they were seen as conspiring against God Himself, seeking to "blot out the name of Israel" ([Psalms 83:4](/psalms/83-4 "Psalm 83:4 - Enemies Conspire Against Israel")), which was intrinsically linked to God's covenant and reputation on earth. The psalmist appeals to God's past acts of judgment (like the defeat at Endor) as precedents, asking God to display His power and justice once more so that "they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth" ([Psalms 83:18](/psalms/83-18 "Psalm 83:18 - God is the Most High")). This is a prayer for divine justice to be manifest, for God's sovereignty to be recognized by all nations, and for His people to be protected from existential threat. It reflects the ancient understanding of warfare as often having a profound theological dimension, where the defeat of an enemy demonstrated the superiority and power of one's deity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 83:10, with its vivid portrayal of the utter defeat and humiliation of God's enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prayed for a temporal victory over earthly foes, Christ's victory is cosmic and eternal, triumphing over the spiritual adversaries of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Just as the enemies at Endor "perished" and were reduced to "dung for the earth," so too did Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, decisively defeat the powers of darkness. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities") declares that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross, making a public spectacle of them. The imagery of utter degradation for God's enemies foreshadows the final judgment where all who oppose Christ will be cast into eternal destruction, their power and pride reduced to nothing before the glory of the Lamb. Christ is the true King who will ultimately put all enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign and Defeat of Death")), establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells. His glorious return will bring about the final and complete humiliation of all who have set themselves against God, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and Final Judgment"), ensuring that His name alone is exalted as "King of kings and Lord of lords" forevermore.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zephaniah 1:17

And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

1 Samuel 28:7

¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

Jeremiah 16:4

They shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented; neither shall they be buried; [but] they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth: and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

Jeremiah 8:2

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

2 Kings 9:37

And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; [so] that they shall not say, This [is] Jezebel.