How can we avoid becoming like "Oreb and Zeeb" in Psalm 83:11? Setting the Scene “Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna.” (Psalm 83:11) Oreb and Zeeb were Midianite warlords who terrorized Israel until God used Gideon to stop them (Judges 7). Their story warns us how swiftly pride and opposition to God lead to ruin. Who Were Oreb and Zeeb? • Princes of Midian, bent on plundering God’s people • Confident in numbers and military prowess • Brought down suddenly when Gideon’s 300 routed them (Judges 7:25: “They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian.”) • Names now symbolize enemies crushed by the Lord What Went Wrong for Them? • Pride—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • Hostility toward God’s covenant people • Trust in human strength rather than the living God • False security in fleeting power and alliances Key Principles to Keep Us from Their Fate 1. Cultivate Humility – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) – Regularly acknowledge dependence on the Lord in every area of life. 2. Align With God’s Purposes – God defends His plans and His people; siding against them invites disaster. – Examine motives: Are my goals advancing God’s kingdom or my own agenda? 3. Walk in Obedience – Obedience is love in action (John 14:15). – Confess and forsake sin promptly to keep fellowship unbroken. 4. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Our Own – Gideon’s tiny army triumphed because “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). – Pray for Holy Spirit empowerment before relying on talents or resources. 5. Treat Others Justly – Oreb and Zeeb oppressed the weak; God notices every act of injustice. – Practice mercy, generosity, and fairness in relationships and leadership. 6. Remember the Law of Sowing and Reaping – “God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7) – Plant righteousness today; harvest blessing tomorrow. Practical Daily Checklist □ Begin the day with Scripture, submitting plans to the Lord □ Ask God to expose hidden pride or self-reliance □ Seek ways to serve rather than dominate □ Speak blessings, not curses, over others □ End the day with gratitude for God’s protection and provision The Good Outcome of Choosing God’s Way • Security under His watchful eye (2 Chronicles 16:9) • Steadfast fruitfulness like “a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3) • Lasting honor rather than fleeting fame • Joy of partnering with God instead of resisting Him Learning from Oreb and Zeeb keeps us humble, obedient, and aligned with the Lord—secure from the downfall that overtook those who fought against Him. |
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