1 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel.
4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
5 The mountains melted from before the LORD, [even] that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.
6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
7 [The inhabitants of] the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
8 They chose new gods; then [was] war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
9 My heart [is] toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
10 Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.
11 [They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
12 Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
13 Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.
14 Out of Ephraim [was there] a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
15 And the princes of Issachar [were] with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart.
16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great searchings of heart.
17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
18 Zebulun and Naphtali [were] a people [that] jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
19 The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
24 Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
25 He asked water, [and] she gave [him] milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot [so] long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?
29 Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
30 Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?
31 So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Overview of Judges Chapter 5
Judges Chapter 5 is a poetic account known as the “Song of Deborah.” It celebrates the victory of the Israelites over the Canaanite oppressors led by Sisera. This chapter serves as a reflection on the events of Chapter 4, where Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led the Israelites to victory with the help of Barak. The song emphasizes themes of leadership, divine intervention, and the role of women in Israel’s history.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Invocation and Praise (Verses 1-3): The chapter opens with a call to praise God for the victory.
- Description of the Battle (Verses 4-5): The natural phenomena accompanying the battle are described, highlighting God’s power.
- Call to Leaders (Verses 6-11): A recounting of the conditions in Israel before the battle and a call to leaders to rise up.
- Celebration of the Tribes (Verses 12-18): The song praises the tribes that participated in the battle and criticizes those that did not.
- The Defeat of Sisera (Verses 19-23): A vivid description of the battle and the defeat of Sisera.
- The Fate of Jael (Verses 24-27): The heroic act of Jael in killing Sisera is celebrated.
- Conclusion and Reflection (Verses 28-31): The chapter concludes with a reflection on the consequences of the battle and a prayer for the enemies of God.
Thematic Analysis
- Divine Intervention: The chapter emphasizes that the victory was not solely due to human effort but was a result of God’s intervention. The natural phenomena, such as the rain and the earth shaking, symbolize divine support.
- Leadership: Deborah’s role as a leader is central to the narrative. Her courage and faith in God are highlighted, showcasing the importance of strong leadership in times of crisis.
- Women in Leadership: The song celebrates the role of women, particularly Jael, who played a crucial part in the victory. This challenges the patriarchal norms of the time.
- Tribal Identity: The chapter reflects on the identity of the tribes of Israel, praising those who fought and condemning those who did not. This highlights the importance of unity and collective action.
- Consequences of Disobedience: The fate of the Canaanites serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing God’s chosen people.
Character Analysis
- Deborah: A prophetess and judge, she is portrayed as a strong and courageous leader who inspires the Israelites to fight against oppression.
- Barak: The military leader who follows Deborah’s command, representing the ideal of obedience to God’s will.
- Jael: The wife of Heber the Kenite, she is celebrated for her bravery in killing Sisera, symbolizing the unexpected roles women can play in God’s plan.
- Sisera: The antagonist of the story, representing the oppression of Israel and the consequences of defying God.
Literary Features
The chapter is rich in literary devices that enhance its message:
- Parallelism: The use of parallel structures emphasizes key ideas and creates a rhythmic flow, typical of Hebrew poetry.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the battle and natural phenomena create a dramatic effect and engage the reader’s senses.
- Repetition: Repeated phrases and themes reinforce the significance of God’s power and the importance of obedience.
- Symbolism: Elements such as rain and the earth’s response symbolize God’s active role in the battle and the restoration of Israel.
Conclusion
Judges Chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, the importance of leadership, and the roles that individuals, especially women, can play in fulfilling divine purposes. The poetic nature of the chapter not only commemorates a significant victory in Israel’s history but also invites reflection on the ongoing themes of faith, unity, and the consequences of disobedience.
