Judges 5
BSB1 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: 2 “When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD. 3 Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. 4 O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. 5 The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. 6 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. 7 Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel. 8 When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. 9 My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! 10 You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder 11 the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: 12 ‘Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!’ 13 Then the survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty. 14 Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. 15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. 16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. 17 Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. 18 Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield. 19 Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. 20 From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21 The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength! 22 Then the hooves of horses thundered— the mad galloping of his stallions. 23 ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ 24 Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. 25 He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds. 26 She reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she shattered and pierced his temple. 27 At her feet he collapsed, he fell, there he lay still; at her feet he collapsed, he fell; where he collapsed, there he fell dead. 28 Sisera’s mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’ 29 Her wisest ladies answer; indeed she keeps telling herself, 30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’ 31 So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years.
Study Notes — Judges 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Judges 5
- Themes from Judges 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Judges 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Judges 5 is a poetic song that recounts the victory of the Israelites over the Canaanites, led by Deborah and Barak. The chapter begins with a call to praise God for His deliverance (Judges 5:1-5) and then describes the circumstances leading up to the battle (Judges 5:6-11). The song also praises the tribes that participated in the battle and condemns those that did not (Judges 5:12-18). The chapter concludes with a description of the battle itself and the defeat of the Canaanites (Judges 5:19-31). Throughout the song, Deborah and Barak express their gratitude to God for His intervention and deliverance.
Context for the Chapter
Judges 5 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which describes the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance in the life of the Israelites. The chapter is a poetic song that recounts the victory of the Israelites over the Canaanites, led by Deborah and Barak. It is situated in the context of the Israelites' struggle to possess the Promised Land and their need for deliverance from their enemies.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision. Believers should cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, recognizing God's power and providence in their lives. They should also be faithful and obedient, participating in the work of God's kingdom and trusting in His deliverance.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Judges 5 is a song of praise and thanksgiving sung by Deborah and Barak after their victory over the Canaanites. The chapter emphasizes God's power and providence in delivering His people and highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers. As seen in Judges 5:2, believers should praise and thank God for His deliverance and provision, trusting in His power and providence.
Voices from the Church
“The song of praise and thanksgiving is a mighty weapon in the life of the believer, for it acknowledges God's power and providence and expresses gratitude for His deliverance.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, emphasizing the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Song (Judges 5:1-5) — The chapter begins with a call to praise God for His deliverance, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers.
- The Circumstances Leading Up to the Battle (Judges 5:6-11) — The song describes the circumstances leading up to the battle, highlighting the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory.
- The Praise of the Tribes That Participated (Judges 5:12-18) — The song praises the tribes that participated in the battle, emphasizing their faithfulness and obedience to God's call.
- The Condemnation of the Tribes That Did Not Participate (Judges 5:15-17) — The song condemns the tribes that did not participate in the battle, highlighting their lack of faith and obedience.
- The Description of the Battle and the Defeat of the Canaanites (Judges 5:19-31) — The chapter concludes with a description of the battle itself and the defeat of the Canaanites, emphasizing God's power and providence in delivering His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Providence of God
- The chapter highlights God's power and providence in delivering His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over all things.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision.
- The Role of Leadership and Volunteerism
- The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory.
- The Power of Praise and Thanksgiving
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision, highlighting the power of worship and gratitude in the life of believers.
Lessons from Judges 5
- The Importance of Praise and Thanksgiving — The chapter emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision, highlighting the power of worship and gratitude in the life of believers.
- The Role of Leadership and Volunteerism — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory.
- The Condemnation of Those Who Do Not Participate — The chapter condemns the tribes that did not participate in the battle, highlighting their lack of faith and obedience and warning believers today of the importance of faithfulness and obedience.
- The Power of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision.
- The Providence of God — The chapter highlights God's power and providence in delivering His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over all things.
Themes from Judges 5
- Deliverance and Salvation — The chapter emphasizes God's power and providence in delivering His people, highlighting the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers.
- Praise and Thanksgiving — The chapter emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision, highlighting the power of worship and gratitude in the life of believers.
- Leadership and Volunteerism — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory.
- Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision.
- The Providence of God — The chapter highlights God's power and providence in delivering His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over all things.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers?
- What role do Deborah and Barak play in the chapter, and what can believers learn from their example?
- How does the chapter condemn the tribes that did not participate in the battle, and what warning does this give to believers today?
- What does the chapter teach about God's power and providence in delivering His people, and how can believers apply this to their lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Song (Judges 5:1-5)
| Judges 5:1 | The chapter begins with a call to praise God for His deliverance, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers. |
| Judges 5:2 | The verse highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory. |
2. The Circumstances Leading Up to the Battle (Judges 5:6-11)
| Judges 5:6 | The song describes the circumstances leading up to the battle, highlighting the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory. |
| Judges 5:7 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision. |
3. The Praise of the Tribes That Participated (Judges 5:12-18)
| Judges 5:12 | The song praises the tribes that participated in the battle, emphasizing their faithfulness and obedience to God's call. |
| Judges 5:13 | The verse highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory. |
4. The Condemnation of the Tribes That Did Not Participate (Judges 5:15-17)
| Judges 5:15 | The song condemns the tribes that did not participate in the battle, highlighting their lack of faith and obedience and warning believers today of the importance of faithfulness and obedience. |
| Judges 5:16 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision. |
5. The Description of the Battle and the Defeat of the Canaanites (Judges 5:19-31)
| Judges 5:19 | The chapter concludes with a description of the battle itself and the defeat of the Canaanites, emphasizing God's power and providence in delivering His people. |
| Judges 5:20 | The verse highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, emphasizing the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Judges 5?
The main theme of Judges 5 is the praise and thanksgiving of God's people for His deliverance and provision, as seen in Judges 5:1-5.
Who are the main characters in Judges 5?
The main characters in Judges 5 are Deborah and Barak, who lead the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites, as seen in Judges 5:6-11.
What is the significance of the song in Judges 5?
The song in Judges 5 is a poetic expression of praise and thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers, as seen in Judges 5:2-3.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:1 → Psalm 100:1-5 | The call to praise God in Judges 5:1 is similar to the call to praise God in Psalm 100:1-5, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers. |
| 2 | Judges 5:2 → Hebrews 2:12 | The emphasis on praise and thanksgiving in Judges 5:2 is similar to the emphasis on worship and praise in Hebrews 2:12, highlighting the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers. |
| 3 | Judges 5:6 → Deuteronomy 32:1-4 | The description of the circumstances leading up to the battle in Judges 5:6 is similar to the description of the circumstances leading up to the conquest of Canaan in Deuteronomy 32:1-4, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers. |
| 4 | Judges 5:12 → 1 Samuel 15:1-3 | The praise of the tribes that participated in the battle in Judges 5:12 is similar to the praise of the tribes that participated in the battle against the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:1-3, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of believers. |
| 5 | Judges 5:15 → Matthew 25:1-13 | The condemnation of the tribes that did not participate in the battle in Judges 5:15 is similar to the condemnation of the foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of believers. |
| 6 | Judges 5:19 → Exodus 14:1-31 | The description of the battle and the defeat of the Canaanites in Judges 5:19 is similar to the description of the battle and the defeat of the Egyptians in Exodus 14:1-31, emphasizing God's power and providence in delivering His people. |
| 7 | Judges 5:20 → Psalm 68:1-4 | The emphasis on God's power and providence in Judges 5:20 is similar to the emphasis on God's power and providence in Psalm 68:1-4, highlighting the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers. |
| 8 | Judges 5:31 → Revelation 15:1-4 | The conclusion of the song in Judges 5:31 is similar to the conclusion of the song of Moses in Revelation 15:1-4, emphasizing the importance of worship and gratitude in the life of believers. |
Sermons on Judges 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Heaven Decides to Fight by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement among leaders in order to fight against the enemy. The gates, where policy is formed, were divided and |
|
Blessing the Blesser by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God's power and grace in order to live a fulfilling spiritual life. He uses the analogy of trolley arm |
|
Bristol Conference 1976-12 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | The video is a sermon on the Book of Judges in the Bible. It discusses the unique period in the nation's history that is covered in chapters 4 and 5 of the book. These chapters dep |
|
Thoughts in the Book of Judges by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself. He shares a personal experience of realizing the significance of a small act of kindness t |
|
The Nail (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority that God gives to those who are in difficult situations and have had enough of their enemy's oppression. The preache |
|
|
Bristol Conference 1976-14 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Deborah from the book of Judges in the Bible. The sermon highlights the cycle of rebellion, retribution, repentance, and restora |
|
Unity by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a sad incident that occurred during a prayer meeting in South Africa. Initially, the prayer meeting was powerful and effective, with people seek |
|
|
The Devil in Your Tent by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to all women in the church to rise up and fight the spiritual battles of this time, drawing inspiration from the stories of Deborah and Jael in the b |
|
God Uses Women by Erlo Stegen | This sermon delves into the story of Deborah and Jael in the book of Judges, highlighting the importance of true faith and leadership. It emphasizes the consequences of forsaking G |
|
Joshua (Part 8): Victory Over Our Enemies by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how Joshua and his army marched up from Gilgal with determination and strength. The speaker then shares his personal experience of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 5
Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 5 highlights the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision. The chapter is a poetic expression of worship and gratitude, emphasizing the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory. Henry notes that the song is a call to all believers to trust in God's power and providence, and to express their gratitude for His deliverance. He also emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude in the life of believers, highlighting the need to trust in God's deliverance and provision. As seen in Judges 5:2, the chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people, and Henry notes that this is a key aspect of the Christian life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Praise and Thanksgiving
The chapter emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God for His deliverance and provision. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5.
The Role of Leadership and Volunteerism
The chapter highlights the importance of leadership and volunteerism in the life of God's people. This is seen in the role of Deborah and Barak in leading the Israelites to victory.
The Condemnation of Those Who Did Not Participate
The chapter condemns the tribes that did not participate in the battle, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the life of believers.