Judges 5:2
Judges 5:2 in Multiple Translations
“When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD.
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, For that the people offered themselves willingly, Bless ye Jehovah.
Because of the flowing hair of the fighters in Israel, because the people gave themselves freely, give praise to the Lord.
“Israel's leaders took charge, and the people were totally committed. Praise the Lord!
Praise ye the Lord for the auenging of Israel, and for the people that offred themselues willingly.
'For freeing freemen in Israel, For a people willingly offering themselves Bless ye Jehovah.
“Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, LORD!
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
O you of Israel, that have willingly offered your lives to danger, bless the Lord.
“When the leaders of the Israeli people really lead them, and the people follow them, it is time to praise Yahweh!
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/פְרֹ֤עַ
פְּרָעוֹת֙
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
בְּ/הִתְנַדֵּ֖ב
עָ֑ם
בָּרֲכ֖וּ
יְהוָֽה
בִּ/פְרֹ֤עַ
pâraʻ
H6544
to lead
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
פְּרָעוֹת֙
parʻâh
H6546
leader
N-mp
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/הִתְנַדֵּ֖ב
nâdab
H5068
be willing
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
בָּרֲכ֖וּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 5:2
בִּ/פְרֹ֤עַ
pâraʻ
H6544
"to lead"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To neglect or let something go is the meaning of this word, which can also imply exposing or dismissing something. In the Bible, it is used to describe turning away from God or neglecting responsibilities.
Definition: to lead, act as leader
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. See also: Exodus 5:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 1:25.
פְּרָעוֹת֙
parʻâh
H6546
"leader"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a leader or commander, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe someone in charge. It appears in 2 Kings 9:14 and other passages, often referring to a military leader. The word is also translated as 'avenging' or 'revenge' in some cases.
Definition: leader, commander
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenging, revenge. See also: Deuteronomy 32:42; Judges 5:2.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בְּ/הִתְנַדֵּ֖ב
nâdab
H5068
"be willing"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To be willing or volunteer, like David in 2 Samuel 6:1, and can also mean to offer freely, as in Ezra 2:68.
Definition: 1) to incite, impel, make willing 1a) (Qal) to incite, impel 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to volunteer 1b2) to offer free-will offerings Aramaic equivalent: ne.dav (נְדַב "be willing" H5069)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: offer freely, be (give, make, offer self) willing(-ly). See also: Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9; Nehemiah 11:2.
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בָּרֲכ֖וּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Judges 5:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:2
- Sermons on Judges 5:2
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
1On 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.
3Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. 4O 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 5:9 | My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 17:16 | and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. |
| 3 | Psalms 110:3 | Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth. |
| 4 | Philippians 2:13 | For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 9:7 | Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. |
| 6 | Philemon 1:14 | But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. |
| 7 | Psalms 97:8 | Zion hears and rejoices, and the towns of Judah exult because of Your judgments, O LORD. |
| 8 | Psalms 48:11 | Mount Zion is glad, the daughters of Judah rejoice, on account of Your judgments. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 8:12 | For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. |
| 10 | Psalms 18:47 | the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me, |
Judges 5:2 Summary
This verse, Judges 5:2, is talking about a time when the leaders of Israel stepped forward and the people willingly followed, and it's saying that when this happens, we should bless and thank God. It's like when we work together as a team and God does something amazing, we should give Him the credit and praise (as seen in Exodus 15:1-21). The verse is reminding us that God is the one who makes things happen, and we should respond with gratitude and worship, just like the Israelites did in Psalms 103:1-5. By blessing the LORD, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness in our lives, and this helps us to trust in His leadership and provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the princes to take the lead in Israel?
In Judges 5:2, the princes taking the lead refers to the leaders of Israel stepping forward to guide and direct the people, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:1-3 where the people ask for a king to lead them, and in Exodus 18:13-27 where Moses appoints leaders to help him govern the people.
Why is it important for the people to volunteer in this context?
The people volunteering, as mentioned in Judges 5:2, shows their willingness to follow God's leaders and participate in His plan, similar to when the Israelites willingly offered themselves and their resources for the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:20-29.
How does blessing the LORD relate to the princes leading and the people volunteering?
Blessing the LORD, as stated in Judges 5:2, is a response to God's work through the leaders and the people, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalms 103:1-5 where David blesses the LORD for His benefits and in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where we are told to give thanks in every circumstance.
What is the significance of this verse in the broader context of the song of Deborah?
Judges 5:2 sets the tone for the song of Deborah, highlighting the importance of leadership, unity, and worship, as the rest of the song recounts God's victory over the enemies of Israel and the people's response of praise, similar to the song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can volunteer and follow God's leaders in my own life, just like the Israelites in Judges 5:2?
- How can I cultivate a heart of willingness to participate in God's plan, like the people in Exodus 35:20-29?
- In what ways can I bless the LORD and acknowledge His sovereignty in my daily life, as encouraged in Psalms 103:1-5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's leadership and provision, just like the Israelites trusted in God's deliverance in Judges 5:2?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:2
Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel,.... The injuries done to Israel by any of their enemies, and particularly what wrongs had been done them by Jabin, king of Canaan, for twenty years
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:2
Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:2
Praise ye the Lord; give him the praise who hath done the work. For the avenging of Israel; or, for taking vengeance, to wit, upon his and their enemies, by Israel, or for Israel, for Israel’ s benefit, or for the injuries and violences offered by them to Israel. The people; chiefly Zebulun and Naphtali, below, 4:6, and others hereafter mentioned. Willingly offered themselves, when neither Deborah nor Barak had any power to compel them.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:2
Judges 5:2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.Ver. 2. When the people willingly offered themselves.] As Judges 4:10. Barak had no power to press them, but did only persuade with them, as the word Mashar there importeth. He gave goodly words, as being of the tribe of Naphtali, and prevailed, God working their hearts thereunto, who is therefore worthily praised. All his people are volunteers, he draweth them and they follow him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:2
(2) For the avenging of Israel.—The Hebrew word peraoth cannot have this meaning, though it is found in the Syriac and implied by the Chaldee. The word only occurs in Deuteronomy 32:42, and there, as here, implies the notion of leading; so that the LXX. are doubtless right in rendering it, “In the leading of the leaders of Israel.” God is praised because both leaders and people (Judges 5:9; Judges 5:13) did their duty. Peraoth is derived from perang, “hair”; and whether the notion which it involves is that of comati, “nobles, who wear long hair” (comp. Homer’s “long-haired Greeks,” and Tennyson’s “his beard a yard before him, and his hair a yard behind “), or “hairy champions,” or the hair of warriors streaming behind them as they rode to battle (“His beard and hoary hair streamed like a meteor to the troubled air”: Gray), leadership seems to be the notion involved. When the people willingly offered themselves.—Comp. Psalms 110:3 : “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:2
Verse 2. For the avenging of Israel] See the notes, &c., at the end of the chapter. Clarke "Judges 5:28".
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:2
2, 3. Exordium.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:2
Render “For the leading of the leaders in Israel (the princes), for the willingness of the people (to follow them) bless ye the Lord.” See Deuteronomy 32:42 note, and compare Judges 5:9 and Judges
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:2
2. For the loosing of locks — A poetical expression denoting an act of self-consecration to God’s service, and to be explained, metaphorically, as an allusion to the unrestrained growth of the locks
Sermons on Judges 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
|
|
Leadership by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
|
Friday #1 Dr. Orr's Personal Testimony by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of his conversion and his journey into preaching. He recounts how he and a friend decided to go out and preach, despite havi |
|
Willing in the Day of Power by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being willing in the day of God's power, calling for a readiness to step out in faith and experience freedom, healing, and vision from God. |
|
|
In the Day of God's Power by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 110 titled 'In the Day of God's Power' emphasizes the willingness to embrace God's calling and power, recognizing divine intervention in times of weakness a |
|
The Great Need of the Hour - Rolfe Barnard by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Rolf Bernard emphasizes the need for God's intervention in the current state of the world. He references the 16th chapter of Acts, where he finds inspiration in the |