Judges 5

Debora in this song of praise, exhorteth to praise and thanksgiving, and goeth before the people with her own example, ver.1, etc. recounteth the glorious mercies of God shewed to this people in times past, 4. compareth the miseries of former times, with the present estate, 6. exciteth the Governours, the congregation, her self, and Barak, to praise the Lord, 9. commendeth the chief of the tribes, who went forth willing to this battle, and checketh the unwilling ones that tarried at home, 14. describeth this wonderful victory in all its circumstance, 19. curseth those of Meroz, because they came not to help the people of God, 3 Extolleth the valiant woman Jael, and her act, 24. derideth the vain hope of Sisera’s Court-ladies, 28. and concludeth with a prayer for Gods people against their enemies, 31.

1. Further sang Debora, and Barak the son of Abinoam, on that day, saying.

2. Praise the LORD for avenging the vengeances [That is, because he hath fully avenged himself and his people on his and their enemies] in Israel, [oth. for, or by Israel] for that people [to wit, Zebulon and Naphtali: see above chap.4.10. and below ver.18. together with some other tribes: see below ver.14, 15.] have willingly offered themselves.

3. Hear, ye Kings, give ear, ye Princes, I will sing unto the LORD, I will sing psalms unto the LORD the God of Israel.

4. LORD, when thou wentest forth, [That is, going before, and leading the people by thy pillar of cloud] from Seir, [that is, carrying thy people from Mount Hoi, (after the subduing of the Canaanitish King of Harad) along the borders of the Edomites, who denied them passage through their country, towards the land of the Kings, Sihon and Og, to destroy them, and to bring Israel into the land of promise. See Numb.20.21. and 21.4, etc.] When thou steppedest on from the field of Edom, the earth trembled, also the heaven dropped, the clouds also dropped of water. [it was as if all creatures from beneath and from above were amazed at thy coming and presence. Compare Psal.68.8,9.]

5. The mountains dissolved (Or, flowed away) from the presence of the LORD, [it was so, or at least seemed not otherwise then if such things had happened. Compare Psal.68.16,17. and 97.5. This also may be applied to the heathenish nations, the Amorites and Canaanites, dwelling in the mountains, who, by reason of Israels coming against them, and of the great and mighty acts of God which thy heard of, trembled and quaked. Compare Duet.2.25. Jos.5.1.] even Sinai [i.e. all that they left behind them, as Sinai, as also the places to which they went, stood amazed; or, (according) as Sinai had done at the time when God gave his law. Compare Psal.78.9.] from the face of the LORD the God of Jacob.

6. In the days of Samgar [See above chap.3.21.] the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, [see chap.4. 21, etc.] the ways ceased, [i.e. the common roads or high-ways could not be used or frequented, by reason of thieves and robbers] and they that walked on paths [Heb. the walkers of paths] went crooked ways. [i.e. they that were wont to use or ply the common roads, sought out hard and difficult by-ways, to escaped highway-men and enemies]

7. The villages ceased in Israel, they ceased [i.e. the walled places, as towns, villages, hamlets, because no man could dwell safeand secure there, they fell to ruine, and lay waste and uninhabited. Oth. the husbandman, or the country people, inhabitants of villages, or townsfolk] until that I Debora arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. [that is, who as a Prophetess have instructed the people, being my disciples or scholars (who in Scripture are called the children of the Prophets) touching the will of God, and as a judges, or she-judge, here with motherly pitty and compassion laid to heart the miseries of the subjects, and turned away the same]

8. (When) he [viz. Israel] chose new gods [i.e. the Idols of the heathen] then was war in the gates. [Thus God ever and anon punished them with war] Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? [they were so heartless and cast down, that no defence could be seen]

9. My heart is toward the Law-givers of Israel, [That is, Governors of the people, or of the tribes, who made the people willing and courageous by their commands and examples] who willingly offered themselves [see above, v. 1. & chap.4 6.10.] among the people: praise ye the LORD.

10. Ye that ride upon white she-asses, [As great and honorable persons were wont to do: see below chap.10.4. & 12.14.] Ye that sit in judgement, [oth. ye that dwell at Middin: understanding a place where the enemy received the greatest foil: see jos.15.61.] and ye that walk on the way, [see v.6.] speak of it. [oth. think, muse on it]

11. From [Oth. Because of] the noise of the archors, between the places where water is drawn, [That is, souldiers coming on with a great noise, to disturb and molest the drawers of waters, by plundering, robbing, and other ways] speak there together [the Hebrew verb is also found below, chap11.v.40.] of the righteousnesses of the LORD, [that is, the righteous acts of the Lord, whereby he hath averaged his people, and freed them from the oppression of the enemy. Compare 1 Sam.12.7. Micah 6:5. with the annot.] of the righteousnesses (shewed) to his villages in Israel: [Heb. righteounesses of his villages; that is, shewed to the villages, or country people. Comp.above,v.6.] then went the people of the LORD down to the gates. [that is, they might freely and without fear go in and out at the gates]

12. Awake, awake, Debora, awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captives [Heb. thy captivity] captive, thou son of Abinoam:

13. Then he made him that remaineth, have dominion over the honorable. (among) the people: [That is, the Lord gave unto the remnant of Israel, the rule and dominion over the great and eminent ones of the Canaanitish people. Oth. he gave the dominion of the remaining (enemy) unto the honorable, or, mighty, great (ones) of the people (of Israel) or, he made the remaining people have dominion over the honorable (one)] the LORD maketh me to have dominion [or, giveth me dominion] over the mighty

14. Out of Ephraim [Here Debora relateth, how the tribes behaved themselves in this battle; attributing to some; praise: to others, shame and disgrace, according to every ones demerit] was their root against Amalek. [Some understand this of Debora, dwelling on Mount Ephraim, above chap.4, 5. Who, by the grace of God, was as it were the root and original of all this expedition against the Canaanites, who in respect of their enmity and ruine, may well be compare with Amalek. Others apply it unto Josua, who also was of Ephraim, and subdued Amalek, Exod.17.13. Oth. whose root is by Amalek; that is, Juda and Simeon, whose beginning extended it self from mount Ephraim unto Amalek, as appeareth, comparing above chap.1.16. with 1 Sam.15.6.] after thee was Benjamin among thy people: [that is, the tribe of Benjamin followed also after thee, O Lord, among the rest of thy people. Some apply it unto Ephraim, whom Benjamin should have followed] out of Machir [that is, the tribe of Manasseh, whose first-born son was Machir, jos.17.1.] marched down the Law-givers, [that is, the Eldest, and Judges of the people] and out of Zebulon, drawing by the staff of the writer. [viz. the people to them: see above chap.4. on v.6. oth. who drew with the staff, or pen of the writer; that is, used the writing pen, or, by means of letters or missives, drew the people together, or caused them to assemble together. Compare above, chap.4. on ver.6.]

15. The Princes [Oth. my Princes.] in Issachar, so was Barak, he was sent into the valley on his feet: [see above chap 4. 10,14.] in the divisions of Reuben dwelling on the other side of Jordan, keeping himself as it were separated from his brethren] the imaginations of hearts were great. [or, impressions, purposes, conclusions; that is, they were very show, dull, drowsie, having (as we say) great wisdom in the brain, and pretending many difficulties, which withheld and hindred them from coming to help their brethren, keeping themselves as neuters between both, having more regard to their own particular, then to the common interest. Oth. For, or, by reason of Ruebens separations, there be great thoughts of heart; that is, this causeth great jealousies and woundings: so in the following verse. Some conceive, that there is extolled the great valour and courage which they had formerly manifested in marching over the Jardon in the behalf their brethren, wherewith this remisness and backwardness of their now shewed, did not well agree]

16. Why remainedst thou [viz. O Rueben] sitting between the stalls [or two rowed folds, or, sheep-cotes. The Hebrew word seemeth to relate to this, that the stalls or sheep-cotes were formerly made in two rows, one opposite to the other, (as it is now also usually practiced) between which, a man might sitly pass, and give to each heir due food or nourishment. Oth. between two burthens, like an Ass that loaden on both sides, layeth himself down to take rest. Compare Gen.49. 14.] to hear the bleatings [or whistings, pipings, hissings] of the flocks? [this tribe, to wit, the tribe of Reuben was exceeding rich, and abounding in cattel. See Num.32,1,&c.] the divisions of Reuben had great searchings of heart. [See on the former verse]

17. Gilead [That is, the Gileadites, whereby is understood the half tribe of Manasseh, dwelling on the other side of Jordan. Gilead was a son of Machir: see jos.17.1,4. Otherwise, by Gilead may also be understood Reuben, God, and the aforesaid half tribe of Manasseh together, as dwelling in Gilead. Se Numb.32.5, 29, 33.] remained on the other side of Jordan; and Dan, why did he keep himself in ships? [the inheritance of Dan and after lay for the most part by the Sea. See concerning Dan, jos.19.40, 46. And concerning Aser also there; vrs.24, 26. These tribes also in this battle tarried at home, to escape the danger, or to save themselves with their goods in ships, or on high rocks] Aser-sate by the sea-haven, and abode in his torn places. [That is, in cities and villages that were ruined, and not well senced: or, in creeks which break into the land by sea-floods. Oth. upon his cliffs, or, high rocks.]

18. Zebulon, it is a people, (that) have disdained their soul unto death, [Heb. that is, unto dying, and have so jeoparded their lived and persons unto death, that they seemed as it were to condemn life, and willingly to offer up themselves for Israels deliverance. Seeof the verb rendred disdaining, Job27. On vers.6.] likewise Naphtali: on the high places of the field; [that is, upon mount Thabor, keeping close to Barak, and with him courageously going down to battle. See above chap.4. 10,14.]

19. The Kings came, they fought, then fought the Kings of Canaan at Thaanach, at the waters of Megiddo: [places pertaining to the half tribe of Manasseh. See above chap.1.27. and compare jos.17.15, 18.] They brought no gain of silver thence. [No silver, or, money; Oth. they brought not a (small) piece of silver thence, whence they thought to have had a great booty.]

20. From heaven they sought: the stars out of their courses fought against Sisera, [By these phrases is intimated, that God fought both from above and beneath by manifold creatures, and means against Sisera and his Army.]

21. The brook Kilon rolled them away, [or, swept them, brushed them away, through the violence of the steam, which was caused from above by storm and tempest] the brook Kedamim, [running from the mountain into the brook Kison, as the Map sheweth. Oth. the brook of antiquities; that is, the very old brook which was of old, from the beginning, and was made and preserved by God for that end and purpose] the brook Kison: O my soul, tread down the strong. [that is, despise the power of the enemy. Oth. my soul trod upon the strong: trusting through prayer, and Gods instinct or inspiration that they should be as it were trodden down and laid under foot. Hebr. the strength; viz. of the mighty and powerful enemy, who is now laid under our feet.]

22. Then the horse hoofs were broken to shivers: by means of the running, [or, stamping, trotting, beating (the ground:) that is, by reason of their hasty and disorder war, and running away,] the running of his mighty ones. [Who being put to flight; sought to escape by the swistness of their horses, but all in vain.]

23. Curse Meroz, [a City, or Country near the brook Kison, not far from the place where the battle was sought, on the South-borders of Issaschar] saith the Angel of the LORD, [compare below, chap.6.11, etc.] Curse her inhabitants continually: [Heb. curse cursing,] because they came not to the help of the LORD, [that is, to the help of Israel, which the Lord commanded and appointed: or, to the Lords people: Otherwise it is spoken of God after the manner of man, he properly needing no mans help,] to the help of the LORD with the mighty men. [viz. which followed Barak and Debora.]

24. Blessed be [See Genes.14. on vers.19.] above women. So in the sequel] Juel, the wife of Heber the Kenite: blessed be she above women in the tent, [that is, in her tent, where she had done that praise-worthy act, Or, (that dwell) in tenes.]

25. He asked water, she gave (him) milk: she brought butter [Oth. butter-milk; where the butter was yet in] in a Lords bowl. [Heb. in a bowl of glorious (ones:) that is, in such a great bowl or cup as your great and mighty men, Lords and Princes, and other Potentates were wont to use.]

26. She put her hand [viz. her left hand] to the nail, and her right hand to the workmens hammer: [Or thus: her hands stretched themselves out, the one to the nail, the right hand to the workmens hammer,] and she knock Sisera, she strook off his head, [The Hebrew verb is properly used of the striking off of measures that are too full, or heaped up to the top. The meaning is, that she cut off his head] when she had nailed thorow, and pierced his temples. [The Hebrew verb rendered here piercing thorow, signifieth properly to change, for good or for evils and consenquently to go thorow; or, to pierce thorow from the one to the other: an to the other: an also to destroy.]

27. Between her feet he bowed himself, [To wit, through pain, or striving to lift up himself, or to raise himself up. but straightway falling down, etc.] fell all along, lay down there: between her feet he bowed himself, he fell; where so ever he bowed himself, there be lay, quite spoiled. [Heb. properly wasted; that is, quite ruined, utterly undone. For here you might have seen such a mighty and stout General sled on foot quite disheartened, tired, and by a woman hid and covered close, lie nailed to the ground, bowed, and dead.]

28. The mother of Sisera looked out at the window, and cried thorow the lattesse, [Or, little peep-window] why lingereth his charet to come? Why tarry the goings of his charets behind? [heb. the goings, the feet, or, footsteps of his charets.]

29. The wisest of her Court-Ladies [Oth. Princesses] answered: [Oth. every one of her wisest Court-Ladies answered her,] she also answered her saying to herself:

30. Should they not then find [That is, get, meet with] (and) divide the prey? [As if she had said, I do ill in looking so soon for them, considering they must first find out and divide the prey, etc.] a Damsel, [Or, sweet-heart, wench,] (or) two Damsels for every man? [Heb. for the head of one man: that is, for every head, for every man] For Sisera a prey of divers colours, embroidered of divers colours, embroidered on both sides, for the prey-necks. [Heb. for the necks of prey: that is, the necks of those, to whom the best prey belongeth, as Officers and Commanders, or such as have quit themselves well in the fight, and have gotten good booty, so that a great part belongeth to him; or them that came behind, and carried the prey upon their necks, or had fetch it with hazard of their necks.]

31. So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD on the contrary let those that love him [viz. the Lord he] as the sun when he ariseth [or goeth forth] in his might[that is let them go on in power and splendor as the sun ariseth and goeth forth compare Isaiah 40:31] an the land was quiet forty years.