Judges 5

1. Then sang Deborah. The song is in ten unequal strophes, or stanzas, as shown above. It is described by R. H. Hutton of The Spectator as “the greatest war-song of any age or nation.” Moffatt’s translation brings out in a fresh way the meaning and force of the original.

2 for the avenging of Israel, etc. Should be “for the leading of the leaders in Israel, for the people’s willingness in offering themselves.” See R.V.

5. The mountains melted. Rather, “were shaken” (see R.V. marg.); and so in Isa. lxiv. 1, 3. Vers. 4 and 5, which greatly resemble those referred to in the margin, portray in poetic imagery the Divine manifestations on behalf of Israel. Cp. Psa. xviii.; lxviii.; xviii. 5.

6. In the days of Shamgar . . . of Jael. From this it would appear that the two were contemporaneous, though some scholars regard the words, “in the days of Jael” as a gloss.

10 that ride on white asses. The ass has always been much used in Palestine and Egypt for riding about the towns. It is a larger animal than our British ass.

11. They that are delivered, etc. Should read, “Far from the noise of the archers in the places of drawing water.” Robbers frequently lurk about watering-places in the East, that they may fall upon travellers and others who resort thither.

13. Then He made, etc. Rather, “Then came down the residue of the nobles; the people of Jahveh came down to me with the mighty.” See R.V.

14. Out of Ephraim, etc. Here begins the enumeration of the tribes who had fought under Barak.

Out of Machir came down governors. Machir was the son of Manasseh, and the father of Gilead. The meaning is, “Out of Manasseh came military leaders.”

the pen of the writer. “The rod of the numberer,” referring to the mustering of the troops under Barak. See R.V. marg. The rendering preferred by many (and R.V.) is, “the marshal’s staff.” Moffatt translates “adjutants.”

15. For the divisions of Reuben. The passage is rendered in R.V., “Among the watercourses of Reuben”; intimating that the Reubenites remained at home amidst their possessions and comforts, and had many deliberations (“resolves of heart,” R.V.), but without any practically useful result. The Hebrew, however, may mean either “divisions” or “watercourses” (the former taken from the dividing of streams)

17. Gilead abode beyond Jordon. That is, the Gadites, who possessed part of Gilead (see Josh. xiii. 24, 25), and perhaps also part of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

why did Dan, etc.? That is, “Why was Dan so intent upon his ships and merchandise?” The port of Joppa belonged to Dan.

breaches. “Creeks,” or “havens.”

18. Zebulun, etc. Rather, “Zebulun was a people that despised their lives unto death; and Naphtali upon the open field.”

19 no gain of money. They obtained no spoil or booty; they gained nothing by it.

21 thou hast trodden down strength. Rather, as an imperative, “March on with strength” (R.V.).

22. Then were the horsehoofs broken. “Then the horse-hoofs smote the ground, because of the rushings, the rushings of their mighty ones,” i.e., in their hasty flight.

23. Curse ye Meroz. When God requires our services against His foes, it is at our peril to be neutral. Of Meroz nothing more is known.

24. Blessed above women. Jael is commended for the patriotism of her deed. The commendation by Deborah simply expresses the public opinion of those days.

25. Butter. Should be “sour milk” or “thick milk,” a favourite and refreshing dish, not only among the Arabs still, but in many European countries, e.g., Poland, Bulgaria, and in Ireland.

26 smote off, etc. Rather, as R.V., “smote through.” “She violently smote his head, and she pierced and struck through his temples,” i.e., with the tent-pin. See iv. 21.

31. Thine enemies. Sisera and his army were the enemies of Jehovah as well as of Israel, and therefore Deborah triumphs in their destruction.