Judges 1
PATOr one of the great pins therewith the tent was fastened to the ground. For she had no better instrument at hand (sword, or such-like weapon, being not usually kept in women’s tents), and tins she knew how to use more readily than any other; being accustomed, it is likely, when they removed from one place to another, to take up her tent, and to fasten it again by striking such nails into the earth. And took a hammer in her hand, and ivent softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples.’] Where it would most easily enter (being the thinnest part of the skull), and most speedily dispatch him. And fastened it into the ground.’] Upon which he lay (not on abed), with a carpet, or-some such thing under him; as the manner was in those countries. For he was fast asleep and iveary.~\ His weariness made him sleep soundly. So he died.] She might as well have let him lie in his profound sleep, till Barak came, and took him; if she had not’felt a Divine power moving her to this, that the prophecy of Deborah might be fulfilled. Nothing but this authority from God, of which she was certain, could warrant such a fact as this. Which seemed a breach, of hospitality, and to be attended with several other crimes; but was not so, when God, the Lord of all men’s lives, ordered her to execute his sentence upon him. probable that these judges roclo about the country on white asses to do justice. (See upon x. 4.) And walked by the way.] All the merchants who now travelled safely about their business, which they durst not do before this deliverance; (ver. G.) for which, therefore, they were bound to praise the Lord. Ver.l, IV OW it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled.) These words direct us to the time when the things contained in this book fell out, though we cannot certainly tell what judge then ruled. David Ganz will have it to have been in the days of Ibzan, mentioned Judges xii. 8. because he was the only judge bora at Beth-lehem; from whence he concludes him to have be^n the same with Boaz. But that is so weak a reason, that Guil. Vorstius, in his annotations upon him, thinks rather it was in the days of Deborah and Barak. I shall not mention his arguments, there being a great man of our own (the most learned Usher) who places this history in the times preceding; either in the days of Ehud, when the Moabites oppressed Israel, or rather of Shaingar, who succeeded him. Which is the opinion likewise of Du Pin, who takes these thiilgs to have been done about twentyeight years after the death of Joshua. (See Usserii Chronol. Sacra, par. i. cap. 12.) That there was a famine in the land.] This inclines me to think these things came to pass in the days of Gideon, for that is the only time that we read of a famine in the days of the judges; when the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the east, " came and destroyed the increase of the earth, and left no sustenance for Israel, nor for their cattle.". (Judg. vi, 3, 4.) And a certain man of Beth-lehem-Judah.] There were two Beth-lehems, as I have often noted: one in the land of Judah, the other in the tribe of Zebulun; (Josh. xix.
Judges 1:11
They thai are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water. Together with the princes, judges, and merchants, she would have the shepherds praise the Lord every time they camo to water their flocks; remembering how they were disturbed formerly by the archers, that lurked in woods ot thickets, and shot whole quivers of arrows at them and at their cattle, which now they brought safely to the springs of water. There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord.] Who had taken a just vengeance on their oppressors, and most graciously delivered them from their tyranny; for righteousness frequently signifies the great goodness of God. Even the righteotts acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in Israel.] She would have the meanest peasants (as we speak) bear them company in the praises of God; for now they lived as quietly in their open villages, as if they had been in the strongest cities. Then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates.] She sums up all in these words; that the whole country was bound to praise the Lord, who had given the law its free course; every man having liberty to go down safely to the gate of his own city, where judgment was administered.
Judges 1:12
Awake, awake, Deborah; awake, awake; utter a song. Having called upon all others to praise the Lord, she now excites herself, with the most earnest and zealous affection (expressed by the repetition of the same thing four times), to celebrate his wonderful works, by composing a song in his praise. Arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.] She calls upon Barak to go in triumph, carrying (as the manner was in ancient times) his principal captives and spoils along with him unto the house of God: for one cannot think she meant merely a secular pompous show; since the Romans themselves in their triumphs marched to the capitol, and there offered sacrifice to Jupiter. Some ask, what captives he had to lead, when the whole army of Sisera was cut off? (iv. 16.) To which the answer is easy, That when Barak, after he had routed their army, pursued his victory’ as far as Harosheth, he brought several persons, and perhaps of the best quality, captivo with him, out of that country.
Judges 1:13
Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people. Or, then he shall make him that remaineth, &c. that is, when Barak triumphed, that small remnant of Isracl(as the best of the Jews interpret him that remaineth) who were not utterly dispirited by the oppression of Jabin, but had some courage left in them, triumphed together with him over the nobles of Canaan. Tlie Lord made me have dominion over the mighty.] She, who was but a weak woman, triumphed also over the most powerful enemies. Vct. 14. Out ofEphraim was there a root of them against Amalek.’] Now she makes a catalogue of those w T ho any way assisted in this war, as Homer doth of those people who equipped ships for the war against Troy: and 1 find no sense of these words so plain as this, that the Amalekitcs coming to assist Sisera, as they had done the Moabites, (iii. 13.) a small party of the Ephraimites (called here’ a root) opposed their passage, and hindered them from joining their forces with the Canaanitcs. Peter Martyr by a root understands a great captain among them, as inlsa. xi. 10. the word is thought to be used. But a most learned friend of mine (Dr. Alix) admonishes me, that Amalek doth not only signify the people descended from Amalek, but a mountain in the tribe of Ephraim, mentioned xii. 15. And, if we understand it so in this place, it makes this clear sense far easier and more natural than the other, out of Ephraim was their beginning (so the word root may be interpreted) about Amalek. That is, the Ephraimites, who came to the assistance of Barak, began their listing of men near to this mountain. And so the particle beth (I observed upon Josh. x. 10.) signifies as well near or about, as in or against. After thee, Benjamin, among thy people.] Following the example of the tribe of Benjamin; who seem to have all of them engaged in this quarrel, with whom a few of the Ephraimites joined. Out ofMachir.] An eminent family in Manassch; which is put here for all that tribe on the other side Jordan, where Machir was settled, (Numb, xxxii. 30. Josh. xiii. 31.) Which made their zeal the more remarkable, in coming so far to the aid of their brethren; when they heard they were engaged in this enterprise. Came down governors.] Some of the principal persons of that country; who, no doubt, had their followers, that accompanied them in this expedition. And out ofZebulun they that Itandle the pen of the ready writer.] They were nearer to Mount Tabor than any oT the forenamed; but are therefore highly commended, that though they were better skilled in books than in arms, yet offered their service to Barak on this occasion: for scribes in Scripture signify men of letters, that studied the law, and expounded it.
Judges 1:15
And the princes oflssachar were with Deborah. Came and offered their service, when they heard that Barak, by her order, had summoned their neighbours Zebulnn and Naphtali to come to him, (iv. 10.) Even Jssachar.] And tho people of that tribe followed the example of their princes. And also Barak.] The Hebrew chen (translated here and also) signifies as, or like unto; that is, they wereas forward as Barak to march into the field, though they had no summons. He was sent on foot into the valley.] That is, when he was sent down from Mount Tabor, by the order of Deborah, (iv. 14.) to fall upon Sisera in the valley; whither hd went on foot, against his chariots and horsemen: or, he went with his footmen (as the LXX. translate it), and’engaged that vast numbeT of chariots, which were of greatest use in the valley. For the divisions ofRmben there were great thoughts of heart.] But the Reubenitcs w r cre so divided in their coun* sels, that they stayed at home (as if they were separated from their brethren in their affections, as they were in their situation, beyond Jordan), which begat many sad thoughts in the hearts of the rest of the Israelites; who could not understand the reason of it. Ver. 1G. Why abodest thou among the sheepf olds, to hear rrif^uM mj CHAP. V.] UPON JUDGES. the bleatings of the flocks?’] Itwas a shameful and an unaccountable thing, that they should wholly mind their private business (which was feeding cattle, Numb, xxxii. 1.) and neglect the public good. For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchingsof hearts.’] And therefore she could not sufficiently bewail it; which she doth, by repeating what a great trouble it was to all their brethren; who were not able to discover the reason, and give any account of their being no more concerned than their beasts, for their common religion and liberties.
Judges 1:17
Gilead abode beyond Jordan. She complains also of the Gilerdites, who were men of valour; and notwithstanding sat still, and would not step over Jordan to help their brethren. Under the name of Gilead, are comprehended the Gadites, who had half of Gilead, (Josh, xiii.) as the other half was given to the children of Machir. Who did come to the aid of their brethren; at least their governors engaged with them, (ver. 14.) Which hath moved some to read these words interrogatively, Did Gilead abide beyond Jordan? as if she still upbraided the Reubenites; who had not this to allege for themselves, that they were far off, beyond Jordan; for so were the Gileadites (that is, those descended from Machir), who they suppose comprehended the rest; and yet the best and most worthy of them came to join with their brethren, in the common cause of the nation..And why did Dan remain in ships?] She reproves this tribe, which was near the sea (the famous port of Jop’pa belonging to it), that they minded nothing but their merchandise; while their brethren hazarded their lives in the field.,’, t Asher, continued on the sea-shore.] This tribe also bordered upon the Mediterranean; Tyre and Sidon being part of their portion. Which they did not possess; yet, no doubt, they held several other lesser places. upon that sea; from which they would not stir in this common danger. And abode in his breaches.] Or, in his creeks, as it is in the margin; and as the LXX. take it, who expound the Hebrew word miphratsim (fractures) by $u%6§oig, outlets, or small havens; where vessels lay, to go out to sea. Some take the words to signify, that they were busy in repairing the breaches made in their walled towns, by length of time, or other ways.
Judges 1:18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death. They were the only people (which was much for their honour) who unanimously despised life, in comparison with the liberty of their country and religion. For the Hebrew word charaph doth not signify merely to expose one’s self to danger; but to expose one’s self to reproach, as we observe in the margfn of our Bibles: and here denotes that they made no account of their lives, &c. In the high places of the field.] They went down from Mount Tabor (where they were drawn up in a large plain, as I observed on iv. G.) with a resolution to conquer or die. It is observable, that, in this narration, there is not a word said of Judah, or Simeon, or Gad (unless comprehended under Gilead, as Isaid before); and that as Reuben, Dan, and Asher are taxed for their cowardly carelessness in this case, so Ephraim, Benjamin, part of Manasseh, and Issachar did afford some assistance; but nothing comparable vol. n. to what Zebulun and Naphtali did; who, as one man, engaged to hazard their lives and fortunes (as we now speak) for the regaining of their liberty; which was the more highly commendable, because they were but’a handful of men, when they first engaiged, in comparison with the vast army which they undertook to assault.
Judges 1:19
The kings came and fought. When the Israelites conquered Canaan, Hazor had several kingdoms subject to it, or depending on it, (Josh. xi. 10.) And now, it is likely, there were divers kings, who were, -at least, Jabin’s confederates; and came to join their forces with his, to reduce the Israelites to his obedience.’ Then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.] These were two cities belonging to the Manassites, but in the tribe of Issachar; (Josh. xvii. 11.) between which, as Rasi understands it, the army^of Siseralay; reaching from Taanach to Megiddo, by which the river Kishon rah. v. They took no gain of money.] The simple sense seems to be,* that they were kings ofsuch bravery, as fought not for money, but for glory and dominion; so Rasi and Ralbag among the Jews understand it; They fought not for pay, but came gratis (as we speak) to the assistance of Jabin. But the Vulgar takes it otherwise; They got nothing but blows, no spoil or prey at all, as they expected. And Kimchi still much differently (which the words will bear), They came so enraged against the Israelites, that they would have spared no man’s life, though he offered great sums of money for his redemption; because they thirsted only after their blood.
Judges 1:20
They fought from heaven. But, on the other side, God fought for the Israelites, by sending thunder, arid lightning, and hailstones from heaven upon the Canaanites (as he did in the days of Joshua); and, perhaps, as P. Martyr conjectures, raising a great dust, which a stormy wind blew so violently into their eyes, that they could not see. As Livy saith it fell out to the Romans, in the great battle at Cannae. The stars in their tourses fought against Sisera^] Some take these words literally, and render the words, not in their courses, but in their exaltations; i. e. with all their power and strongest influences: whence the saying of Rasi, on this place, The head, or beginning of the stars is in heaven; but the feet, or the end of them, is -upon the earth. That is, hither they send their influences. But others think these words signify, that all this was done by the ministry of angels, who are here called stars, (as in the book of J6b, xxxvii. 7.) because he is speaking of heaven; from whence they came to raise this terrible tempest, and, by other means which we are ignorant of, to trouble the host of Jabin, as they did that of Pharaoh in the Red Sea: and this they did in such rank and order, as’is observed in that heavenly host. It may be also thought, that, this fight lasting till night, the stars may be said to fight against SiSera, because they shone brightly to give light to the Israelites to pursue their victory.
Judges 1:21
The river Kishon swept them aivay. It so swelled at this time, that, though otherwise it was very shallow, many of them were drowned in it; being carried away with a rapid stream: for so the word jerapham signifies, which we translate sivept them away. It is no where else found; but frequent among the Arabic authors, among whom it is
Judges 1:22
And, behold, as Barak pursued Siscra, Jaelcame out to meet him. As she had done Sisera, (ver. 18.). And said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man ivhom thou seekest.’) Before he made any inquiry, she knew he was desirous, above all men, to take Sisera; and, perhaps, she knew, by an inspiration, that he was in quest of him. And when he came into the tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.] He lay in the place.and posture wherein he was killed, that Barak might see the prophecy of Deborah made good. •
Judges 1:23
So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. So that he was not able to oppress them any longer, but they were restored to perfect liberty.
Judges 1:24
And the hand of the children of Israel prospered and prevailed against Jabin king of Canaan. They prosecuted this day’s victory with new successes; wherein his forces were overthrown in other battles, and his cities taken. Until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.] To the utter ruin of this kingdom of the Canaanites in Hazor: for Jabin himself, as Arius Montanus thinks, was slain at the brook Kishon, Psal. lxxxiii. 9. (though, it must be confessed; that may be meant only of his forces), so that we hear of none of his name in future times. And herein the Israelites seem to mc to have, begun to be sensible of their duty; which was to extirpate the people of Canaan, and not merely to bring them under tribute, (Deut. vii. 2—4.)