Judges 5:1
On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:
Then Deborah and Barak
The opening of Judges 5:1 introduces us to two central figures: Deborah and Barak. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, stands as a remarkable leader in Israel's history, embodying wisdom and courage. Her role as a female leader in a patriarchal society is significant, highlighting God's use of unexpected vessels to fulfill His purposes. Barak, whose name means "lightning," is a military leader who partners with Deborah. Their collaboration underscores the importance of unity and obedience to God's call, regardless of gender or societal norms.

son of Abinoam
Barak is identified as the son of Abinoam, which situates him within a specific lineage and tribe, likely the tribe of Naphtali. This detail roots the narrative in historical reality, reminding readers of the tangible, lived experiences of these biblical figures. It also emphasizes the importance of heritage and identity in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

sang on that day
The act of singing signifies a response of worship and gratitude. In ancient Israel, songs were often used to commemorate significant events, victories, or divine interventions. "On that day" indicates a specific moment of triumph and celebration, marking the defeat of the Canaanite oppressors. This phrase invites readers to reflect on the power of praise and the importance of remembering and recounting God's faithfulness in our lives.

saying
The introduction of the song with "saying" prepares the reader for a poetic and prophetic expression. In Hebrew culture, songs and poetry were not merely artistic expressions but were often vehicles for divine revelation and teaching. This word sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which will recount the mighty acts of God and the faithfulness of His servants. It encourages believers to listen attentively to the truths and lessons embedded in the song that follows.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Deborah
A prophetess and judge of Israel, Deborah was a leader who inspired the Israelites to victory over their oppressors. Her role as a female leader in a patriarchal society is significant and highlights God's use of unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.

2. Barak
The son of Abinoam, Barak was a military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against the Canaanite forces. His partnership with Deborah demonstrates the importance of collaboration and obedience to God's commands.

3. The Song of Deborah and Barak
This is a victory hymn celebrating the triumph over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. It is a poetic retelling of God's deliverance and the faithfulness of those who participated in the battle.

4. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who were often oppressed by surrounding nations due to their disobedience. This event marks a period of deliverance and peace following their repentance and return to God.

5. Canaanites
The oppressors of Israel during this time, led by King Jabin and his commander Sisera. Their defeat is a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.
Teaching Points
The Power of Praise
The song of Deborah and Barak illustrates the importance of praising God for His deliverance and victories in our lives. Praise acknowledges God's sovereignty and strengthens our faith.

God Uses All People
Deborah's leadership shows that God can use anyone, regardless of gender or societal norms, to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to God's calling, even if it defies expectations.

Faith and Obedience
Barak's account teaches us that faith often requires action. Obedience to God's commands, even when uncertain, leads to victory and fulfillment of His promises.

Collaboration in God's Work
The partnership between Deborah and Barak emphasizes the importance of working together in unity for God's kingdom. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys.

Remembering God's Faithfulness
The recounting of God's past victories encourages us to trust Him in present challenges. Reflecting on His faithfulness strengthens our resolve and hope.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the collaboration between Deborah and Barak challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership and teamwork in a spiritual context?

2. In what ways can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily life to acknowledge God's victories?

3. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected person or situation to accomplish His purpose in your life. How did this experience shape your faith?

4. How can the account of Deborah and Barak inspire you to step out in faith and obedience, even when the path is uncertain?

5. What are some practical ways you can remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in your life, similar to the song of Deborah and Barak?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15
The Song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea parallels the Song of Deborah and Barak, both celebrating God's deliverance and victory over enemies.

Psalm 68
This psalm echoes themes of God's triumph and the scattering of His enemies, similar to the victory celebrated in Judges 5.

Hebrews 11
Barak is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlighting his faith and obedience, despite initial hesitations, as a key component of Israel's victory.
Deborah: a Mother in IsraelA. Whyte, D. D.Judges 5:1-11
LeadersW. L. Watkinson.Judges 5:1-11
Leaders Who LeadJ. Stalker, D. D.Judges 5:1-11
National Mercies and National SinsD. Moore, M. A.Judges 5:1-11
Songs of DeliveranceJudges 5:1-11
The Big ID. Davies.Judges 5:1-11
The Noise of Archer's in the Places of Drawing WaterR. H. Parr, M. A.Judges 5:1-11
The Soldier's HonourT. Adams.Judges 5:1-11
People
Abinoam, Amalek, Anath, Asher, Barak, Benjamin, Dan, Deborah, Heber, Issachar, Jael, Machir, Naphtali, Reuben, Seir, Shamgar, Sisera, Zebulun
Places
Canaan, Edom, Gilead, Jordan River, Kishon River, Megiddo, Meroz, Seir, Sinai, Taanach
Topics
Abinoam, Abin'o-am, Barak, Deborah, Deb'orah, Sang, Saying, Singeth, Song
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 5:1-3

     5091   Deborah
     7963   song

Judges 5:1-31

     5420   music

Library
Recreant Reuben
Why satest then among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.'--JUDGES v. 16 (R.V.). I. The fight. The warfare is ever repeated, though in new forms. In the highest form it is Christ versus the World, And that conflict must be fought out in our own souls first. Our religion should lead not only to accept and rely on what Christ does for us, but to do and dare for Christ. He has given Himself for us, and has thereby
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'All Things are Yours'
'They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.'--JUDGES v. 20. 'For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.'--Job v. 23. These two poetical fragments present the same truth on opposite sides. The first of them comes from Deborah's triumphant chant. The singer identifies God with the cause of Israel, and declares that heaven itself fought against those who fought against God's people. There may be
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love Makes Suns
'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.' JUDGES V. 51. These are the closing words of Deborah, the great warrior-prophetess of Israel. They are in singular contrast with the tone of fierce enthusiasm for battle which throbs through the rest of the chant, and with its stern approval of the deed of Jael when she slew Sisera. Here, in its last notes, we have an anticipation of the highest and best truths of the Gospel. 'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Songs of Deliverance
The results which accrued from the conquest achieved by Barak, are upon a small scale similar to those which come to us through the deliverance wrought out by the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall take our text and spiritualize it, viewing its joyous details as emblematic of the blessings granted to us through our Redeemer. Those who went to draw water at the wells after Barak's victory, were no longer disturbed by the robbers who lurked at the fountains for purposes of plunder; and instead of drawing the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 13: 1867

Whether the Orders Will Outlast the Day of Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that the orders of angels will not outlast the Day of Judgment. For the Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:24), that Christ will "bring to naught all principality and power, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father," and this will be in the final consummation. Therefore for the same reason all others will be abolished in that state. Objection 2: Further, to the office of the angelic orders it belongs to cleanse, enlighten, and perfect. But after the Day of
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the Redeemer Returned Long Ere This?
At first sight perhaps this inquiry might appear almost irreverent and some may feel inclined to remind us that "secret things belong unto the Lord." In response we would say, It is not in any spirit of idle curiosity nor is it to indulge an inquisitive speculation that we take up this question, but simply because we believe that a humble examination of it will prove profitable to our souls, inasmuch as the answer to our inquiry demonstrates the wisdom and grace of Him with whom we have to do. Of
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Hindrances to Revivals.
Text.--I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you."--Nehemiah vi. 3. THIS servant of God had come down from Babylon to rebuild the temple and re-establish the worship of God at Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' sepulchres. When it was discovered by Sanballat and certain individuals, his allies, who had long enjoyed the desolations of Zion, that now the temple, and the holy city were about to be rebuilt, they raised a great
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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