Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. Why did you sit among the sheepfoldsThis phrase questions the tribe of Reuben's decision to remain with their flocks rather than join the battle. The Hebrew word for "sheepfolds" is "mishpethayim," which refers to enclosures for sheep. This imagery suggests a place of comfort and routine, contrasting with the call to action. Historically, the tribes of Israel were often agrarian, and their livelihoods depended on livestock. The rhetorical question implies a rebuke for choosing comfort over duty, highlighting a spiritual lesson about the dangers of complacency in the face of God's call. to hear the whistling for the flocks?
The "whistling" or "piping" refers to the sounds shepherds make to gather or direct their sheep. The Hebrew root "shar" can mean to sing or whistle, indicating a pastoral scene. This phrase underscores the tribe's focus on mundane, everyday tasks instead of heeding the urgent call to battle. In a spiritual sense, it challenges believers to prioritize divine purposes over worldly distractions, reminding us that God's call often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. In the clans of Reuben
The "clans of Reuben" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Reuben, as the firstborn of Jacob, had a significant position, yet historically, the tribe often struggled with indecision and a lack of leadership. This context adds weight to the critique, as the tribe's hesitance reflects a broader theme of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities to lead and serve in God's plan. there was great searching of heart
The phrase "great searching of heart" indicates an internal struggle or debate. The Hebrew word "cheqer" means to search or examine, suggesting a deep introspection. This introspection, however, did not lead to action, highlighting a spiritual truth about the necessity of translating conviction into commitment. In a broader biblical context, this serves as a reminder that faith requires not just contemplation but also decisive action in response to God's call. The verse challenges believers to move beyond self-reflection to active participation in God's work. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Known for its pastoral lifestyle, the tribe is criticized in this verse for its inaction during a time of national crisis. 2. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. Judges 5 is a song of victory attributed to her. 3. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera's forces. 4. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army defeated by Deborah and Barak. 5. SheepfoldsEnclosures for sheep, symbolizing the pastoral and perhaps complacent lifestyle of the Reubenites during a time of war. Teaching Points The Danger of ComplacencyThe Reubenites' choice to remain with their flocks rather than join the battle serves as a warning against complacency in our spiritual lives. We must be vigilant and ready to act when God calls us to service. The Importance of UnityThe tribes of Israel were called to fight together against a common enemy. This highlights the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ. Self-ExaminationThe "great searching of heart" among the Reubenites suggests the need for self-examination. We should regularly assess our priorities and ensure they align with God's will. Responding to God's CallWhen God calls us to action, we must respond with faith and courage, rather than hesitating or making excuses. The Consequences of InactionThe Reubenites' inaction serves as a reminder that failing to act when called by God can lead to missed opportunities and spiritual stagnation. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the tribe of Reuben's decision to stay with their flocks reveal about their priorities, and how can this apply to our own lives today? 2. How does the account of Reuben in Judges 5:16 connect with Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:3-4, and what lessons can we learn from this connection? 3. In what ways can complacency manifest in our spiritual lives, and how can we guard against it? 4. How does the unity of the tribes in battle reflect the New Testament teachings on the unity of the church, and what practical steps can we take to foster unity in our own faith communities? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to action by God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the tribe of Reuben's example in Judges 5:16? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:3-4Jacob's blessing to Reuben, highlighting his instability and loss of preeminence, which connects to the tribe's hesitance in Judges 5:16. Numbers 32:1-5The Reubenites' request to settle on the east side of the Jordan, indicating their preference for comfort and security over engaging in the conquest of Canaan. Proverbs 20:4The consequences of laziness and inaction, paralleling the Reubenites' reluctance to join the battle. People Abinoam, Amalek, Anath, Asher, Barak, Benjamin, Dan, Deborah, Heber, Issachar, Jael, Machir, Naphtali, Reuben, Seir, Shamgar, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Edom, Gilead, Jordan River, Kishon River, Megiddo, Meroz, Seir, Sinai, TaanachTopics Abode, Abodest, Bleatings, Boundaries, Campfires, Clans, Districts, Divisions, Flocks, Hast, Hearing, Heart, Herds, Lowings, Nothing, Piping, Pipings, Quiet, Reuben, Sattest, Searching, Searchings, Sheep, Sheepfolds, Sheep-folds, Sit, Tarry, Watchers, Watercourses, WhistlingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 5091 Deborah Judges 5:15-16 5017 heart, renewal Judges 5:15-17 5885 indifference 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 Links Judges 5:16 NIVJudges 5:16 NLTJudges 5:16 ESVJudges 5:16 NASBJudges 5:16 KJV
Judges 5:16 Commentaries
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