Judges 5:1-31
Q.1. To whom did the song of Deborah and Barak attribute victory? How did God destroy the chariots and army of Sisera? How did Shamgar and Jael restore confidence in Israel? – (Jdgs.5:1-11, 19-23)
This song was composed by Deborah, in order to bring praise to the Lord, in commemoration of the miraculous victory over a vastly superior enemy (Jdgs.5:1-3 c.f. Jdgs.5:7). The song gave an interesting insight into how Barak and his army were able to defeat Sisera and his iron chariots. It stated that the earth shook, and the battlefield was inundated with torrential rain, which created a quagmire for the enemy chariots (Jdgs.5:4-5, 20-22). God turned the advantage held by the enemy, into an advantage for Israel. The song applauded the courage of two champions. Before Deborah took up the mantel of leadership, Shamgar had delivered Israel – After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel (Jdgs.3:31). Before Jael’s act of bravery in killing the enemy commander, Israel was not safe in its own territories and had turned to other gods (Jdgs.5:6-8 c.f. Jdgs.5:24-27). The song recognised the legendary efforts of Israel’s commanders and their volunteer army (Jdgs.5:10-11).
Q.2. Which tribes formed Barak’s army? Who was honoured for the victory? Why was the mother of Sisera mentioned? Why are those who love God blessed? How long did the peace last? – (Jdgs.5:12-18,24-31 c.f. Prov.4:18)
Though Deborah was from the tribe of Ephraim, Barak belonged to the tribe of Naphtali (Jdgs.4:5-6). They galvanised the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin – to the south, Reuben and Machir (i.e. Manasseh) – east of the Jordan River, and Naphtali, Zebulun, and Issachar – to the north (Jdgs.5:13-16, 18). Deborah was critical of the tribes of Gilead, Dan, and Asher for their refusal to help. (Jdgs.5:17). The song graphically portrayed the pitiful loss for Sisera’s mother (Jdgs.5:28-30). Deborah made mention of the difference between God’s people and their enemies – Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Lord; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might (Jdgs.5:31). Israel was at peace for forty years. NOTE: God had given the tribe of Dan a territory on the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea, occupied by the Philistines (Josh.19:40-48). The question was raised by Deborah – Why did Dan stay in ships? (Jdgs.5:17) i.e. on the coast. Later Dan relocated to Laish on the Litani/Leontes River above the Sea of Galilee/Chinnereth (Jdgs.18:1-2, 7, 27-29; 1 Kgs.12:28-29). In Revelation 7:4-8, the tribe of Dan is missing from the one hundred and forty-four thousand of Israel. Perhaps that is because Dan never possessed their inheritance and relocated to a place not sanctioned by God. It was recorded that – These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of Israel distributed by lot in Shiloh before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting … (Josh.19:51 c.f. Josh.14:1-2). Dan will be restored in the Millennial Kingdom, when Christ reigns (Ezk.48:1,32).