Chapter 5 of judges is a poetic account of what is documented in chapter four. One of the ways to celebrate great victories was to sing songs that became part of their oral tradition. They would repeat these songs commemorating the event and its heroes. There is a lot of debate and speculation about who wrote the poem and when it was written. For our purpose, the text flows from chapter four to five as a single narrative. It portrays this as a song being sung by Deborah and Barak.
Judges 5:1-5
There is no substitute for leadership. Those in leadership positions often make the mistake of thinking they have to have all the answers or that their words are special and to be honored above any other. This is the kind of leadership displayed by pagan kings, we even see it in Sisera. True leaders and servants and humble and submitted to God; this is the strongest of leaders.
47It is God who avenges me,
And subdues the peoples under me;
48He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
(NKJV, Psalm 18:47-48; 1982, Thomas Nelson.)
It is God who is glorified by the leaders who committed to Him. These verses describe a theophany going before them into battle. It was God's divine act to thunder and rain on the battlefield. The gushing of water from the mountains and the rain bogged down the chariots. Once again, the nations plotted a vain thing and the Lord showed Himself mighty.
Judges 5:6-9
We get a glimpse of the dark days in which the Israelites lived. Shamgar was a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal period under the Canaanite king. The highways were characterized as vacant because of the danger that was so prevalent. This affected normal trade and the ability to sell their crops and purchase goods made village life difficult.
Deborah is portrayed as a leader and savior, a type of mother caring for Israel. She was offended at the worship of other gods and the compromise leading to the bowing before this king and his gods. The war at the gates speaks to the challenge of the leadership that had remained quiet under oppression. The priests, elders and tribal leaders were seemingly silent. Israel had allowed itself to be disarmed. This is interesting in light of the beginning of chapter three where the Lord would use these nations to test His people; particularly those who had not known war. War would be a survival tool, used by God to preserve His people. The threat of which keeps them safe and arguably preserves their very existence even today. The poem identifies new rulers willing to offer themselves for Israel, willing to fight for freedom.
Judges 5:10-11
Verse ten offers a bit of sarcasm to the silent leaders; the wealthy merchants and those who pretend to be judges but the heart and work of a judge was missing. These folks are sarcastically spoken of as those recounting great deeds of heroism and courage; yet, they remain far from war, far from a battle. The gate was the place was like the community center; a place of politics, of news and even official business was conducted there. The lack of leadership among the prominent men who failed to lead is what is shown here.
Judges 5:12-18
Deborah and Barak are now displayed as the alternative; those of courage, new leadership and saviors sent by God. While Barak's ten thousand were said to have come from Zebulun and Naphtali, we see other tribes shown as joining this coalition to rebel the Canaanites. Ephraim and Benjamin joined them. Machir is thought to be Manasseh and probably means the half tribe on the west side of the Jordan. Issachar joined in. Reuben is seen as considering sending men but failed to respond. Gilead is within Gad and pictured as staying on the far side of the Jordan. Dan stayed home, apparently possessing some of the land prescribed to them along the coast. Asher also stayed home. The faithful tribes that fought for their country are praised while those that stayed home are shamed and chastised.
Judges 5:19-23
A heavenly battle of the gods is seen as thought it were part of the earthly battle. Every battle is a spiritual battle to a degree; God wins the battles he chooses to win. In the end, He wins them all. Sisera was aligned against God's will. The torrent is shown as a weapon of God to even the battlefield, wreaking havoc and bringing Sisera's troops low. The text is a audiovisual treat; you can see and hear the storms setting the stage of the battlefield and hear the horses and their hooves pounding and galloping. This was probably to portray unhitched horses used in an effort to attempt escape.
A curse is announced toward Meroz; they did not come in faith to fight a battle the Lord declared. This is a failure of the test identified in Judges 3.
Judges 5:24-27
Jael is then blessed among women for her courage and action. She acted alone, against the position of her people and the pact her husband had made with Sisera. She is shown luring him in, giving a false sense of security. She is the consummate hostess to the weary. Then she strikes. He fell at her feet; a display of submission. This great warrior and military man was brought to the feet of this woman.
Judges 5:28-30
The scene changes again to show Sisera's mother looking through the window of her home. She wonders where her son is! Why is he so long in returning? Her maids assure her that they dividing the spoil; raping and pillaging the enemy. The wickedness of this military man is seen through the approving eyes of his mother. The riches of the plunder were what drew men to battle and mom benefitted greatly from her son. She was looking forward to the plunder, to nice clothes that were on their way; all the while, her son lay on the floor of Jael's tent with a peg through his head.
Judges 5:31
Deborah gives praise and glory to God. Her declaration that all God's enemies would perish is like Numbers 10:35. Alternately, she declares those who love the Lord would be like the sun. This is light, righteousness and strength.
Deborah, Barak and Jael brought rest to the land. For forty years the land was free from those who would oppress God's people.
© 2015, 2022 Doug Ford, Calvary Chapel Sweetwater
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