Judges 5

31 verses

TL;DR

Deborah and Barak lead a celebratory song that praises God’s deliverance of Israel from the Canaanite general Sisera, emphasizing divine power, heroic deeds, and the pivotal role of women.

Summary

Judges 5 is the Song of Deborah and Barak, a poetic recounting of Israel’s victory over Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army. It opens with praise for God’s intervention and a description of the earth’s trembling as the Israelites marched out of Edom. The song lists the warriors, women, and nations that were part of the battle, and highlights Deborah’s leadership as a mother of Israel. A key moment is Jael’s betrayal and killing of Sisera, which is celebrated as a divine act of justice. The closing verses declare the land’s peace for forty years and praise the Lord for granting victory to those who trusted in Him.

Outline

Praise of God’s deliverance and the earth’s trembling
List of Israel’s leaders, allies, and enemies
The killing of Sisera by Jael and the ensuing victory

Themes

Deliverance through divine interventionWomen's leadership and courageCelebratory worshipMilitary victory

Keywords

deliverancebattlesongpraisedivine powerwomen's courage

People

DeborahBarakSiseraJaelJabinAbinoamShamgarAnath

Places

SeirEdomGileadJabin's campKishon River

Things

MountainsRiversShieldsSwordsChariots

Key Verses

Judges 5:5: Illustrates the earth trembling as God’s power is displayed
Judges 5:21: Describes the river Kishon sweeping Sisera’s forces away
Judges 5:26: Narrates Jael’s killing of Sisera, a pivotal act of divine justice

Questions

How does the song portray God’s role in the battle?
What does Jael’s action reveal about the role of women in biblical warfare?
In what ways does the passage celebrate Israel’s national identity?
How can the theme of divine deliverance be applied to contemporary challenges?

Sentiment

positive
Celebratory tone praising God’s victorious intervention