The song of Deborah and Barak.
1THEN sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
2Praise ye the LORD for the 1avenging of 2Israel, when the 3people willingly offered themselves.
1 Because He hath fully avenged Himself and His people on His and their enemies.
2 Other, for, or by Israel.
3 Zebulon and Naphtali. See verse 18; Judges 4:10; together with some other tribes. See verses 14, 15.
3Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
4LORD, when thou 4wentest out of 5Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth 6trembled,a and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
4 Going before, and leading Thy people by the pillar of cloud.
5 Carrying Thy people from Mount Hor, (after the victory over king Arad of the Canaanites) along the borders of the Edomites, who denied them passage through their country, towards the land of the kings, Sihon and Og, to destroy them, and to bring Israel into the land of promise. See Num. 20:21; 21:4, etc.
6 It was as if all creatures from beneath and from above were amazed at Thy coming and presence. Compare Psalm 68:7, 8.
a Psalm 68:7, 8.
5Theb7mountains melted from before the LORD, 8even that Sinaic from before the LORD God of Israel.
b Psalm 68:14, 15, 16; 97:5.
7 It was so, or at least seemed not otherwise, as if such things had happened. Compare Psalm 68:14, 15, 16:97:5. This may also be applied to the heathen nations, the Amorites and Canaanites, dwelling in the mountains, who, by reason of Israel’s coming against them and of the great and mighty acts of God of which they heard, trembled and quaked. Compare Deut. 2:25; Joshua 5:1.
8 All that they left behind them, as Sinai, as also the places to which they went, stood amazed; or, likewise as Sinai had done at the time when God gave His law. Compare Psalm 68:8.
c Exod. 19:18.
6In the days of 9Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of 10Jael, the highways were 11unoccupied, and the 12travellers walked through byways.
9 See Judges 3:31.
10 See Judges 4:21, etc.
11 That is, the common roads or high-ways could not be used or frequented, by reason of thieves and robbers.
12 Hebr. the walkers of paths, that is, they, who were wont to use or ply the common roads, sought out hard and difficult by-ways, to escape highway-men and enemies.
7The inhabitants of the 13villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a 14mother in Israel.
13 Places without walls, as towns, villages, hamlets, because no man could dwell safe and secure there, thus they fell to ruin, and lay waste and uninhabited. Other, the husbandman, or the country people, inhabitants of villages, or towns-folk.
14 Who, as a prophetess, has instructed the people, being my disciples or scholars (who in Scripture are called the children of the prophets) touching the will of God, and, as one of the judges, here with motherly pity and compassion laid to heart the miseries of the subjects and turned away the same.
815They chose 16new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a 17shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
15 Namely, Israel.
16 The idols of the heathen; thus God ever and anon punished them with the inconvenience of conflict and war.
17 They were so without courage and cast down, that no defense could be seen.
9My heart is toward the 18governors of Israel, that offered themselves 19willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
18 The governors of the people, or of the tribes, who made the people willing and courageous by their commands and examples.
19 See verse 2; Judges 4:6, 10.
1020Speak, ye that ride on white 21asses, ye that sit 22in judgment, and walk by the 23way.
20 Other, think, muse on it.
21 As great and honourable persons were wont to do. See Judges 10:4; 12:14.
22 Other, that dwell at Middin; understanding a place where the enemy received the greatest foil. See Joshua 15:61.
23 See verse 6.
1124They that are delivered from the noise of 25archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they 26rehearse the 27righteous acts of the LORD, even the 28righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD 29go down to the gates.
24 Other, because of.
25 That is, soldiers coming on with a great noise to disturb and molest the drawers of waters, by plundering, robbing, and other ways.
26 The Hebrew verb is also found Judges 11:40.
27 That is, the righteous acts of the Lord, whereby He hath avenged His people, and freed them from the oppression of the enemy. Compare 1 Sam. 12:7; Micah 6:5 with the annotation.
28 Hebr. righteousnesses of his (the Lord) village, that is, shown to the villages or country people. Compare verse 6.
29 They were permitted to go in and out at the gates freely and without fear.
12Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead 30thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
30 Hebr. thy captivity.
13Then 31he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD 32made me have dominion over the mighty.
31 That is, the Lord gave unto the remnant of Israel the rule and dominion over the great and eminent ones of the people of Canaan. Other, he gave the dominion of the remaining (enemy) unto the honourable or mighty, great (ones) of the people (of Israel); or, he made the remaining people have dominion over the honourable (ones).
32 Or, giveth me dominion.
14Out of 33Ephraim was there a 34root of them against Amalek; 35after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of 36Machir came down 37governors, and out of Zebulun they that 38handle the pen of the writer.
33 Here Deborah relates how the tribes behaved themselves in this battle; attributing to some praise, to others, shame and disgrace, according to every one’s merit.
34 Some understand this of Deborah, dwelling on Mount Ephraim, Judges 4:5; who, by the grace of God, was as it were the root and origin of all this expedition against the Canaanites, who in respect of their enmity and ruin, may well be compared with Amalek. Others apply it unto Joshua, who also was of Ephraim, and subdued Amalek, Exod. 17:13. Other, whose root is by Amalek; that is, Judah and Simeon, whose beginning extended itself from Mount Ephraim unto Amalek, as appears in comparing Judges 1:16 with 1 Sam. 15:6.
35 That is, the tribe of Benjamin followed also after Thee, O Lord, among the rest of Thy people. Some apply it unto Ephraim, whom Benjamin has followed.
36 That is, the tribe of Manasseh, whose firstborn son was Machir, Joshua 17:1.
37 That is, the elders, and judges of the people.
38 Namely, the people to them. See Judges 4 on verse 6. Other, who drew with the staff or pen of the writer, that is, used the writing pen, or by means of letters or missives, drew the people together or caused them to assemble together. Compare Judges 4 on verse 6.
15And the 39princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent 40on foot into the valley. For the 41divisions of Reuben there were great 42thoughts of heart.
39 Other, my princes.
40 See Judges 4:10, 14.
41 Reuben dwelling on the other side of Jordan, keeping himself as it were separated from his brethren.
42 Or, impressions, purposes, conclusions; that is, they were very slow, dull, drowsy, having (as we say) great wisdom in the brain, and pretending many difficulties, which withheld and hindered them from coming to help their brethren, keeping themselves as neutral between both, having more regard to their own particular than to the common interest. Other, for, or, by reason of Reuben’s separations, there be great thoughts of heart; that is, this causes great reflections and surprises; so in the following verse. Some perceive, that here is extolled the great valor and courage which they had previously manifested in marching over the Jordan on behalf of their brethren, wherewith this slackness of them did not well agree.
16Why abodest 43thou among the 44sheepfolds, to hear the 45bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great 46searchings of heart.
43 O Reuben. This tribe was exceeding rich and abounding in cattle. See Num. 32:1, etc.
44 Or, two rowed folds or sheep-cotes. The Hebrew word seems to relate to this, that the stalls or sheep-cotes were formerly made in two rows, one opposite to the other, (as it is now also usually practiced) between which a man might fitly pass and give to each their due food or nourishment. Other, between two burdens, like an ass, which is laden on both sides, lays himself down to take rest. Compare Gen. 49:14.
45 Or, whistlings, pipings, hissings.
46 See on the previous verse.
1747Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in 48ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his 49breaches.
47 That is, the Gileadites, whereby is understood the half tribe of Manasseh, dwelling on the other side of Jordan. Gilead was a son of Machir. See Joshua 17:1, 3. Otherwise, by Gilead may also be understood Reuben, Gad, and the aforesaid half tribe of Manasseh together, as dwelling in Gilead. See Num. 32:5, 29, 33.
48 The inheritance of Dan and Asher lay for the most part by the sea. See concerning Dan, Joshua 19:40, etc., and concerning Asher also there; verse 24, etc. In this battle these tribes also tarried at home to escape the danger, or to save themselves with their goods in ships, or on high rocks.
49 That is, in cities and villages that were ruined, and not well fenced, or, in creeks which break into the land by the floods of the sea. Other, upon his cliffs, or high rocks.
18Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardedd50their lives 51unto the death 52in the high places of the field.
d risked
50 Or, their souls, and have so jeopardized their lives and persons unto death, that they seemed to despise life, and willingly to offer up themselves for Israel’s deliverance. See of the verb rendered jeoparded, Job 27 on verse 6.
51 Hebr. unto dying.
52 That is, upon mount Tabor, keeping close to Barak, and going down courageously with him to battle. See Judges 4:10, 14.
19The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in 53Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of 54money.
53 Places, pertaining to the half tribe of Manasseh. See Judges 1:27 and compare Joshua 17:11.
54 Or, of silver. Other, they brought not a small piece of silver thence; while they thought to have had a great booty.
20They fought 55from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
55 By these phrases it is intimated, that God fought both from above and beneath by manifold creatures and means against Sisera and his army.
21The river of Kishon 56swept them away, that 57ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast 58trodden down 59strength.
56 Or, swept them, brushed them away, through the violence of the stream, which was caused from above by storm and tempest.
57 Running from the mountain into the brook Kison, as the map shows. Other, the brook of antiquities; that is, the very old brook which was of old, from the beginning, and was made and preserved by God for that end and purpose.
58 That is, despise the power of the enemy. Other, my soul trod upon the strong; trusting through prayer and God’s inspiration, that they as would be trodden down and laid under foot.
59 Hebr. the strength; namely, of the mighty and powerful enemy, who is now laid under our feet.
22Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the 60pransings, the pransings of their 61mighty ones.
60 Or, stamping, trotting, beating (the ground), that is, by reason of their hasty and disordered walk, and running away.
61 Who, being put to flight, sought to escape by the swiftness of their horses, but all in vain.
23Curse ye 62Meroz, said the 63angel of the LORD, 64curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help 65of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against 66the mighty.
62 A city or region near the brook Kison, not far from the place where the battle was fought, on the south-borders of Issachar.
63 Compare Judges 6:11, etc.
64 Hebr. curse cursing.
65 That is, to the help of Israel, which the Lord commanded and appointed. Or, to the help of the Lord’s people: Otherwise it is spoken of God after the manner of man, Who really has no need of anyone’s help.
66 Who followed Barak and Deborah.
2467Blessed above 68women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women 69in the tent.
67 See Gen. 14 on verse 19.
68 Namely, other women; also in the sequel.
69 That is, in her tent, where she had done that praise-worthy act. Or, that dwell in tents.
25He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth 70butter in a 71lordly dish.
70 Other, buttermilk, milk, in which the butter was still present.
71 Hebr. in a bowl of glorious (ones), that is, in such a large bowl as great and mighty men, lords and princes, and other potentates were wont to use.
26She put her 72hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she 73smote off his head, when she had pierced and 74stricken through his temples.
72 Namely, the left hand; or thus: her hands stretched themselves out, the one to the nail, the right hand to the workmen’s hammer.
73 The Hebrew verb is properly used for the levelling off the measures which are too full or heaped up over the top. The meaning is: that she cut off his head.
74 The Hebrew verb rendered here stricken through, signifies properly to change, for good or for evil; and consequently to go through; or, to pierce through, from the one to the other, likewise to destroy.
27At her feet he 75bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down 76dead.
75 On account of pain; or striving to lift up himself, or to raise himself up, but straightway falling down, etc.
76 Hebr. properly wasted; that is, quite ruined, and utterly undone. For here a mighty and proud general, fled on foot, quite disheartened, tired, and hid and covered up by a woman, lay nailed to the ground, bowed, bloodstained and dead.
28The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the 77lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his 78chariots?
77 Or, little peep-window.
78 Hebr. the goings, the feet or footsteps of his chariots.
2979Her wise 80ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
79 Other, every one of her wisest court-ladies answered her.
80 Other, princesses.
3081Have they not sped? have they not 82divided the prey; 83to every man a 84damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet 85for the necks of them that take the spoil?
81 As if she had said: I do ill in looking so soon for them; considering they must first find out and divide the prey, etc.
82 That is, get, meet with.
83 Hebr. for the head of one man, that is, for every head, for every man.
84 Or, sweetheart, wench.
85 Hebr. for the necks of prey; that is, the necks of those, to whom belong the best prey, as officers and commanders, or such as have quit themselves well in the fight, and have gotten good booty, so that a great part belongs to them. Or, them who came behind, and carried the prey upon their necks, or had fetched it with the hazard of their necks.
31So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love 86him be 87as the sun when he 88goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
86 The Lord.
87 That is, let them go on and increase in power and splendor, as the sun arises and goes forth. Compare Isa. 40:31.
88 Or, ariseth.