College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Judges 5 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 5
(Song of Deborah and Barak)
Deborah's recognition as a prophetess. In the song ascribed to her and Barak, Deborah rehearses the history of the people of Israel after they came into Canaan. She went back to Sinai which was the place where the Ten Commandments were given. From that day forward God had led them until her day. She made immediate reference to the judgeship of Shamgar (verse six) and described the terrible condition which had prevailed. This deep distress into which Israel had fallen called out to Deborah for rectification.
The muster of the tribes. Deborah went on to describe how various tribes had rallied to her assistance as she saw the things which needed to be straightened out in Israel. Some of the tribes had refused to come to her aid, and she rebuked them for their hesitancy. She especially singled out Meroz for a curse (Judges 5:23).
The battle against Jabin. With some detail this poetic recitation describes the fall of the Canaanites before the Israelites. Deborah and Barak had sung this as a paean. For the time being out of the conflict came victory and moral purification. The inspiring genius of it all was a woman in Israel, the prophetess Deborah, who was assisted by Barak. The two, led by the Holy Spirit, left this ancient song as a reminder of the great victory which God wrought in Israel.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
God provides the leaders. The histories of many nations are replete with eras when national fortunes fell to great depths. Those nations which survived generally rallied behind leaders who arose seemingly just for the occasion. The hand of God's providence can be seen in many of these occurrences, but it is no more clearly seen than in the instances of great crises in the history of Israel. God infused His Spirit into great men and women at crucial times to guide the destinies of Israel. Deborah was such a leader. She asked for the assistance of Barak, and the man from Naphtali stood by her in the time of national crisis.
2.
There is a moment to decide. The song writer has said that once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide. It is then that the strong man chooses the truth whether it be popular or not; the coward turns aside. In Deborah's days there were several tribes singled out for special recognition because they had gladly answered the call to arms. Other tribes had hesitated, and they were rebuked.
3.
Those who love God are outstanding. The final verse of the song of Deborah and Barak is in the form of a prayer. The prayer climaxed the recitation of all that had transpired as Israel was brought to the place where she faced a strong Canaanite king in war. When the victory was won, Deborah prayed for all of Israel's enemies to perish as the Canaanites under Jabin had perished. She also prayed for God to cause all those who loved Him to shine as the sun. Daniel said, And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3).
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 5
1.
Who composed the song?
2.
Who was judge when the highways were unoccupied?
3.
Did Ephraim help Deborah?
4.
Did Benjamin help?
5.
Of what tribe was Barak a member?
6.
By what river were the enemies swept away?
7.
What community was especially cursed?
8.
To whom did Deborah give credit for killing Sisera?
9.
Who was waiting for Sisera's reurn?
10.
How long did Deborah judge?