Judges 5:1-31

5:1-31 | in a manner similar to Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15), Deborah and Barak sang of God’s triumph over His enemies. Their lyrics outline God’s victory of Israel’s enemies in graphic detail, giving Him all the glory.

5:7 | Deborah’s reference to herself as a mother in Israel could mean simply that she was a woman of influence in the nation; it does not necessarily mean that she bore children. Scripture does not record whether she and her husband, Lapidoth, had children, but Deborah is lauded for her courage and her commitment to God.

5:10-11 | All the people of Israel – from the highest to the lowest – were to tell of God’s mighty deeds and righteous acts on their behalf.

5:16-18 | Like the tribes of Israel, today’s believers are tempted to let the comforts of home (Reuben, Gilead, Asher) or the cares of life (Dan) keep them from engaging in God’s mission. In contrast, Zebulun and Naphtali model the willingness to risk everything, including one’s life, to pursue God’s purposes in the world.

5:19-22 | The mention of the stars and torrent suggests in poetic terms that the forces of nature fought on God’s side. The Canaanite deities that supposedly controlled these forces withered in the face of God’s power.