She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: 'Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun. She summoned BarakThe phrase "She summoned Barak" introduces us to the prophetess Deborah's authoritative role in Israel. The Hebrew root for "summoned" (קָרָא, qara) implies a calling or proclamation, often used in contexts where divine or authoritative communication is involved. Deborah's summoning of Barak signifies her position as a leader and judge, chosen by God to guide Israel. This reflects the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals, including women, to fulfill His purposes, challenging cultural norms of the time. son of Abinoam
"Son of Abinoam" provides a genealogical context, grounding Barak in his tribal and familial identity. The name "Abinoam" means "my father is pleasant," which may suggest a heritage of favor or blessing. This detail emphasizes the importance of lineage and identity in the biblical narrative, where family ties often play a crucial role in God's unfolding plan. from Kedesh in Naphtali
"Kedesh in Naphtali" locates Barak geographically and tribally. Kedesh was a city of refuge in the territory of Naphtali, one of the northern tribes of Israel. The mention of Kedesh highlights the strategic and spiritual significance of the location, as cities of refuge were places of safety and justice. This setting underscores the theme of divine protection and justice that runs throughout the book of Judges. and said to him
The phrase "and said to him" indicates direct communication, emphasizing the personal and prophetic nature of Deborah's message. In the Hebrew tradition, prophetic speech is often seen as the mouthpiece of God, conveying His will to His people. This underscores the seriousness and divine authority behind Deborah's words. 'Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you
This rhetorical question, "Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you," serves as a reminder of divine authority and previous revelation. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) and "God of Israel" reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people. It suggests that Barak's mission is not merely a human endeavor but a divine mandate, calling him to obedience and faith. Go, deploy your troops on Mount Tabor
"Go, deploy your troops on Mount Tabor" is a direct command, highlighting the strategic and symbolic importance of Mount Tabor. This mountain, located in the Jezreel Valley, was a significant military site. The command to "deploy" (מָשַׁךְ, mashak) implies preparation and readiness for battle, reflecting the biblical theme of God as a divine warrior who leads His people to victory. Take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun
The instruction to "Take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun" specifies the human resources required for the task. The tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun were part of the northern coalition, and their involvement signifies unity and collective action among the tribes of Israel. The number "ten thousand" symbolizes completeness and sufficiency, suggesting that God equips His people with all they need to accomplish His purposes. This call to action reflects the biblical principle of faith in action, where God's people are called to step out in obedience, trusting in His provision and guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel, who played a crucial role in delivering God's message to Barak. 2. BarakSon of Abinoam, a military leader from the tribe of Naphtali, called by God through Deborah to lead Israel against the Canaanite oppression. 3. Kedesh in NaphtaliA city in the territory of Naphtali, serving as Barak's home and a gathering place for the troops. 4. Mount TaborA strategic location where Barak was instructed to deploy his troops, known for its prominence in the Jezreel Valley. 5. Naphtali and ZebulunTwo tribes of Israel whose men were called to join Barak in the battle against the Canaanites. Teaching Points Divine Calling and ObedienceGod often calls individuals to tasks that require faith and courage. Like Barak, we must respond to God's call with trust and action. Role of Women in God's PlanDeborah's leadership as a judge and prophetess demonstrates that God uses both men and women to accomplish His purposes. Faith in ActionBarak's account encourages believers to step out in faith, even when the odds seem insurmountable, trusting in God's promises and commands. Community and CooperationThe involvement of the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people in fulfilling His mission. Strategic ObedienceGod's instructions to Barak to gather at Mount Tabor show that obedience to God's specific strategies is crucial for victory. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Barak's response to God's call through Deborah challenge us to respond to God's calling in our own lives? 2. In what ways does Deborah's role as a leader and prophetess inspire us to recognize and support the gifts and callings of women in the church today? 3. How can Barak's inclusion in the "heroes of faith" in Hebrews 11 encourage us when we face daunting tasks or challenges? 4. What lessons can we learn from the cooperation between the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun about working together as a community of believers? 5. How can we discern and follow God's strategic instructions in our personal and communal lives, as Barak did with the command to gather at Mount Tabor? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3-4Similar to Moses' call, Barak is summoned by God through a prophetess, highlighting the divine initiative in Israel's deliverance. Hebrews 11:32-34Barak is mentioned among the heroes of faith, emphasizing his role in achieving victory through faith and obedience. Psalm 20:7The reliance on God's command rather than military might is echoed in the trust placed in the Lord over chariots and horses. People Abinoam, Barak, Deborah, Ehud, Heber, Hobab, Israelites, Jabin, Jael, Kenites, Lapidoth, Naphtali, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Bethel, Canaan, Harosheth-hagoyim, Hazor, Kedesh, Kedesh-naphtali, Kishon River, Moab, Mount Tabor, Ramah, ZaanannimTopics Abinoam, Barak, Commanded, Commands, Draw, Hasn't, Kedesh, Lead, Mount, Naphtali, Tabor, Ten, Thousand, ZebulunDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 4:1-6 5208 armies Judges 4:1-10 6634 deliverance Judges 4:4-7 5266 conscription Judges 4:4-10 5091 Deborah
5358 judges
7266 tribes of Israel Judges 4:6-7 4260 rivers and streams Library Sin Slain
I want to picture to you to-night, if I can, three acts in a great history--three different pictures illustrating one subject. I trust we have passed through all three of them, many of us; and as we shall look upon them, whilst I paint them upon the wall, I think there will be many here who will be able to say, I was in that state once;" and when we come to the last, I hope we shall be able to clap our hands, and rejoice to feel that the last is our case also, and that we are in the plight of the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Whether the Grace of the Word of Wisdom and Knowledge is Becoming to Women?
Objection 1: It would seem that the grace of the word of wisdom and knowledge is becoming even to women. For teaching is pertinent to this grace, as stated in the foregoing Article. Now it is becoming to a woman to teach; for it is written (Prov. 4:3,4): "I was an only son in the sight of my mother, and she taught me [*Vulg.: 'I was my father's son, tender, and as an only son in the sight of my mother. And he taught me.']." Therefore this grace is becoming to women. Objection 2: Further, the grace …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction …
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation Gamala. Chorazin.
These things determine the situation of Gamala:--1. It was "in lower Gaulon," in which, as we have seen, Bethsaida was. 2. It was "upon the lake [of Gennesaret]." 3. It was "over-against Tarichee." Compare the maps, whether in their placing of it they agree with these passages. Here was Judas born, commonly called 'Gaulanites,' and as commonly also, the 'Galilean.' So Peter and Andrew and Philip were Gaulanites; of Bethsaida, John 1:44; and yet they were called 'Galileans.' While we are speaking …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Miscellaneous Subjects.
Woman's Freedom. The Scriptural right for women to labor in the gospel as exhorters, teachers, preachers, etc., is questioned by many. To deny women such a privilege is contrary to the Christian spirit of equality, and a serious obstruction to pure gospel light. We (male and female) are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28. In the kingdom of grace man and woman are on an equal footing so far as concerns the work of God. To explain some texts that seem to prohibit women from laboring in the gospel …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 4:6 NIVJudges 4:6 NLTJudges 4:6 ESVJudges 4:6 NASBJudges 4:6 KJV
Judges 4:6 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
