the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: the voices of the singersIn ancient Israel, music and song were integral to worship and celebration. The Hebrew word for "singers" here is "שָׁרִים" (sharim), which denotes those who sing or chant. This phrase suggests a communal and joyful expression of praise, likely involving both men and women. The singers' voices serve as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and the communal memory of His faithfulness. Historically, singing at significant events was a way to pass down accounts and maintain cultural identity. at the watering places
Watering places were central to community life in ancient times, serving as gathering spots for people and livestock. The Hebrew term "בְּמַשְׁאַבֵּי" (b'mashabei) indicates these were places of sustenance and social interaction. In this context, the watering places become venues for recounting God's deeds, transforming everyday locations into sites of spiritual reflection and testimony. This highlights the integration of faith into daily life, where even mundane activities become opportunities for worship. There they recount the righteous acts of the LORD
The act of recounting, from the Hebrew "יְסַפְּרוּ" (yesapperu), implies a deliberate and detailed narration. The "righteous acts" (צִדְקוֹת, tsidkot) of the LORD refer to His just and faithful interventions on behalf of Israel. This phrase underscores the importance of remembering and proclaiming God's past deliverances, which serve to strengthen faith and encourage future trust in His providence. It reflects a culture deeply rooted in oral tradition, where accounts of divine intervention are passed down through generations. the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel
The phrase "righteous deeds" (צִדְקוֹת, tsidkot) is repeated, emphasizing the moral and covenantal actions of the people. The term "villagers" (פְּרָזוֹן, perazon) refers to the rural inhabitants of Israel, who played a crucial role in the nation's defense and survival. This highlights the partnership between God and His people, where divine acts inspire human response. The villagers' deeds are seen as extensions of God's righteousness, illustrating the call for God's people to live out His justice and mercy in their communities. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates
The "gates" (שְׁעָרִים, she'arim) were not only entry points to cities but also places of judgment, commerce, and public discourse. The phrase "went down" (יֵרְדוּ, yerdu) suggests movement towards a place of action and decision-making. This signifies a transition from recounting past victories to engaging in present responsibilities. The people of the LORD, identified as His covenant community, are called to bring the memory of God's righteous acts into the public sphere, influencing society with His justice and truth. This movement from reflection to action is a call for believers to be active participants in God's ongoing work in the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite army. 2. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelites to defeat Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. 3. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army defeated by the Israelites. 4. The Watering PlacesLocations where people gathered, often serving as community centers for sharing news and recounting events. 5. The GatesSymbolic of the place of authority and decision-making in ancient cities, where leaders and elders would meet. Teaching Points The Power of TestimonySharing accounts of God's righteous acts strengthens faith and community. Just as the Israelites recounted God's deeds at the watering places, we should share testimonies of God's work in our lives. Remembering God's FaithfulnessRegularly recounting God's past faithfulness helps us trust Him in present and future challenges. This practice can be a source of encouragement and strength. Community and WorshipGathering in community to worship and remember God's deeds is vital for spiritual growth. It fosters unity and collective remembrance of God's goodness. The Role of LeadersGod uses leaders like Deborah and Barak to guide His people. We should pray for and support our leaders, recognizing their role in God's plan. Living RighteouslyThe righteous acts of God's warriors remind us of our call to live righteously, acting justly and courageously in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we incorporate the practice of recounting God's righteous acts into our daily lives? 2. In what ways can we support and encourage our spiritual leaders, similar to how Deborah and Barak worked together? 3. What are some modern "watering places" where we can share testimonies of God's work in our lives? 4. How does remembering God's past faithfulness help us face current challenges with faith and courage? 5. How can we ensure that our community gatherings are focused on worship and the remembrance of God's deeds? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam, which similarly recounts the righteous acts of the LORD following a great victory. Psalm 78A psalm that recounts the history and mighty deeds of God, encouraging the people to remember and teach these acts to future generations. Hebrews 11The "Faith Hall of Fame," which includes references to the faith of those like Barak, who acted on God's promises. People Abinoam, Amalek, Anath, Asher, Barak, Benjamin, Dan, Deborah, Heber, Issachar, Jael, Machir, Naphtali, Reuben, Seir, Shamgar, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Edom, Gilead, Jordan River, Kishon River, Megiddo, Meroz, Seir, Sinai, TaanachTopics Acts, Archers, Arm, Deeds, Delivered, Divide, Drawing, Ear, Flocks, Gates, Inhabitants, Laughing, Louder, Marched, Musicians, Noise, Peasantry, Places, Recite, Recount, Rehearse, Repeat, Righteous, Rule, Ruled, Rulers, Shouters, Singers, Story, Towards, Triumphs, Upright, Villages, Voice, Warriors, Watering, Watering-troughs, Water-springs, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:11 1065 God, holiness of
1125 God, righteousness
5196 voice Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:10-11 4859 white Judges 5:11-12 5091 Deborah Library Recreant Reuben
Why satest then among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.'--JUDGES v. 16 (R.V.). I. The fight. The warfare is ever repeated, though in new forms. In the highest form it is Christ versus the World, And that conflict must be fought out in our own souls first. Our religion should lead not only to accept and rely on what Christ does for us, but to do and dare for Christ. He has given Himself for us, and has thereby …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'All Things are Yours'
'They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.'--JUDGES v. 20. 'For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.'--Job v. 23. These two poetical fragments present the same truth on opposite sides. The first of them comes from Deborah's triumphant chant. The singer identifies God with the cause of Israel, and declares that heaven itself fought against those who fought against God's people. There may be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Love Makes Suns
'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.' JUDGES V. 51. These are the closing words of Deborah, the great warrior-prophetess of Israel. They are in singular contrast with the tone of fierce enthusiasm for battle which throbs through the rest of the chant, and with its stern approval of the deed of Jael when she slew Sisera. Here, in its last notes, we have an anticipation of the highest and best truths of the Gospel. 'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Songs of Deliverance
The results which accrued from the conquest achieved by Barak, are upon a small scale similar to those which come to us through the deliverance wrought out by the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall take our text and spiritualize it, viewing its joyous details as emblematic of the blessings granted to us through our Redeemer. Those who went to draw water at the wells after Barak's victory, were no longer disturbed by the robbers who lurked at the fountains for purposes of plunder; and instead of drawing the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 13: 1867 Whether the Orders Will Outlast the Day of Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that the orders of angels will not outlast the Day of Judgment. For the Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:24), that Christ will "bring to naught all principality and power, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father," and this will be in the final consummation. Therefore for the same reason all others will be abolished in that state. Objection 2: Further, to the office of the angelic orders it belongs to cleanse, enlighten, and perfect. But after the Day of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the Redeemer Returned Long Ere This?
At first sight perhaps this inquiry might appear almost irreverent and some may feel inclined to remind us that "secret things belong unto the Lord." In response we would say, It is not in any spirit of idle curiosity nor is it to indulge an inquisitive speculation that we take up this question, but simply because we believe that a humble examination of it will prove profitable to our souls, inasmuch as the answer to our inquiry demonstrates the wisdom and grace of Him with whom we have to do. Of …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Hindrances to Revivals.
Text.--I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you."--Nehemiah vi. 3. THIS servant of God had come down from Babylon to rebuild the temple and re-establish the worship of God at Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' sepulchres. When it was discovered by Sanballat and certain individuals, his allies, who had long enjoyed the desolations of Zion, that now the temple, and the holy city were about to be rebuilt, they raised a great …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 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 5:11 NIVJudges 5:11 NLTJudges 5:11 ESVJudges 5:11 NASBJudges 5:11 KJV
Judges 5:11 Commentaries
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