Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. Gilead remained beyond the JordanThe region of Gilead, located east of the Jordan River, was known for its rugged terrain and was inhabited by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Hebrew root for "remained" (יָשַׁב, yashab) implies a sense of sitting or dwelling, suggesting a passive stance. Historically, Gilead's geographical separation by the Jordan River may have contributed to its tribes' reluctance to join the battle against Sisera. This phrase highlights the theme of unity and the call for all tribes to participate in God's deliverance, emphasizing the importance of collective action in fulfilling divine purposes. Dan, why did you linger by the ships?
The tribe of Dan was originally allotted land in the central coastal region of Israel. However, due to pressure from the Amorites, they later migrated northward. The mention of "ships" suggests a maritime activity, possibly indicating trade or fishing. The Hebrew word for "linger" (גּוּר, gur) can mean to dwell or sojourn, implying a hesitance or distraction from the call to battle. This rhetorical question serves as a rebuke, questioning Dan's priorities and commitment to the collective cause. It underscores the spiritual lesson of not allowing worldly pursuits to hinder one's participation in God's work. Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors
Asher's territory was along the northern coast of Canaan, a region known for its harbors and trade routes. The Hebrew word for "stayed" (יָשַׁב, yashab) is the same as used for Gilead, indicating a settled or inactive position. The phrase "remained in his harbors" suggests a focus on economic security and comfort over engaging in the national struggle. This highlights the danger of complacency and the temptation to prioritize personal safety over communal responsibility. The verse serves as a call to action, reminding believers of the importance of stepping out in faith and participating in God's redemptive plans, even when it requires sacrifice. Persons / Places / Events 1. GileadA region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. In this context, it represents the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who chose to settle there rather than join the battle. 2. DanOne of the tribes of Israel, originally allocated land in the central coastal region. Here, they are criticized for staying with their ships instead of joining the fight. 3. AsherAnother tribe of Israel, located along the northern coast. They are noted for remaining in their harbors, indicating a lack of participation in the battle. 4. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical and spiritual boundary in Israel, often symbolizing a division between commitment and complacency. 5. The BattleThe context of this verse is the Song of Deborah, celebrating the victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. The tribes' participation or lack thereof is highlighted. Teaching Points Commitment to God's CallThe tribes' reluctance to join the battle serves as a reminder of the importance of responding to God's call with action, not excuses. Unity in the Body of ChristJust as the tribes were expected to unite against a common enemy, Christians are called to work together in spiritual battles, supporting one another in faith. Avoiding ComplacencyThe comfort and security of Gilead, Dan, and Asher can symbolize spiritual complacency. Believers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones to fulfill God's purposes. The Cost of InactionThe tribes' inaction had consequences for their reputation and spiritual legacy. Similarly, failing to act on God's directives can lead to missed opportunities for growth and blessing. Bible Study Questions 1. What reasons might the tribes of Gilead, Dan, and Asher have had for not participating in the battle, and how can we relate this to modern-day excuses for spiritual inaction? 2. How does the decision of Reuben and Gad to settle east of the Jordan in Numbers 32 influence their actions in Judges 5:17, and what does this teach us about the long-term impact of our choices? 3. In what ways can the unity of the tribes in battle serve as a model for unity within the church today? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt called to action but hesitated. What were the consequences, and how might you respond differently in the future? 5. How can we guard against spiritual complacency in our personal lives and within our church communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 32This passage discusses the tribes of Reuben and Gad choosing to settle east of the Jordan, which sets a precedent for their later reluctance to engage in battles west of the Jordan. Joshua 19Details the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, providing context for their maritime activities and their eventual migration northward. Judges 4Provides the account of the battle against Sisera, giving context to the celebration and critique in Judges 5. 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 Abide, Abideth, Abode, Across, Asher, Bays, Beyond, Breaches, Coast, Continued, Coves, Creeks, Dan, Dwelt, Edge, Gilead, Haven, Inlets, Jordan, Kept, Landings, Linger, Sat, Seas, Sea's, Seashore, Sea-shore, Settling, Ships, Shore, Sojourn, Stay, Stayed, Tabernacle, WaitingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:17 5517 seafaring Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 5091 Deborah Judges 5:15-17 5885 indifference 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 5:17 NIVJudges 5:17 NLTJudges 5:17 ESVJudges 5:17 NASBJudges 5:17 KJV
Judges 5:17 Commentaries
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