Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield. Zebulun was a people who risked their livesThe tribe of Zebulun is highlighted here for their bravery and willingness to put their lives on the line for the cause of Israel. The Hebrew root for "risked" (חרף, charaph) conveys a sense of jeopardy and exposure to danger. Historically, Zebulun was one of the tribes of Israel that settled in the northern part of the Promised Land. Their willingness to engage in battle reflects their commitment to the covenant and their faith in God's deliverance. This phrase serves as an inspiration for believers to be courageous and to trust in God's protection when facing challenges. Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield
Naphtali, like Zebulun, is commended for their valor. The phrase "on the heights of the battlefield" suggests a strategic advantage, as high ground was often crucial in ancient warfare. The Hebrew word for "heights" (מרום, marom) can also imply a place of honor or prominence. Naphtali's participation in the battle signifies their dedication to God's cause and their role in the collective effort to secure Israel's future. This serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as well as the honor that comes from serving faithfully in His plans. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZebulunOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their bravery and willingness to risk their lives in battle. In this context, they are commended for their courage and commitment to the cause of Israel. 2. NaphtaliAnother tribe of Israel, also praised for their bravery. They joined Zebulun in risking their lives on the battlefield, demonstrating their dedication and valor. 3. The Heights of the BattlefieldThis phrase indicates the strategic and dangerous positions that Zebulun and Naphtali took during the battle. It symbolizes the high stakes and the courage required to engage in such a perilous position. 4. The Song of DeborahJudges 5 is a song of victory sung by Deborah and Barak after the defeat of the Canaanite army led by Sisera. It celebrates the bravery and faithfulness of the tribes who participated in the battle. 5. Deborah and BarakLeaders in Israel who played crucial roles in the victory over the Canaanites. Deborah was a prophetess and judge, while Barak was a military leader. Teaching Points Courage in FaithThe example of Zebulun and Naphtali teaches us the importance of courage in our faith journey. They risked their lives for a cause greater than themselves, reminding us to stand firm in our convictions. Unity in PurposeThe collaboration between the tribes highlights the power of unity in achieving God's purposes. We are called to work together as the body of Christ, each contributing our strengths. Trust in God's LeadershipThe victory celebrated in Judges 5 was possible because of trust in God's leadership through Deborah and Barak. We are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and the leaders He appoints. Strategic PositioningJust as Zebulun and Naphtali took strategic positions on the battlefield, we must be willing to take our place in God's plan, even when it requires sacrifice and risk. Celebrating God's VictoriesThe Song of Deborah is a reminder to celebrate and give thanks for the victories God grants us. Gratitude and praise should be integral parts of our spiritual lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the bravery of Zebulun and Naphtali about facing challenges in our own lives? 2. How does the unity of the tribes in Judges 5 inspire us to work together in our communities and churches today? 3. In what ways can we discern and trust in God's leadership in our personal and communal lives? 4. How can we position ourselves strategically in our spiritual battles, and what might that look like in practical terms? 5. Reflect on a recent victory in your life. How can you incorporate gratitude and celebration into your response to God's work? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 4Provides the account context for the battle celebrated in Judges 5, detailing the roles of Deborah, Barak, and the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. Hebrews 11:32-34This passage in the New Testament references the faith of the judges, including Barak, highlighting the faith-driven courage that characterized the actions of Zebulun and Naphtali. Psalm 18:33This verse speaks of God enabling His people to stand on the heights, which can be seen as a metaphor for the divine empowerment experienced by Zebulun and Naphtali. 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 Danger, Death, Deaths, Despised, Exposed, Field, Heights, Jeoparded, Jeopardized, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Places, Risked, Soul, Zebulun, Zeb'ulunDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:18 7266 tribes of Israel Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 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 5:18 NIVJudges 5:18 NLTJudges 5:18 ESVJudges 5:18 NASBJudges 5:18 KJV
Judges 5:18 Commentaries
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