Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulersThis opening phrase of Judges 5:3 is a call to attention, directed towards the leaders of the nations. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שִׁמְעוּ" (shim'u), which is an imperative form, demanding immediate attention and obedience. This is not merely a request but a command that underscores the authority of the speaker, Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. The phrase "give ear" is translated from "הַאֲזִינוּ" (ha'azinu), which carries a connotation of listening with the intent to understand and act. The mention of "kings" and "rulers" indicates that the message is of great importance, transcending local or tribal boundaries, and is meant for those in positions of power and influence. Historically, this reflects the period of the Judges, a time of decentralized leadership in Israel, where God raised leaders to deliver His people. The call to these leaders emphasizes the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the accountability of all rulers to divine authority. I will sing to the LORD
The phrase "I will sing" is a personal declaration of worship and praise. The Hebrew root "אָשִׁירָה" (ashirah) implies a spontaneous and joyful expression of song. This is significant as it reflects the cultural and religious practice of using music as a form of worship and storytelling in ancient Israel. Singing to "the LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is an act of devotion and acknowledgment of God's supreme power and faithfulness. In the context of Judges, this is a response to God's deliverance and victory over the enemies of Israel. The act of singing is both a personal and communal expression, inviting others to join in the celebration of God's mighty acts. It serves as a reminder of the importance of worship in the life of believers, encouraging them to express gratitude and reverence through song. I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel
The repetition of "I will sing" emphasizes the speaker's commitment to continuous praise. The word "praise" is derived from the Hebrew "אֲזַמֵּר" (azamr), which suggests a more structured and formal act of worship, often accompanied by musical instruments. This highlights the organized and intentional nature of worship in Israelite culture. The phrase "the LORD, the God of Israel" identifies Yahweh as the covenant God of Israel, distinguishing Him from the pagan gods of surrounding nations. This declaration reaffirms the unique relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. It serves as a theological anchor, reminding the audience of God's faithfulness to His promises and His role as the divine protector and deliverer. In a broader scriptural context, this phrase underscores the central theme of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the history of His people. It inspires believers to recognize and proclaim God's ongoing work in their lives and 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. She is the primary speaker in this verse, offering a song of praise to God. 2. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelites to victory against Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army. 3. Kings and RulersThe verse addresses the kings and rulers, calling them to listen to the song of praise to the LORD, emphasizing the universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, highlighting His relationship with Israel and His role as their deliverer. 5. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, whom He delivered from the oppression of the Canaanites through the leadership of Deborah and Barak. Teaching Points The Power of PraisePraise is a powerful response to God's deliverance. It acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness, reinforcing our faith and witness to others. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDeborah's call to kings and rulers reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and authorities. Our allegiance to Him should supersede all earthly powers. The Role of Women in God's PlanDeborah's leadership and prophetic role highlight the significant contributions women can make in God's kingdom, challenging cultural norms and expectations. The Importance of TestimonySharing testimonies of God's work in our lives, like Deborah's song, can inspire faith and encourage others to trust in God's power and faithfulness. Obedience and FaithDeborah and Barak's account illustrates the importance of obedience to God's call and faith in His promises, even when facing overwhelming odds. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Deborah's song in Judges 5:3 inspire you to incorporate praise into your daily life, especially in times of victory or deliverance? 2. In what ways can you acknowledge God's sovereignty in your interactions with authority figures or leaders in your community? 3. How does Deborah's role as a leader and prophetess challenge or affirm your understanding of gender roles within the church? 4. Can you identify a time when sharing your testimony of God's work in your life encouraged someone else? How did it impact your faith? 5. Reflect on a situation where you had to step out in faith and obedience to God's call. How did this experience strengthen your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea parallels Deborah's song, both celebrating God's deliverance and victory over enemies. Psalm 47This psalm calls for all nations and rulers to recognize God's sovereignty, similar to Deborah's call for kings and rulers to hear her song of praise. Revelation 15The song of the Lamb, where the redeemed sing praises to God for His mighty works, echoes the theme of singing to the LORD for His deliverance. 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 Attention, Ear, I-to, Kings, Listen, Melody, Music, O, Praise, Princes, Rulers, Sing, SongDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:1-3 5091 Deborah
7963 song Judges 5:1-31 5420 music 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 5:3 NIVJudges 5:3 NLTJudges 5:3 ESVJudges 5:3 NASBJudges 5:3 KJV
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