Are they not finding and dividing the spoil--a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?' ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil’This phrase reflects the ancient practice of dividing plunder after a victorious battle. In the Hebrew context, "spoil" (שָׁלָל, shalal) refers to goods taken by force. Historically, this was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern cultures, where victors claimed the possessions of the defeated. The rhetorical question implies a sense of expectation and routine, suggesting that Sisera's mother and her attendants are confident in his success, unaware of his defeat. ‘a girl or two for each warrior’
This phrase highlights the grim reality of war in ancient times, where women were often considered part of the spoils. The Hebrew word for "girl" (רַחַם, racham) can also mean "womb," emphasizing the dehumanizing view of women as mere objects for reproduction or pleasure. This reflects the moral and spiritual decline during the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). ‘the spoil of dyed garments for Sisera’
Dyed garments were highly valued in ancient times, often signifying wealth and status. The process of dyeing was labor-intensive and costly, making such garments a prized possession. The mention of "dyed garments" (בֶּגֶד צָבוּעַ, beged tzavua) for Sisera underscores the expectation of rich rewards for the commander, further illustrating the materialistic focus of the Canaanite culture. ‘the spoil of embroidered garments’
Embroidery was an art form that required skill and patience, often reserved for the elite. The Hebrew term for "embroidered" (רִקְמָה, rikmah) suggests intricate designs, possibly indicating garments of significant beauty and craftsmanship. This detail highlights the anticipated wealth and luxury that Sisera's mother expects him to bring home, contrasting sharply with his actual fate. ‘double embroidery for the neck of the looter’
The phrase "double embroidery" (רִקְמָה לִצְוָארֵי, rikmah litzva'arei) suggests an even higher level of craftsmanship and value. Such garments would be worn by those of high status, symbolizing honor and prestige. The "neck of the looter" implies that these spoils were intended to adorn those who had taken them by force, reflecting a culture that glorified conquest and material gain. This stands in stark contrast to the values of humility and service that are central to the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. SiseraA Canaanite commander defeated by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak. His defeat is celebrated in the Song of Deborah, which includes Judges 5:30. 2. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. Her song in Judges 5 recounts the victory and the aftermath. 3. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera. 4. JaelThe woman who killed Sisera, fulfilling the prophecy that a woman would defeat him. 5. CanaanitesThe people who oppressed Israel, led by King Jabin and his commander Sisera. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinThe objectification and dehumanization of women in Judges 5:30 highlight the moral decay that accompanies turning away from God. God's JusticeDespite the apparent triumph of evil, God’s justice prevails. Sisera’s defeat is a reminder that God will ultimately judge and defeat wickedness. The Role of WomenThe contrast between the women in Sisera’s camp and Deborah and Jael shows the significant roles women can play in God’s plans. Materialism and VanityThe focus on spoils and garments reflects a misplaced value on material wealth, reminding believers to seek treasures in heaven. Trust in God’s DeliveranceThe Israelites’ victory under Deborah and Barak encourages believers to trust in God’s deliverance, even when facing formidable foes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the portrayal of women in Judges 5:30 contrast with the roles of Deborah and Jael in the same chapter? 2. What does the focus on material spoils in Judges 5:30 teach us about the dangers of materialism and vanity in our own lives? 3. How can the account of Sisera’s defeat encourage us to trust in God’s justice and deliverance in our current struggles? 4. In what ways does the Song of Deborah (Judges 5) parallel other biblical songs of victory, and what can we learn from these parallels? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the victory over Sisera to our understanding of spiritual warfare and the battles we face today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam, which, like the Song of Deborah, celebrates a miraculous victory over oppressors. Psalm 68A psalm that speaks of God as a warrior who scatters His enemies, similar to the themes in Judges 5. Proverbs 31The description of a virtuous woman, contrasting the objectification of women in Judges 5:30. 1 Samuel 2Hannah’s song, which also celebrates God’s deliverance and justice. 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 Apportion, Broidery, Colorful, Colors, Coloured, Colours, Damsel, Damsels, Divers, Divided, Dividing, Double, Dyed, Embroidered, Embroidery, Fair, Female, Females, Finding, Finger-work, Garments, Getting, Girl, Goods, Highly, Ladies, Lady, Maiden, Maidens, Meet, Neck, Necks, Needlework, Needle-work, Pair, Parting, Pieces, Plunder, Prey, Queen, Robes, Sides, Sisera, Sis'era, Sped, Spoil, Spoiler, Spoils, Stuffs, Warrior, WorkedDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:30 5258 cloth
5304 embroidery 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 5:30 NIVJudges 5:30 NLTJudges 5:30 ESVJudges 5:30 NASBJudges 5:30 KJV
Judges 5:30 Commentaries
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