Awake, awake, O Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, O Barak, and take hold of your captives, O son of Abinoam!' Awake, awake, Deborah!The repetition of "Awake, awake" serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing urgency and divine inspiration. In Hebrew, the word "עורי" (uri) is used, which means to rouse oneself or stir up. This is a call for Deborah to rise to her prophetic and leadership role. Historically, Deborah stands as a unique figure in the Old Testament, a female judge and prophetess in a patriarchal society. Her awakening signifies the stirring of God's spirit within her, urging her to fulfill her God-given mission. Awake, awake, utter a song!
The phrase "utter a song" in Hebrew is "דברי שיר" (dabri shir), which means to speak or sing a song. This is not just any song, but a divinely inspired hymn of victory and praise. In the context of ancient Israel, songs were often used to commemorate significant events and victories, serving as both a historical record and a means of worship. Deborah's song is a celebration of God's deliverance and a reminder of His faithfulness to His people. Arise, Barak
The command "Arise" is directed at Barak, Deborah's military commander. The Hebrew word "קום" (qum) means to stand up or establish. This is a call for Barak to take his place as a leader in the battle against the Canaanite oppressors. Barak's role is crucial, as he is the one who will lead the Israelites into physical battle, while Deborah provides spiritual and prophetic guidance. This highlights the partnership between spiritual leadership and military action in achieving God's purposes. take captive your captives, O son of Abinoam
The phrase "take captive your captives" is a poetic expression of victory. In Hebrew, "שבה שביך" (shovah shivecha) implies turning the tables on the enemy, capturing those who once held you captive. This reflects the reversal of fortunes that God brings about for His people. Barak, identified as the "son of Abinoam," is reminded of his heritage and the legacy of faith and courage he is to uphold. This victory is not just a military triumph but a fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people from oppression. Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel, Deborah was a leader who inspired the Israelites to victory over their oppressors. Her role as a female leader in a patriarchal society is significant and highlights God's use of unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. 2. BarakThe son of Abinoam, Barak was a military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanite army led by Sisera. His partnership with Deborah demonstrates the importance of collaboration and obedience to God's commands. 3. Song of DeborahThis is a victory hymn found in Judges 5, celebrating the triumph of Israel over the Canaanites. It is one of the oldest passages in the Bible and provides insight into the culture and faith of ancient Israel. 4. CanaanitesThe oppressors of Israel during this period, led by Sisera, the commander of their army. Their defeat is a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness to His people. 5. Mount TaborThe location where Barak gathered his troops before the battle against Sisera. It serves as a strategic and symbolic place of God's intervention and victory. Teaching Points Awakening to God's CallJust as Deborah and Barak were called to "awake," we are called to be spiritually alert and responsive to God's direction in our lives. The Power of PraiseDeborah's song reminds us of the importance of praising God for His victories in our lives. Praise is both a response to God's actions and a declaration of faith. Collaboration in God's WorkThe partnership between Deborah and Barak illustrates the strength found in working together under God's guidance. We are encouraged to seek unity and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes. God's Use of the UnexpectedDeborah's leadership challenges societal norms and reminds us that God often uses unexpected people and means to accomplish His will. Victory Through ObedienceBarak's success was tied to his obedience to God's command through Deborah. Our victories in life are often linked to our willingness to follow God's instructions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call to "awake" in Judges 5:12 challenge you in your current spiritual walk? Are there areas where you need to be more alert to God's leading? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise into your daily life, following the example of Deborah's song? 3. How can you foster collaboration and unity in your community or church, similar to the partnership between Deborah and Barak? 4. Reflect on a time when God used an unexpected person or situation to bring about His purposes in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's sovereignty? 5. Consider the role of obedience in achieving victory. How can you ensure that you are listening and responding to God's commands in your life today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea parallels the Song of Deborah, both celebrating God's deliverance and victory over enemies. Psalm 68This psalm echoes themes of God's triumph and the call to praise Him, similar to the exhortation in Judges 5:12. Isaiah 51:9The call to "awake" is reminiscent of God's call to His people to rise up and remember His past deliverances, encouraging faith and action. 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 Abinoam, Abin'o-am, Arise, Awake, Barak, Break, Captive, Captives, Captivity, Deborah, Deb'orah, Lead, O, Prisoner, Rise, Sing, Song, Utter, WakeDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:1-31 5420 music 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 5:12 NIVJudges 5:12 NLTJudges 5:12 ESVJudges 5:12 NASBJudges 5:12 KJV
Judges 5:12 Commentaries
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