Then the survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty. Then the survivors came down to the noblesThis phrase highlights the aftermath of a significant battle, where the "survivors" are those who have been preserved by God's providence. The Hebrew word for "survivors" (שָׂרִיד, sarid) often refers to a remnant, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's faithfulness in preserving His people. The "nobles" (אַדִּיר, addir) are the leaders or mighty ones, indicating that those who were left after the battle were not just any people, but those who were esteemed and had a role in leadership. This reflects the divine order and the restoration of leadership after a time of chaos. the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty
Here, "the people of the LORD" (עַם יְהוָה, am Yahweh) signifies those who are in covenant with God, emphasizing their identity as His chosen people. This covenant relationship is central to the narrative of Israel, as it underscores their reliance on God for victory. The phrase "came down to me" suggests a movement towards unity and purpose, as Deborah, the prophetess and judge, calls them to action. The "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor) refers to the formidable enemies they faced, often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors or giants. This juxtaposition of the LORD's people against the mighty illustrates the recurring biblical theme that God empowers the weak to overcome the strong, showcasing His glory and strength through human frailty. Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. 2. BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera. 3. The SurvivorsRefers to the remnant of Israel who survived oppression and came together to fight against their oppressors. 4. The NoblesLikely refers to the leaders or influential figures among the Israelites who played a role in the battle. 5. The MightyRepresents the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, who were considered powerful and formidable. Teaching Points God Empowers the RemnantGod often uses a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes. We should not underestimate the power of a small, committed group of believers. Leadership and ObedienceDeborah and Barak's account emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and obedience to God's call, even when facing overwhelming odds. Divine InterventionThe victory over the mighty Canaanites was not due to Israel's strength but God's intervention. We should rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. Unity Among BelieversThe coming together of the survivors and nobles highlights the strength found in unity. The church today should strive for unity in purpose and mission. Celebrating God's VictoriesLike Deborah's song, we should remember and celebrate the victories God grants us, using them as testimonies of His faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Deborah and Barak challenge our understanding of leadership and gender roles in the church today? 2. In what ways can we identify and support the "remnant" within our own communities who are faithfully following God's call? 3. How can we apply the principle of divine intervention in our personal battles and challenges? 4. What steps can we take to promote unity among believers in our local church or community? 5. How can we incorporate the practice of celebrating God's victories into our daily lives and spiritual disciplines? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam, which, like Deborah's song, celebrates God's deliverance and victory over enemies. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, illustrating how God empowers the seemingly weak to overcome the mighty. Psalm 18A psalm of David that praises God for deliverance from enemies, similar in theme to Deborah's song. Romans 8:31The assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, reflecting the confidence seen in Deborah's song. Hebrews 11:32-34Mentions Barak among the heroes of faith, highlighting the faith required to trust in God's 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 Caused, Chiefs, Dominion, Doors, Honourable, Lord's, Marched, Mighty, Noble, Nobles, Ones, Remnant, Rule, Strong, Survivors, WarriorsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:13 5723 nobles Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:13-14 7266 tribes of Israel 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 5:13 NIVJudges 5:13 NLTJudges 5:13 ESVJudges 5:13 NASBJudges 5:13 KJV
Judges 5:13 Commentaries
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