Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. Kings came, they foughtThis phrase sets the stage for a historical recounting of a battle. The Hebrew word for "kings" is "מְלָכִים" (melachim), indicating rulers or leaders of nations. In the context of ancient Israel, kings often led their people into battle, symbolizing authority and responsibility. The word "fought" comes from the Hebrew "נִלְחָמוּ" (nilchamu), which implies engaging in warfare or conflict. This reflects the constant state of warfare in the ancient Near East, where territorial disputes and power struggles were common. The phrase emphasizes the reality of human conflict and the need for divine intervention. then the kings of Canaan fought
The repetition of "kings" underscores the formidable opposition faced by Israel. "Canaan" refers to the land and its inhabitants, who were often adversaries of the Israelites. The Canaanites were known for their fortified cities and advanced military tactics. This historical context highlights the daunting challenge before Israel, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their victory. The phrase serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face, where the forces of the world often seem overwhelming. at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo
"Taanach" and "Megiddo" are significant archaeological sites in the Jezreel Valley, known for their strategic military importance. "Taanach" (תַּעְנַךְ) was a Canaanite city, and "Megiddo" (מְגִדּוֹ) is famously associated with future prophetic battles (Revelation 16:16). The "waters of Megiddo" likely refer to the Kishon River, which played a role in the battle's outcome. This geographical detail roots the narrative in a real, historical setting, reminding readers of God's sovereignty over time and space. they took no plunder of silver
The phrase "took no plunder" suggests that the victory was not motivated by material gain. In ancient warfare, plundering was common, as victors would seize wealth and resources. The absence of "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) as plunder indicates a divine purpose behind the battle, rather than human greed. This detail highlights the purity of Israel's cause and serves as a metaphor for spiritual victories, where the focus is on God's glory rather than earthly rewards. It encourages believers to pursue righteousness and trust in God's provision. Persons / Places / Events 1. Kings of CanaanThese were the rulers of the various city-states in the region of Canaan. They banded together to fight against Israel. 2. TaanachA city in the territory of Issachar, near the Kishon River. It was a strategic location for battles in ancient times. 3. Waters of MegiddoThis refers to the area around the Kishon River near the city of Megiddo, a significant site for many historical battles. 4. Deborah and BarakThough not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the leaders of Israel who led the battle against the Canaanite kings, as described in the surrounding chapters. 5. The BattleThis event is part of the larger account of Israel's deliverance from Canaanite oppression, highlighting God's intervention on behalf of His people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattleThe victory at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo underscores God's control over the affairs of nations and battles. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority and power in their own struggles. The Futility of Earthly PowerThe kings of Canaan, despite their might and numbers, could not prevail against God's chosen people. This teaches that earthly power and wealth are futile without God's blessing. The Importance of Faithful LeadershipDeborah and Barak's leadership was crucial in rallying Israel to victory. Godly leadership is vital in guiding communities and nations in righteousness. Celebrating God's VictoriesThe Song of Deborah is a reminder to celebrate and remember God's past victories in our lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude and faith. God's Provision and ProtectionThe lack of plunder taken by the Canaanite kings highlights God's provision and protection over His people, assuring believers of His care in times of need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the victory at Taanach reflect God's sovereignty over the nations, and how can this understanding impact your daily life? 2. In what ways does the futility of the Canaanite kings' efforts challenge our reliance on worldly power and resources? 3. How can the leadership of Deborah and Barak inspire you to take on leadership roles in your community or church? 4. What are some ways you can celebrate and remember God's victories in your own life, similar to the Song of Deborah? 5. How does the assurance of God's provision and protection in Judges 5:19 encourage you in your current circumstances, and what other scriptures reinforce this promise? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15The Song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea parallels the Song of Deborah, celebrating God's deliverance. Revelation 16Megiddo is often associated with Armageddon, the site of the final battle between good and evil, drawing a thematic connection to divine victory. Psalm 20This psalm speaks of trusting in the name of the Lord rather than in chariots and horses, similar to the reliance on God seen in Judges 5. 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 Canaan, Carried, Fight, Fought, Gain, Got, Kings, Megiddo, Megid'do, Money, Plunder, Profit, Silver, Spoils, Taanach, Ta'anach, Tanach, Warring, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:19 4363 silver 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 5:19 NIVJudges 5:19 NLTJudges 5:19 ESVJudges 5:19 NASBJudges 5:19 KJV
Judges 5:19 Commentaries
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