O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. O LORDThe invocation of "O LORD" here is a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name signifies God's eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In the Hebrew text, "LORD" is represented by the Tetragrammaton YHWH, which underscores the sacred and personal relationship between God and Israel. This invocation sets the tone for a divine intervention narrative, reminding the reader of God's sovereignty and active role in the history of His people. when You went out from Seir
Seir is a mountainous region associated with Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. The phrase "when You went out from Seir" evokes the imagery of God leading His people, reminiscent of the Exodus journey. Historically, Seir was inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. This reference may symbolize God's dominion over all nations and His ability to transcend geographical and political boundaries to deliver His people. when You marched from the land of Edom
The imagery of God "marching" suggests a military procession, emphasizing His role as a divine warrior. In ancient Near Eastern culture, deities were often depicted as warriors leading their people into battle. The "land of Edom" further reinforces the idea of God moving through territories that were traditionally seen as hostile or foreign to Israel, showcasing His power and authority over all lands. the earth trembled
The trembling of the earth is a common biblical motif associated with theophany, the appearance of God. This phrase suggests a cosmic response to God's presence, indicating that His power is so immense that it causes the very foundations of the earth to shake. In the Hebrew context, such natural phenomena often accompany divine revelation or judgment, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of God's intervention. the heavens poured
The pouring of the heavens can be understood as a metaphor for divine blessing or judgment. In the context of Judges 5, it likely refers to a miraculous downpour that aided Israel in battle. The heavens, often seen as the realm of God, responding to His command, signifies the alignment of creation with the divine will. This phrase underscores the belief that God controls the natural elements to fulfill His purposes. the clouds poured down water
This phrase continues the theme of divine intervention through nature. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, rain was a powerful symbol of life and sustenance, often seen as a direct blessing from God. The "clouds pouring down water" not only signifies God's provision but also His ability to disrupt the plans of Israel's enemies, as rain could turn battlefields into quagmires, hindering chariots and troops. This imagery reinforces the idea that God is actively involved in the deliverance of His people, using even the elements to secure victory. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, depicted as a divine warrior leading His people. The name "Yahweh" emphasizes His covenant relationship with Israel. 2. SeirA mountainous region associated with Edom, often representing the territory of Esau's descendants. It signifies a place from which God’s presence is powerfully manifested. 3. EdomA nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. It is geographically and historically significant as a neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with them. 4. The Earth TrembledThis phrase indicates a theophany, a visible manifestation of God’s presence, often accompanied by natural phenomena. 5. The Heavens PouredSymbolic of divine intervention, where God’s power is demonstrated through nature, such as rain or storms. Teaching Points God’s Sovereignty and PowerRecognize that God’s presence is powerful and transformative, affecting both the spiritual and physical realms. Divine Intervention in HistoryUnderstand that God actively intervenes in human history, often using natural events to accomplish His purposes. Covenant FaithfulnessReflect on God’s faithfulness to His covenant people, as He leads and protects them against their enemies. The Fear of the LordCultivate a reverent fear of God, acknowledging His might and authority over all creation. Trust in God’s DeliveranceTrust that God will deliver His people in times of trouble, just as He did for Israel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God marching from Seir and Edom enhance our understanding of His role as a divine warrior? 2. In what ways does the natural world respond to God’s presence, and how can this deepen our reverence for Him? 3. How does the historical context of Edom and Seir contribute to the significance of this verse in the account of Judges? 4. What parallels can we draw between God’s intervention in Judges 5:4 and His actions in other parts of Scripture, such as Exodus 19 or Psalm 68? 5. How can we apply the themes of God’s sovereignty and deliverance in Judges 5:4 to our personal lives and current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19The trembling of the earth at Mount Sinai parallels the imagery in Judges 5:4, where God’s presence causes natural upheaval. Psalm 68This psalm echoes the themes of God marching out and the earth responding, reinforcing the idea of God as a divine warrior. Habakkuk 3The prophet describes God’s majestic power in nature, similar to the imagery in Judges 5:4, highlighting God’s sovereignty over creation. 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 Army, Clouds, Dripped, Dropped, Dropping, Edom, Field, Forth, Heavens, March, Marched, Marchedst, Moving, Poured, Quaked, Region, Seir, Se'ir, Shaking, Shook, Sky, Stepping, Thick, Trembled, Troubled, Wentest, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:4 4293 water
4805 clouds Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:4-5 1454 theophany 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 5:4 NIVJudges 5:4 NLTJudges 5:4 ESVJudges 5:4 NASBJudges 5:4 KJV
Judges 5:4 Commentaries
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