In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. In the days of Shamgar son of AnathShamgar is mentioned briefly in Judges 3:31 as a deliverer of Israel who struck down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. His mention here suggests a time of oppression and instability in Israel. The name "Anath" may refer to a Canaanite goddess, indicating possible cultural influences or syncretism during this period. This era was marked by a lack of centralized leadership, as Israel was ruled by judges rather than kings. in the days of Jael
Jael is celebrated in Judges 4 and 5 for her role in killing Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, with a tent peg. Her actions are seen as divinely inspired, contributing to Israel's victory. The mention of Jael alongside Shamgar highlights the significant roles played by individuals, including women, in God's deliverance of Israel. This period was characterized by God using unexpected people to achieve His purposes. the highways were deserted
This phrase indicates a time of fear and danger, where normal travel and commerce were disrupted due to threats from enemy forces or bandits. The deserted highways symbolize the breakdown of societal order and security, reflecting the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. This situation is reminiscent of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for turning away from God. and the travelers took the byways
Travelers avoiding main roads suggests a strategy to evade danger, indicating a period of oppression and insecurity. This behavior reflects the broader theme of Judges, where Israel repeatedly falls into sin, leading to oppression by surrounding nations. The use of byways instead of highways can symbolize the need for God's people to find alternative paths to safety and deliverance, often through unexpected means or people, as seen in the stories of Shamgar and Jael. Persons / Places / Events 1. Shamgar son of AnathA judge of Israel mentioned briefly in Judges 3:31. He is known for striking down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel from oppression. 2. JaelA heroine in the account of Deborah and Barak, known for killing Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, by driving a tent peg through his temple ( Judges 4:17-22). 3. Highways and BywaysThe highways were the main roads used for travel and trade. During the time of oppression, these roads were deserted due to fear of enemy attacks, forcing travelers to use less frequented paths (byways). 4. The Days of OppressionThis period was marked by fear and insecurity due to the oppression of the Israelites by their enemies, leading to deserted highways. 5. The Song of DeborahJudges 5 is a poetic retelling of the events surrounding the victory over the Canaanites, celebrating God's deliverance through Deborah and Barak. Teaching Points God's Deliverance in Unlikely WaysGod often uses unexpected people and methods to bring about deliverance, as seen with Shamgar and Jael. We should remain open to God's unconventional plans in our lives. Courage in Times of FearThe deserted highways symbolize fear and oppression. As believers, we are called to trust God and act courageously, even when circumstances seem daunting. The Importance of Faithful LeadershipThe leadership of Deborah, Barak, and Jael highlights the impact of faithful leaders who trust in God's promises. We should pray for and support godly leaders in our communities. Trusting God's TimingThe period of oppression was part of God's larger plan for Israel's deliverance. We must trust God's timing and remain faithful during difficult seasons. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Shamgar and Jael inspire you to act courageously in your own life? 2. In what ways can you support and encourage godly leadership within your community or church? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were traveling on "deserted highways." How did you experience God's presence and guidance during that time? 4. How can the contrast between the deserted highways in Judges and the "Highway of Holiness" in Isaiah encourage you in your spiritual journey? 5. What are some practical steps you can take to trust in God's unconventional plans for your life, as seen in the accounts of Shamgar and Jael? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 3:31Provides context for Shamgar's role as a deliverer of Israel, highlighting his bravery and God's empowerment. Judges 4:17-22Details Jael's courageous act, which is celebrated in the Song of Deborah as a pivotal moment in Israel's victory. Isaiah 35:8-10Contrasts the deserted highways in Judges with the future promise of a "Highway of Holiness," symbolizing peace and restoration. Proverbs 3:5-6Encourages trust in God for guidance, relevant to the Israelites' need for divine direction during times of oppression. 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 Abandoned, Anath, Byways, By-ways, Caravans, Ceased, Crooked, Deserted, Highways, Jael, Ja'el, Kept, Paths, Roads, Roundabout, Shamgar, Travelers, Travellers, Unoccupied, Walked, WindingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:6 5505 roads Judges 5:1-31 5420 music 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 5:6 NIVJudges 5:6 NLTJudges 5:6 ESVJudges 5:6 NASBJudges 5:6 KJV
Judges 5:6 Commentaries
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