Judges 5:1-8

1 cecineruntque Debbora et Barac filius Abinoem in die illo dicentes

2 qui sponte obtulistis de Israhel animas vestras ad periculum benedicite Domino

3 audite reges percipite auribus principes ego sum ego sum quae Domino canam psallam Domino Deo Israhel

4 Domine cum exires de Seir et transires per regiones Edom terra mota est caelique ac nubes stillaverunt aquis

5 montes fluxerunt a facie Domini et Sinai a facie Domini Dei Israhel

6 in diebus Samgar filii Anath in diebus Iahel quieverunt semitae et qui ingrediebantur per eas ambulaverunt per calles devios

7 cessaverunt fortes in Israhel et quieverunt donec surgeret Debbora surgeret mater in Israhel

8 nova bella elegit Dominus et portas hostium ipse subvertit clypeus et hasta si apparuerint in quadraginta milibus Israhel

Judges 5:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES 5

This chapter contains a song of praise on account of the victories obtained over Jabin, and his kingdom; after an exhortation to praise is given, and kings excited to attend to it, the majestic appearance of God at Seir, on Sinai, is observed, to raise in the mind a divine veneration of him, Jud 5:1-5; then the miserable state and condition Israel was in before these victories, and therefore had the more reason to be thankful, Jud 5:6-8; the governors, and judges, and the people that were delivered, together with Deborah and Barak, are stirred up to rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, and bless his name, Jud 5:9-13; and those who willingly engaged in the war are praised, and such who were negligent reproved, and some even cursed, Jud 5:14-23; but Jael, Heber's wife, is particularly commended for her exploit in slaying Sisera, Jud 5:24-27; and the mother of Sisera, and her ladies, are represented as wondering at his long delay, and as assured of his having got the victory, Jud 5:28-30; and the song is concluded with a prayer for the destruction, of the enemies of the Lord, and for the happiness and glory of them that love him, Jud 5:31.