07: The Song of Deborah: Blessed is the one who stands in the Lord’s battle! (Judges 5:1 – 31)

After the amazing victory by the power of the Lord, Deborah and Barak sang this song. The song lists those who participated in the battle and those who did not. In conclusion, the author encourages us to participate in the Lord’s work in love.

👉 Read Judges 5:1 - 31

Q1. What is the reason for praise to God? (v7. 9) (hint: remember Barak’s words to Deborah in 4:8) 

They responded to the call for war.

Deborah’s going -> people will gather believing that this is God’s call and that they will win the battle. 

Q2. What encouraged the people to answer the call to war? (4-5, 10-11)

They heard the Lord’s coming to save them (4-5)

They heard the Lord’s previous deeds of victory (10-11)

When they were confirmed of their victory, they willingly gathered. 

Q3. Name six tribes who participated in the war and four tribes who didn’t come to the war. (v12-18)

Ephraim, Benjamin, Makir (a clan of Manasseh), Zebulun, Issachar, Naphtali

Reuben, Gilead (Gad and a part of Manasseh), Dan, Asher

Note that Reuben lived in a remote place from the war.

Judah and Simeon were not mentioned here. They lived in the southern part of the land, far from the battlefield.

Q4. Find two expressions that there was divine intervention in the battle for Israel. (v19-21)

“star” “Kishon River”

Q5. (23-27) The singer puts curses on those living in (           ) because they didn't participate in the war of (            ). He commends (        ) for behaving wisely as a woman who stays in (           ).

The singer puts curses on those living in ( Meros  ) because they didn't participate in the war of ( the Lord ). He commends ( Jael ) for behaving wisely as a woman who stays in ( the tent  ).

Meroz refers to the place near Mt. Tabor which is very close to the battlefield. They lived so close but didn’t participate.

Verses 25 – 27 narrate what Jael did. And verse 31 alludes to the reason for Jael’s blessings; she killed the Lord’s enemy. Verse 30 alludes to what Sisera did to Israel, the Lord’s people; Sisera must be the enemy of the Lord. 

Q6. Who are the three women in this song?

Deborah, 'mother in Israel' (7)

Jael, 'the wife of Hebel' (24)

Mother of Sisera.

The author praised her as the epitome of women who live in tents (24). The women were responsible and accountable for the matters in their tents (houses), children, and family possessions while their husbands worked outside or, especially, went to war. Items in verses 25-26 are the familiar items for women in tents: milk, bowls, curds, tent pegs, and hammers. 

Though her family had a peace treaty with King Jabin, Israel's enemy, breaking the treaty and killing Sisera would benefit her family's safety, as Jabin's defeat in the region appeared inevitable. Jael needed to protect her family by demonstrating that the peace treaty with Israel's enemy was broken by killing Sisera.

Deborah and Jael (a Kenite) worked to protect their families. Sisera's mother stayed home and couldn't do anything for her son, Sisera.

Though no one responds to your call at the beginning of the ministry, as you confirm them of the mighty name and works of the Lord, they will join eventually. Though you don’t have enough resources (8), you will see the victory of the Lord (19 – 21). Don’t be discouraged while doing the Lord’s work!

Participating tribes were commended for following the leaders (13-15). Four tribes were busy with their own business (16 – 17). People in Meroz were cursed for not participating in the Lord’s battle. Jael was blessed because he loved the Lord and actively participated in the Lord’s battle. Stand with the Lord on His battlefield! 

The one who stands with the Lord will be saved.

The one who loves the Lord will shine like the rising sun!