Judges 4 10

Judges 4:10 kjv

And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

Judges 4:10 nkjv

And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten thousand men under his command, and Deborah went up with him.

Judges 4:10 niv

There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him.

Judges 4:10 esv

And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh. And 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him.

Judges 4:10 nlt

At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him.

Judges 4 verses

Judges 4 10 Meaning

Judges 4:10 describes the strategic move of the Israelite forces under Barak, as commanded by Deborah. It details Barak’s ascent with ten thousand chosen men to Mount Tabor, with Deborah, the prophetess and judge, accompanying him. This action marks the direct commencement of the military operation against the Canaanite oppressor, Sisera, fulfilling God's divine command and confirming the promised victory through Deborah's presence.

Judges 4 10 Context

Judges 4 falls within the period of the Judges, a time characterized by a repeating cycle of Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through oppression by foreign nations, the Israelites' cry to the Lord, and God raising up a "judge" or deliverer. At this point, Israel has been severely oppressed by Jabin, King of Canaan, and his army commander Sisera, who possessed 900 chariots of iron, for twenty years. Deborah, a prophetess and judge in Israel, received a divine command to send Barak to battle Sisera. Barak, despite God's explicit instruction, showed hesitation and agreed to lead only if Deborah would accompany him. This verse signifies Barak's obedient response to God's command, mobilized at Mount Tabor as the staging ground for the decisive battle, with Deborah fulfilling her promise to be with him. The strategic importance of Mount Tabor is its isolated, cone-shaped summit, which offered a strong defensive position and an excellent observation point over the Jezreel Valley (Esdraelon) where Sisera's forces were positioned, ready for battle.

Judges 4 10 Word analysis

• And: (וְ, wa-) A simple conjunction connecting the prior command and promise to its immediate fulfillment. It shows continuity of the divine plan unfolding.

• Barak: (בָּרָק, Bārāq) Hebrew for "lightning." His name contrasts with his initial reluctance but finds resonance in his subsequent swift execution of the divine command, bringing swift destruction upon the enemy, like a lightning strike. He is recognized later in the hall of faith (Heb 11:32).

• went up: (וַיַּעַל, wayyaʿal) From the root עָלָה (ʿālāh), meaning "to ascend" or "go up." It signifies purposeful movement towards a higher point, a strategic ascent, reflecting the serious and committed nature of the military endeavor.

• with: (עִם, ʿim) Indicates close accompaniment and joint action.

• ten thousand men: (אֲלָפִים אִישׁ, 'ǎlāfîm 'îš) Literally "thousands of men," understood as ten thousand. This number represents a substantial, but not overwhelming, force (compared to Sisera's strength in chariots, Jdg 4:3). It underscores that Israel's reliance was on God's power, not numerical superiority (cf. Psa 33:16-17). These men were gathered primarily from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun (Jdg 4:6, Jdg 5:18), showcasing tribal obedience.

• to Mount Tabor: (אֶל-הַר תָּבוֹר, el Har Tāḇōr) A prominent, strategically important mountain in lower Galilee, overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Its distinct isolated conical shape made it an ideal rallying point and vantage point for military operations. Its selection highlights the tactical intelligence implicit in God's directive.

• and Deborah: (וּדְבֹורָה, ûḏəḇōrāh) Hebrew for "bee." She is God's prophetess and judge. Her accompanying Barak fulfills her earlier promise (Jdg 4:9), assuring him of God's presence and confirming the divine authorization of the campaign. Her participation symbolizes God's direct guidance and leadership over Israel.

• went up with him: (עָלְתָה עִמּוֹ, ʿālĕtāh ʿimmô) Repeats the verb "went up," specifically for Deborah, emphasizing her literal and symbolic ascent. Her personal presence demonstrates courageous faith and solidifies the divine authority backing the military expedition.

• "Barak went up with ten thousand men to Mount Tabor": This phrase signifies the active mobilization of Israel's forces under Barak's leadership, responding to the divine command. It denotes obedience and preparation for war.

• "and Deborah went up with him": This clause emphasizes the vital role of divine presence and spiritual leadership. Deborah's accompaniment signifies God's direct involvement and guarantee of victory, overcoming Barak's initial hesitation through assurance. It transforms a military strategy into a divine expedition.

Judges 4 10 Bonus section

The narrative places a significant emphasis on leadership, demonstrating a rare instance in the Old Testament where a woman (Deborah) not only prophesies but actively participates in military leadership by providing assurance and direction on the ground. This challenged typical patriarchal structures and showed God's use of diverse instruments to accomplish His will. The details of "ten thousand men" highlight that while human effort and strategic gathering are necessary, the ultimate victory remains in God's hands. The specific geography of Mount Tabor being chosen underscores the practical military wisdom that accompanies divine revelation, setting the stage for a dramatic descent and surprise attack, perfectly executed according to God’s plan, demonstrating His power over human technology (Sisera's chariots).

Judges 4 10 Commentary

Judges 4:10 is a pivotal verse marking the transition from divine command and human deliberation to concrete action in the account of Deborah and Barak. Barak’s obedience in assembling ten thousand men and ascending Mount Tabor demonstrates a step of faith following Deborah’s prophetic assurance. The inclusion of Deborah underscores the divine authority and presence behind this military maneuver; her commitment to accompany Barak transformed his hesitation into confident action. Mount Tabor served not merely as a strategic staging ground but also as a visual testament to Israel's rallying point against their oppressor. The choice of 10,000 men, though significant, highlights the biblical theme that victory comes not from overwhelming numbers but from God's presence and power, echoing other accounts where God empowers the weak (cf. Jdg 7:7, 1 Sam 17:47). This verse initiates the climactic engagement, signaling Israel's direct confrontation with Sisera's forces under God's explicit guidance.

• Example for practical usage: A believer facing a daunting task, feeling hesitant like Barak, steps forward when sensing God's direct enablement (symbolized by Deborah's presence) and mobilizing their available resources (the ten thousand men), trusting in divine backing.