Judges 5 1

Judges 5:1 kjv

Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

Judges 5:1 nkjv

Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:

Judges 5:1 niv

On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:

Judges 5:1 esv

Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day:

Judges 5:1 nlt

On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:

Judges 5 verses

Judges 5 1 Meaning

Judges 5:1 marks the solemn beginning of the triumphant hymn known as the Song of Deborah and Barak. Following their decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, Deborah, the prophetess and judge, and Barak, the military commander, collectively intone this inspired song of praise. It signifies a transition from the prose narrative of the military campaign to a poetic theological interpretation and celebration of God's direct intervention and deliverance on that specific day. It is an act of communal worship and declaration of Yahweh's sovereignty and might.

Judges 5 1 Context

Judges 5:1 immediately follows the account in Judges 4, where the Lord used Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, the military leader, to deliver Israel from 20 years of oppressive Canaanite rule under King Jabin and his formidable commander, Sisera. The victory was total, marked by God's supernatural intervention, culminating in Sisera's death at the hand of Jael. Judges 5:1 serves as an introduction to the "Song of Deborah," one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, giving the reader the context for this spontaneous outburst of worship and celebration. It marks a decisive point of national liberation and divine vindication, reflecting the broader cyclical narrative of apostasy, oppression, and divine deliverance characteristic of the book of Judges.

Judges 5 1 Word analysis

• Then (אָז, ’āz): This adverb marks a strong temporal transition. It signals that what follows is an immediate response to the victory detailed in Judges chapter 4, indicating the direct outcome and theological interpretation of those events. It transforms the historical narrative into a divinely inspired, public proclamation.

• sang (יָשִׁרּוּ, yāširū): This is a Piel imperfect plural verb, "they sang" or "they began to sing." The Piel stem often indicates an intensive or causative action. Here, it suggests not just a casual uttering but a deliberate, full-throated performance of a song, often implying public and communal participation. The use of the plural implies a joint effort by Deborah and Barak, likely leading a broader Israelite expression of worship. The act of singing, rather than merely speaking, imbues the thanksgiving with emotional depth and makes it a lasting testimony, common in biblical celebratory acts (Exod 15:1; Num 21:17).

• Deborah (דְּבוֹרָה, D'vora): Meaning "bee," this name suggests industry, community, and sometimes a piercing presence. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah's leadership in this song underscores her unique divinely appointed authority, encompassing both spiritual and judicial roles (Judg 4:4-5). Her prominence in initiating the song highlights the role of prophetic insight in interpreting God's acts.

• and Barak (וּבָרָק, ûvārāq): Meaning "lightning." He was the military general who fought under Deborah's prophetic guidance. His co-authorship/leadership in the song signifies their partnership in the victory and unified expression of gratitude to God. Despite his initial hesitation (Judg 4:8), he now stands united in leading this national anthem of praise, affirming the complete fulfillment of God's plan through him.

• the son of Abinoam (בֶּן-אֲבִינֹעַם, ben-ʼĂḇînōʿam): A common biblical convention for identification, denoting Barak's lineage. Abinoam (meaning "my father is delight" or "my father is pleasantness") serves to ground Barak in his human ancestry, even as he participates in a divinely inspired act.

• on that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, bayyôm hahû’): This temporal phrase emphasizes the specific, immediate, and historical reality of the divine intervention. The song is not a retrospective musing but a fresh outpouring of praise directly connected to the glorious triumph achieved by God's hand, establishing the historical validity of the miracle.

• saying (לֵאמֹר, lē’mōr): This common Hebrew introductory particle prepares the reader for a direct quotation. It transitions the text from narrative description into the poetic content of the song itself (Judges chapter 5), marking it as the spoken words of Deborah and Barak.

• Then sang Deborah and Barak: This phrase emphasizes shared leadership and collective worship. It is a powerful joint action by a spiritual leader (Deborah) and a military leader (Barak), affirming that the victory was orchestrated by God and acknowledged by both divine inspiration and human obedience. The act of "singing" is paramount here; it elevates the declaration beyond simple recounting, infusing it with theological depth, emotional resonance, and lasting mnemonic power, making it an act of public thanksgiving and divine proclamation.

• on that day, saying: This highlights the direct, immediate connection between the miraculous historical event and the song. It stresses that the song is an authentic, Spirit-inspired response to a recent, palpable act of God's deliverance, reinforcing the theological truth that God intervenes tangibly in the lives of His people.

Judges 5 1 Bonus section

• Poetic Transition: This verse signifies a literary shift from the prose account in Judges 4 to a highly poetic, rhythmic, and intricate hymn in Judges 5. This transition is not merely stylistic but theological; the poetry allows for a deeper exploration of God's character and Israel's spiritual responses to His acts.
• Divine Inspiration: The song itself is widely regarded as a prime example of inspired biblical poetry, possibly predating other texts in its linguistic features, offering insights into early Israelite theology and worldview. The "singing" of Deborah, a prophetess, suggests that the song's content flows from divine revelation, not just human jubilation.
• Female Leadership: Deborah's leading role in singing this song, alongside Barak, further reinforces her unique and God-ordained position as a spiritual and civic leader in ancient Israel. She is not just a prophetess or judge, but also a worshiper and the one who vocalizes Israel's corporate praise and theological understanding of their deliverance.
• Historical Significance: "On that day" anchors this inspired worship firmly in history, emphasizing that God's acts are not abstract but concrete, tangible events that provoke immediate, joyful responses from His people. The song thus becomes a crucial theological interpretation of history.

Judges 5 1 Commentary

Judges 5:1 serves as the prologue to one of the most ancient and profound poetic passages in the Hebrew Bible. It marks the shift from the preceding narrative account in Judges 4 to a vibrant, inspired hymn of praise, the "Song of Deborah." This verse declares that this is no mere historical record, but a divinely inspired celebration led by the prophetess Deborah and the military commander Barak. The very act of "singing" underscores its nature as worship and a public testimony, commemorating God's direct intervention and powerful deliverance over Sisera and Jabin. It stands as a powerful testament to Yahweh's active role as a warrior on behalf of His people, highlighting His ability to work through humble and often unexpected vessels to bring about mighty salvation. It also sets the tone for a collective acknowledgment of divine victory, inviting all Israel to join in this act of gratitude.