Judges 5 13

Judges 5:13 kjv

Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.

Judges 5:13 nkjv

"Then the survivors came down, the people against the nobles; The LORD came down for me against the mighty.

Judges 5:13 niv

"The remnant of the nobles came down; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty.

Judges 5:13 esv

Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the LORD marched down for me against the mighty.

Judges 5:13 nlt

"Down from Tabor marched the few against the nobles.
The people of the LORD marched down against mighty warriors.

Judges 5 verses

Judges 5 13 Meaning

Judges 5:13 portrays a crucial moment of divine empowerment and human obedience. It celebrates how the "remnant of the nobles," representing the willing and valiant among Israel's leadership and people, "descended" into battle. This descent was not on their own strength, but initiated and supported by the Lord, as His "people" courageously engaged the "mighty" Canaanite oppressors, ultimately achieving victory by God's hand. It underscores that God's plan is advanced through those who, though potentially few and humble in worldly estimation, choose to align with Him against formidable foes.

Judges 5 13 Context

Judges 5 is known as the Song of Deborah, a poetic recounting and celebration of Israel's victory over the Canaanite forces led by King Jabin of Hazor and his military commander Sisera. This song directly follows Judges 4, which describes the historical narrative of the same events: Israel's 20-year oppression by Canaan, Deborah and Barak's leadership, the reluctant tribes (e.g., Reuben, Gilead, Dan, Asher), and the active participants (Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir, Zebulun, Issachar, Naphtali). The context for Judges 5:13 is a pivotal moment in the song, detailing the active participation of God's people after Deborah's call to arms (v.12). Historically, the Canaanites, with their 900 iron chariots, represented a superior military technology, while the Israelites were largely foot soldiers lacking such weaponry. The song highlights YHWH's direct intervention, causing a flash flood that incapacitated Sisera's chariots, turning the tide of battle. The verse points to the courageous response of some among Israel's leaders and common folk who rose up, empowered by God, against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Judges 5 13 Word analysis

• Then (אָז - az): This adverb signifies a temporal sequence, linking the divine call and awakening mentioned in previous verses (Jdg 5:12) to the resultant action of the people. It implies a moment of direct, decisive response to God's initiative.
• down to the gates (יֵרֶד ... לְאׇדּׅירׅים): "Yered" (יֵרֶד) means "descended" or "went down." This signifies moving from a higher vantage point or a place of security into the plain of battle where the enemy chariots were, indicating courageous engagement. "Gates" (sha'arim) are places of defense, justice, and critical points in a city or region. Here, it could be literal (engaging the enemy at city entrances or strategic passes) or figurative, signifying entering the heart of the conflict. It often refers to engaging the power of the enemy directly.
• the remnant (שְׂרִיד - sâriyd): "Remnant" suggests a portion that survived or, more likely here, a dedicated core or the "few" who were willing and able to participate. In biblical theology, the "remnant" is often a chosen, faithful group through whom God acts. It stands in contrast to the larger group who may have hesitated.
• of the nobles (לְאׇדּׅירׅים - le'addirim): "Addir" (אדיר) means "mighty," "majestic," "noble," or "powerful." Here, it refers to Israel's leaders or key warriors. The phrase "remnant of the nobles" can be interpreted as the dedicated and brave individuals among Israel's leadership who were willing to join the fight, demonstrating humble courage rather than status or inherent might.
• descended (יֵרֶד - yered): This verb is repeated, emphasizing the intentional and collective action. Its repetition reinforces the movement into conflict, showing decisive engagement rather than retreat or hesitation.
• the LORD's people (עָם יְהֹוָה - am YHWH): This is a direct declaration of Israel's covenant relationship with God. They are His chosen people, implying that their actions in battle are not merely political or tribal, but fundamentally connected to their divine identity and purpose. This phrase reinforces that their fight is God's fight.
• descended for Him (יֵרֶד לׅי - yered li): The addition of "for Him" (li - for me, referring to the LORD) is crucial. It underscores that their action was undertaken with God's purpose and power as its driving force. Their descent into battle was for the Lord's cause, aligning their will with His divine will and receiving empowerment from Him. This implies divine ownership of the battle.
• against the mighty (בַּג׮ִבּוֹרִים - ba'gibbôrim): "Gibborim" (גִּבּוֹרִים) refers to powerful warriors or heroes. In this context, it designates Sisera's formidable forces, the mighty Canaanite army that was oppressing Israel. This highlights the apparent power imbalance and emphasizes that God enables His "remnant" to confront and overcome a truly superior foe, demonstrating that physical strength is secondary to divine backing.

Judges 5 13 Bonus section

• Poetic Contrast: The Song of Deborah repeatedly draws contrasts: between the passive tribes and the active ones (Jdg 5:15-17), between Sisera's powerful chariots and God's powerful storm (Jdg 5:20-22), and here, between the formidable "mighty" enemy and the courageous "remnant of nobles." This literary device enhances the message of God's overwhelming power.
• Leadership and Obedience: The mention of "nobles" highlights the willingness of some leadership to actively participate in the dangerous confrontation. This serves as an encouragement for spiritual and civic leaders to take risks in service of God's kingdom, rather than relying solely on position or passive support.
• Voluntary Service: The phrase "descended for Him" emphasizes that their participation was a free and dedicated act. While God fought for them, their active participation and obedience were crucial. This underscores the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in God's redemptive plans.

Judges 5 13 Commentary

Judges 5:13 succinctly captures the spiritual and physical reality of Israel's victory over Sisera. It paints a picture of courageous participation, not necessarily by the strong and numerous, but by a "remnant" and "nobles" who chose to respond to Deborah's call. Their "descent to the gates" represents their bold advance into the heart of the conflict, confronting a powerful and technologically superior enemy. The critical distinction is that this action was "for Him" – meaning "for the LORD." Their strength and resolve came not from their own abilities or numbers, but from their covenant relationship with God and His direct empowerment. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God often chooses to work through the seemingly weak or few to demonstrate His ultimate sovereignty over worldly might, turning ordinary people into instruments of His divine purpose when they commit themselves fully to His will. It celebrates not only the human act of courage but primarily the divine initiative that made such a victory possible.