Judges 5 14

Judges 5:14 kjv

Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.

Judges 5:14 nkjv

From Ephraim were those whose roots were in Amalek. After you, Benjamin, with your peoples, From Machir rulers came down, And from Zebulun those who bear the recruiter's staff.

Judges 5:14 niv

Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek; Benjamin was with the people who followed you. From Makir captains came down, from Zebulun those who bear a commander's staff.

Judges 5:14 esv

From Ephraim their root they marched down into the valley, following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the lieutenant's staff;

Judges 5:14 nlt

They came down from Ephraim ?
a land that once belonged to the Amalekites;
they followed you, Benjamin, with your troops.
From Makir the commanders marched down;
from Zebulun came those who carry a commander's staff.

Judges 5 verses

Judges 5 14 Meaning

Judges 5:14 is a descriptive verse within the Song of Deborah, detailing the participation and contribution of specific Israelite tribes—Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir (Manasseh), and Zebulun—to the crucial battle against the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. It highlights their active roles, from military leadership to the mustering of troops, demonstrating the varied involvement of God's people in His victory.

Judges 5 14 Context

Judges chapter 5, known as the Song of Deborah, is a triumphant poetic account following Israel's decisive victory over Jabin, the Canaanite king of Hazor, and his commander Sisera, detailed in Judges chapter 4. This period of Israelite history was characterized by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression by foreign powers, Israel's cry for deliverance, and God raising up a judge to save them. The Canaanite oppression under Jabin and Sisera was particularly harsh, marked by iron chariots that terrorized the Israelites for twenty years.

Deborah, a prophetess and judge, along with Barak, the military commander, led the tribes of Israel against Sisera's superior forces. The battle, fought near the Kishon River, saw a miraculous intervention by God, likely involving a flash flood, that rendered Sisera's chariots useless, leading to a rout and Sisera's death at the hands of Jael. Chapter 5 celebrates this divine deliverance, attributing the victory to God and praising those tribes and individuals who faithfully participated, while implicitly rebuking others who held back. Verse 14 specifically enlists and praises certain tribes for their contributions, showcasing a measure of inter-tribal unity and leadership in response to the divine call to war.

Judges 5 14 Word analysis

• From Ephraim (מֵאֶפְרַיִם - me'Ephrayim): Ephraim was one of the largest and most prominent tribes, centrally located in Israel. Their presence indicates significant involvement in the core effort against the Canaanites, fitting for their historical influence.
• were those whose root is in Amalek (שָׁרְשָׁם בַּעֲמָלֵק - shorsham ba-‘Amalek): This phrase is unique and highly debated among scholars.
  • "root" (shoresh): Can refer to origin, foundation, or even a deep-seated characteristic.
  • "in Amalek" (ba-‘Amaleq):
    • Geographical Interpretation: The most accepted view suggests it refers to a geographic locality. Either a town called "Amalek" within Ephraim's territory, or more broadly, the southern Ephraimite regions that bordered or had historical interactions with Amalekite lands. This implies they were sturdy, battle-hardened individuals, perhaps due to previous encounters with the formidable Amalekites, or that they were from a tough, resilient region.
    • Symbolic/Polemics: It could also implicitly highlight Ephraim’s lineage or earlier conflict. If they came from an area historically affected by Amalekites, their very presence in battle against other enemies showcased resilience and courage. This might subtly underscore God's command to perpetually fight Amalek (Exod 17:16), subtly implying that Ephraim carried a history of fierce, God-sanctioned combat.
• followed by Benjamin (אַחֲרֶיךָ בִנְיָמִין - acharaycha Binyamin):
  • "Benjamin": A small but historically fierce and skilled warrior tribe, known for their left-handed slingers (Jdg 20:16). Their inclusion despite their size emphasizes their military prowess and willingness to participate alongside their tribal kinsmen.
  • "followed by" (acharaycha): Literally "after you." This could mean "following Ephraim," indicating proximity on the battlefield or sequential mention in the Song. It might also imply they were junior to Ephraim, or rallied behind Ephraim's call.
• among your people (בַּעֲמָמֶיךָ - ba-‘ammāmeycha): This likely refers to the "people of Ephraim" or "among Israel your people." It reinforces Benjamin's solidarity with their fellow Israelites in the battle, possibly in proximity to Ephraim's contingent.
• From Machir (מִמָּכִיר - mimMachir): Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh (Num 26:29), representing the half-tribe of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan. Their participation from across the Jordan is noteworthy, showing a broader commitment than just the Western tribes.
• came down commanders (יָרְדוּ מָרְגִים - yarədu margim):
  • "came down": Implies descending from the hills or coming across the Jordan (which is geographically higher relative to the battle plain).
  • "commanders" (margim): The precise meaning of margim (or maraqim) is uncertain. Translations vary widely: "commanders," "governors," "lawgivers," "scribes," or even "scribes who count." The context of a military muster strongly suggests a role in leadership, organizing, or documenting troops for battle, indicating active military contribution and authority.
• and from Zebulun (וּמִזְבוּלֻן - umizzəvûlun): Zebulun was a northern tribe, closely allied with Naphtali (Jdg 4:10). Their active participation was crucial, as the battle itself occurred near their territory.
• those who handle the muster staff (מוֹשְׁכִים שֵׁבֶט סֹפֵר - mōšəkhîm shēvet sōfēr):
  • "handle" (moshkim): Literally "pulling" or "drawing forth," suggesting active engagement.
  • "staff" (shevet): A rod or scepter, symbolizing authority, rule, or a measure.
  • "scribe" (sofer): One who writes, records, counts, or enrolls.
  • Combined meaning: This phrase points to leaders, officers, or scribes who were responsible for enlisting, organizing, and marshalling troops for battle. They likely carried a staff as an emblem of their authority while performing the census or drafting soldiers. Their presence indicates disciplined, organized military effort from Zebulun.

Judges 5 14 Bonus section

The interpretation of "whose root is in Amalek" in Judges 5:14 is one of the most intriguing and debated phrases in the Song of Deborah. Besides the geographical and military-ready interpretations, some ancient and modern scholars have explored a more symbolic connection to Amalek's enduring enmity against Israel (Exod 17). It might be a poetic way of saying that from Ephraim came fierce warriors who, like the Amalekites (God's designated enemy), possessed a tenacious, relentless fighting spirit, but channeled it for God's purposes, against the Canaanites. This would make it a form of powerful paradox or strong imagery, using the very nature of a persistent enemy to describe the inner strength of God's chosen warriors. It serves to emphasize the unexpected sources of divine strength within the tribal ranks, highlighting how God uses different facets of His people to achieve victory.

Judges 5 14 Commentary

Judges 5:14 offers a poignant snapshot of tribal participation in Israel's desperate struggle for freedom. It serves as a tribute to God's ability to rouse His people for His purposes. Ephraim's "root in Amalek" may indicate either their rugged resilience from living near a perennial enemy or a literal geographic link, but either way, it highlights their readiness for fierce combat. Benjamin, though small, displayed its characteristic military fervor by joining the cause. Machir, representing Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, showed a trans-Jordanian commitment to national deliverance, providing leadership figures. Zebulun, critical due to their proximity to the battlefield, contributed those skilled in the vital work of military organization—gathering and directing troops. This verse underscores the theme of a scattered nation, prompted by divine call through Deborah, rallying diverse strengths—from frontline warriors to strategic organizers—to achieve a collective, God-granted victory. It implicitly contrasts with other tribes mentioned later in the song who failed to participate, underscoring the virtue of obedience and unity in God's service.