Judges 5 22

Judges 5:22 kjv

Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.

Judges 5:22 nkjv

Then the horses' hooves pounded, The galloping, galloping of his steeds.

Judges 5:22 niv

Then thundered the horses' hooves? galloping, galloping go his mighty steeds.

Judges 5:22 esv

"Then loud beat the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds.

Judges 5:22 nlt

Then the horses' hooves hammered the ground,
the galloping, galloping of Sisera's mighty steeds.

Judges 5 verses

Judges 5 22 Meaning

Judges 5:22 vividly portrays the swift and desperate retreat of the Canaanite army, specifically emphasizing the thunderous sound of their warhorses. The repetition of "pounding" underscores the intensity, speed, and chaotic nature of their flight. Their "mighty ones," referring to their powerful horses, were unable to save them, serving only to carry them away in panic. This image powerfully conveys the complete rout and defeat inflicted upon Sisera's forces by God's hand through Deborah and Barak.

Judges 5 22 Context

Judges 5 is known as the Song of Deborah, a triumphant poetic recounting of Israel's victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, described in Judges 4. After years of oppression by King Jabin of Hazor, God raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, a military leader, to deliver Israel. Judges 4 describes the battle in which God caused the heavens to fight for Israel, flooding the River Kishon and sweeping away Sisera's chariots and men. This verse (5:22) fits within the latter part of the song, specifically describing the frenzied, desperate flight of Sisera's once-mighty chariot army after God intervened. It vividly illustrates their complete demoralization and utter defeat, turning their perceived strength (horses) into an instrument of panicked flight and subsequent demise. This serves to emphasize Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty and power over the pagan gods and the greatest military might of the day.

Judges 5 22 Word analysis

• Then (אָז / 'āz): A temporal adverb, indicating immediate consequence or suddenness. It highlights that what follows is a direct result of the events previously described, specifically the divine intervention causing the rout.

• the horses' (סוּס / sūs): The singular noun is used here but contextually refers to the multitude of horses, specifically Sisera's renowned chariot forces. Horses were a symbol of military strength in the ancient world, especially warhorses.

• hoofs (פַּרְסוֹת / par'sōṯ): Plural of "hoof." This concrete imagery emphasizes the sound and physical action of the animals in their rapid movement. The sound of their hooves would have been deafening in their frantic flight.

• pounded (דָּהֲרוּ / dāhărū): From the verb דָּהַר (dāhar), meaning "to rush, to prance, to gallop, to tramp heavily." This verb has an onomatopoeic quality, mimicking the sound of hooves hitting the ground. It's in the perfect tense, indicating a completed, powerful action.

• Pounding, pounding (דַּהֲר֣וּ דַֽהֲרַת / dāhărū dāhăraṯ): The repetition of the root word (verb daharu followed by the related noun daharat) is a stylistic feature in Hebrew poetry called "infinitive absolute," or more accurately here, a verb followed by its cognate noun in the construct state. This device intensifies the action, emphasizing the relentless, thundering noise and speed of the flight. It creates a vivid auditory image for the listener, conveying the sheer panic and unstoppable rush.

• with the gallop (דַֽהֲרַת / dāhăraṯ): The noun form derived from the same root as "pounded" (dahahar). It means "a gallop, a tramping, a pounding." Its use with "mighty ones" further elaborates the type of motion, reinforcing the idea of a swift, uncontrolled flight.

• of its mighty ones (אַבִּירָֽיו / 'abbîrāv): abbir (אַבִּיר) means "strong, mighty, valiant," and is often used for powerful animals like bulls or horses (as here), or sometimes for mighty men/leaders. Here, it undoubtedly refers to the powerful warhorses of the Canaanite army. The irony is poignant: these "mighty ones," instruments of warfare and symbols of power, are now the very vehicles of the enemy's panicked and inglorious retreat. Their might served only to hasten their defeat, not to avert it.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then the horses' hoofs pounded": Establishes the subject (Canaanite horses) and their intense action (pounding). It immediately immerses the reader/listener in the chaotic sound of battle.
  • "Pounding, pounding, with the gallop of its mighty ones": This is the core of the verse's poetic power. The intensified repetition of "pounding" along with the detailed "gallop of its mighty ones" creates an overwhelming auditory and visual image of panic, disarray, and a stampede. It signifies that the renowned strength and speed of Sisera's chariotry, his "mighty ones," were now turned against him, becoming instruments of his hurried defeat. The very quality that made them fearsome is now deployed in utter rout.

Judges 5 22 Bonus section

The Hebrew poetry in Judges 5 is exceptionally rich, utilizing parallelism, repetition, and onomatopoeia to convey its message. This specific verse exemplifies the dramatic contrast between Sisera's initial military advantage (many chariots, powerful horses) and his complete and utter rout. The focus on the horses' hooves and their desperate gallop not only creates a vivid soundscape of the battle's aftermath but also functions as a final ironic commentary on the reliance of earthly powers on material strength. While chariots and horses represented cutting-edge military technology of that era, they proved useless against the God of Israel, who orchestrated their demise through natural forces and panic. The detailed description of the horses in retreat mirrors other biblical narratives where the powerful arm of man, represented by formidable military units, is shown to be weak against divine intervention (e.g., Pharaoh's chariots at the Red Sea).

Judges 5 22 Commentary

Judges 5:22 is a powerful poetic snapshot of the utter panic and ignominious defeat of Sisera's charioteer army. Following the divine intervention (hailstones, overflowing Kishon) that threw their ranks into disarray, this verse captures the moment of their headlong flight. The repeated use of "pounded" and the onomatopoeic Hebrew word itself evokes the terrifying, thunderous sound of thousands of warhorse hooves desperately trying to escape the wrath of Yahweh. The "mighty ones" - a reference to the powerful Canaanite horses – signifies the very source of Sisera's confidence and military superiority. Yet, these symbols of power become instruments of their masters' swift downfall, underscoring the biblical truth that reliance on human strength, no matter how formidable, is ultimately futile against the sovereign power of God. This verse serves as a declaration of God's supremacy over all earthly forces and idols, transforming the symbol of enemy might into a testament of their defeat.