Translations
Original
Notes
The warriors were from Barak's tribe, Naphtali, and its southern neighbor, Zebulun.
The story of Deborah and Barak, found in both prose (Judges 4) and poetry (Judges 5), describes a major military operation against a significant Canaanite enemy after the initial conquest. Another king named Jabin, who also ruled in Hazor, was defeated earlier by Joshua along with a large northern alliance, and Hazor was burned (see Joshua 11:1–15). Although Joshua 11 and Judges 4–5 are often compared, they have too many differences to be considered accounts of the same battle. Instead, Jabin is likely a dynastic name; it appears in the Mari texts for an even earlier king of Hazor, around 1800 BC.
Events
People
Barak: An Israelite commander who defeated Canaanite forces with Deborah Deborah: Prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory over Canaanites Naphtali: Son of Jacob, founder of the tribe of Naphtali Zebulun: Israelite tribe, son of Jacob and Leah
Places
Kedesh: A Canaanite city, later a Levitical city of refuge in Naphtali
Glossary
Abinoam Armageddon Asher (Tribe) Barak Deborah Family Life and Relations Harosheth-Haggoyim Hazor Ironsmith Jabin Judges, Book of Kishon Mount Tabor Sisera Song of Deborah Tribe of Naphtali Valley of Jezreel Woman Zebulun, Tribe of
Topics
Canaanites: Defeated by the Israelites Deborah: The Prophetess, a Judge of Israel: Inspires Barak to Defeat Sisera Hypocrisy: Jael the Tribe of Naphtali: Chosen from Zebulun to Go with Barak Against Sisera the Tribe of Zebulun: Praised for Assisting Deborah and Barak in Opposing Sisera Tribe of Naphtali: Defeat Sisera Tribe of Zebulun with Barak Against Sisera