Keraia
Judges 5

Judges 5:1

The Song of Deborah and Barak · Judges 5:1–31
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Translations

Modern
On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:
Traditional
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
Literal
And Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,
Latin
Cecineruntque Debbora et Barac filius Abinoëm in illo die, dicentes:

Original

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

Notes

Judges 5:1–31

This song, a victory hymn usually credited to Deborah, offers a poetic version of the battle, adding details to the prose account. It is one of the oldest Hebrew poems. It praises the Lord, the tribes who joined the fight, and Jael. It curses those who stayed home, Sisera, and his mother's followers. It contrasts life before Barak's victory, when the Lord's curse was on the land, with the blessings after the warriors' righteous acts. It ends with a prayer that the Lord's enemies will perish like Sisera (Judges 5:31).

Judges 4:1–5:31

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

Parallels

Exodus 15:1–21

People

Abinoam: Father of Barak, the Israelite commander Barak: An Israelite commander who defeated Canaanite forces with Deborah Deborah: Prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory over Canaanites

Glossary

Abinoam Armageddon Barak Book of Jashar Deborah Family Life and Relations Hazor Hebrew Language Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Kishon Music Poetry, Biblical Simeon, Tribe of Song of Deborah Tribe of Naphtali Woman

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks with Songs Barak: A Judge in Israel Country: Love of Deborah: The Prophetess, a Judge of Israel: The Triumphant Song of Epic: Deborah's Song Israel: Under the Judges: Delivered by Deborah, a Prophetess, and Judged Joy of Deborah and the Israelites, when Sisera Was Overthrown Judge: Deborah Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Patriotism: Deborah Patriotism: General Scriptures Concerning Poetry: Epic: Song of Deborah Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Psalms: Song of Deborah, Celebrating Israel's Victory Over Sisera Song: War Thankfulness: To God of Deborah Victories: Celebrated in Song Women: As Poets: Deborah Women: Deborah, a Judge, Prophetess, and Military Leader Women: Patriotic: Deborah