Judges 4:10

KJV

¶ And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Barak {H1301} called {H2199} Zebulun {H2074} and Naphtali {H5321} to Kedesh {H6943}; and he went up {H5927} with ten {H6235} thousand {H505} men {H376} at his feet {H7272}: and Deborah {H1683} went up {H5927} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Barak summoned Z'vulun and Naftali to come to Kedesh. Ten thousand men followed him, and D'vorah went up with him.

Berean Standard Bible

where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him.

American Standard Version

And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh; and there went up ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:10 marks a crucial turning point in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from Canaanite oppression, detailing the obedient response of Barak to Deborah's divine summons. It describes the mustering of ten thousand men from the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali at Kedesh, a strategic location, with the prophetess Deborah accompanying Barak. This verse underscores the immediate preparation for battle, highlighting the critical elements of human obedience, divine leadership, and tribal unity essential for the impending victory against Sisera's formidable forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic interaction between Deborah, Israel's judge and prophetess, and Barak, the military commander. In [Judges 4:6](/judges/4-6 "Judges 4:6 - Deborah's Command to Barak"), Deborah, speaking with divine authority, commands Barak to gather ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them to Mount Tabor to confront Sisera's army. Barak's initial hesitation, expressed in [Judges 4:8](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8 - Barak's Condition"), reveals a need for divine assurance, which Deborah provides by agreeing to accompany him, though prophesying that the ultimate glory of Sisera's defeat would fall to a woman ([Judges 4:9](/judges/4-9 "Judges 4:9 - Deborah's Prophecy Regarding Sisera")). Judges 4:10, therefore, depicts Barak's faithful execution of the divine command, setting the stage for the climactic battle described in the subsequent verses and the triumphal "Song of Deborah" in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"). This act of gathering forces is a direct fulfillment of the Lord's word through Deborah, demonstrating the transition from divine decree to human action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and divine deliverance. Israel was under the harsh dominion of Jabin, the king of Hazor, whose military commander, Sisera, possessed a formidable army, including nine hundred iron chariots ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Israel's Oppression by Jabin and Sisera")). This oppression was particularly severe, lasting twenty years. Kedesh, located in the territory of Naphtali, was a strategic gathering point in the northern part of Israel, offering a defensible position before descending into the Jezreel Valley (Esdraelon), where Sisera's forces were likely arrayed. The mention of Zebulun and Naphtali is significant; these tribes were known for their fierce fighting spirit and their proximity to the conflict zone, and their bravery is specifically lauded in [Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Judges 5:18 - Praise for Zebulun and Naphtali's Courage"). Culturally, the presence of a prophetess like Deborah leading a military campaign was highly unusual, underscoring the extraordinary circumstances and God's willingness to use unconventional means to achieve His purposes, particularly when male leadership faltered.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 4:10 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience and Action** in response to divine command. Despite his initial hesitation, Barak's act of calling the tribes demonstrates his ultimate submission to God's will, mediated through Deborah. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Leadership and Presence**. Deborah's accompaniment of Barak is not merely moral support but a tangible symbol of God's active involvement and endorsement of the military endeavor, bolstering the faith and courage of the Israelite forces, echoing the principle that the Lord fights for His people ([Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for His People")). Thirdly, it showcases **Tribal Unity and Response** in the face of a common enemy. The specific mention of Zebulun and Naphtali highlights the willingness of these tribes to answer the call to arms, demonstrating a crucial, albeit often lacking, unity among the fragmented tribes of Israel. Finally, the strategic gathering at Kedesh underscores the theme of **Divine Strategy and Human Preparation**, where God's plan is executed through human agents who must still engage in practical military preparations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The verb "called" (קָרָא, _qara'_) signifies more than a mere invitation; it implies a formal summons or proclamation. In this context, it denotes Barak's authoritative act of mustering the specified tribes for war, indicating his role as the designated military leader under Deborah's divine guidance. This "calling" is a direct response to Deborah's command, initiating the physical assembly of the army.
* **At his feet (Hebrew, _b'raglav_):** The phrase "at his feet" (בְּרַגְלָיו, _b'raglav_) is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, often signifying being under one's command, following closely, or being subject to one's authority. It does not necessarily mean literally walking behind him, but rather that the ten thousand men were fully assembled, prepared, and ready to follow Barak's lead into battle. It conveys a sense of immediate readiness and disciplined subordination.
* **Went up (Hebrew, _alah_):** The verb "went up" (עָלָה, _alah_) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe movement towards a higher place, whether geographically (e.g., going up to a mountain or a city on a hill) or metaphorically (e.g., going up to Jerusalem for a festival). Here, it likely refers to the ascent to Kedesh, which was situated in the hill country of Naphtali, and subsequently to Mount Tabor, a strategic elevation, indicating a purposeful movement towards the designated battleground.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh;":** This clause details Barak's first act of obedience to Deborah's command. He summons the specific tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, known for their martial prowess and geographical proximity to the northern threat. Kedesh, located in Naphtali, serves as the designated assembly point, a strategic location for rallying forces before engaging the Canaanite army in the lowlands. This act demonstrates Barak's commitment to the divine directive and the initial step in mobilizing Israel's defense.
* **"and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet:":** This part of the verse confirms the successful mustering of a significant fighting force. The "ten thousand men" represent the full complement commanded by Deborah, indicating a substantial and unified response from the tribes. The idiom "at his feet" emphasizes their readiness and subordination to Barak's command, signifying a disciplined and prepared army poised for action. This numerical strength, though seemingly small against Sisera's chariots, was divinely ordained.
* **"and Deborah went up with him.":** This final clause is profoundly significant. It fulfills Deborah's promise to Barak ([Judges 4:9](/judges/4-9 "Judges 4:9 - Deborah's Prophecy Regarding Sisera")) and underscores the divine nature of the campaign. Deborah's presence is not merely moral support but a visible manifestation of God's presence and approval. Her accompanying Barak served to bolster the morale and faith of the Israelite soldiers, assuring them that their leader was acting under direct divine authority and that God Himself was with them in battle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to enhance its narrative impact. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse moves the story forward from the divine command and human hesitation to active preparation for battle. It marks a pivotal moment where the abstract call to arms becomes a concrete assembly of forces. The presence of Deborah "with him" is a powerful **Symbolism**; she embodies divine presence, wisdom, and authority, signifying that this is not merely a human military endeavor but a holy war sanctioned and led by God. Her presence serves as a constant reminder of God's active involvement. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to convey a great deal of information—who, what, where, and with whom—in a compact manner, maintaining a brisk pace towards the inevitable confrontation. The phrase "at his feet" can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (feet) represents the whole (the men fully under his command).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:10 powerfully illustrates the divine-human partnership in God's redemptive work. It reveals that while God initiates and empowers, He often calls His people to active participation, even when facing overwhelming odds. Barak's obedience, despite his initial fear, demonstrates that faith is often expressed through action, and that courage is frequently found in the act of stepping out in reliance on God's presence. Deborah's accompaniment underscores the indispensable role of spiritual leadership and divine enablement in overcoming challenges. The unity of Zebulun and Naphtali, albeit limited, points to the importance of corporate obedience and solidarity within the community of faith for achieving God's purposes. This verse sets the stage for God to display His power, not through human might alone, but through His Spirit working through willing, though imperfect, vessels.

* [Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Judges 5:18 - Praise for Zebulun and Naphtali")
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for His People")
* [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Barak in the Hall of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider our own responses when God calls us to daunting tasks or uncomfortable situations. Like Barak, we may feel inadequate or fearful, but the narrative reminds us that God's presence and guidance, often mediated through wise counsel or spiritual leaders, are sufficient to empower us. The unity displayed by Zebulun and Naphtali underscores the power of collective action and mutual support within the body of Christ. When we unite under God's leadership, even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. This verse encourages us to step out in faith, trusting that God is with us in our battles, providing both the command and the enablement. It reminds us that true victory comes not from our strength but from our obedience to His call and our reliance on His unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "go up" and take action, despite your fears or perceived inadequacies?**
* **How does the presence of spiritual leaders or mentors (like Deborah for Barak) impact your willingness to obey God's call?**
* **What role does unity within your community or church play in facing collective challenges, and how can you contribute to that unity?**
* **How does trusting in God's presence, rather than relying solely on your own resources, change your approach to difficult situations?**

### FAQ
**Why were only Zebulun and Naphtali mentioned as being called by Barak?**

Answer: Zebulun and Naphtali were specifically chosen due to their geographical location in the northern region, making them the most directly affected by Sisera's oppression and strategically positioned for the battle near Mount Tabor. Furthermore, these tribes were renowned for their bravery and willingness to engage in battle, as later celebrated in the "Song of Deborah" in [Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Judges 5:18 - Praise for Zebulun and Naphtali"). Their proximity to Kedesh, the assembly point, also made their mobilization efficient and critical for the immediate conflict.

**What is the significance of the phrase "ten thousand men at his feet"?**

Answer: The phrase "at his feet" is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew, meaning "under his command" or "following him closely." It signifies that the ten thousand men were not merely accompanying Barak but were fully assembled, disciplined, and ready to obey his every command. This emphasizes their complete submission to his authority as the military leader and their readiness for immediate engagement in battle, highlighting the cohesion and preparedness of the Israelite forces.

**Why was Deborah's presence with Barak so crucial, given that Barak was the military commander?**

Answer: Deborah's presence was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it was a direct fulfillment of her prophecy in [Judges 4:9](/judges/4-9 "Judges 4:9 - Deborah's Prophecy Regarding Sisera"), which underscored the divine nature of the campaign. Secondly, her presence served as a tangible symbol of God's active involvement and approval, bolstering Barak's courage and the morale of the entire Israelite army. Barak had explicitly stated he would not go without her ([Judges 4:8](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8 - Barak's Condition")), indicating his reliance on divine assurance. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah represented God's direct leadership, transforming a human military endeavor into a holy war, assuring the Israelites of ultimate victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 4:10, though a narrative of ancient warfare and human leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Barak, called to lead God's people into battle against an oppressor, foreshadows Christ as the supreme Commander and Deliverer of His people. Just as Barak gathered an army to confront Sisera, Christ gathers His church, a spiritual army, to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of sin, death, and the devil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). The reliance of Barak on Deborah's divine presence and word points to the believer's absolute dependence on Christ, who is not merely a prophetess but the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")) and our ever-present Lord ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise to Be With Us Always")). The victory over Sisera, achieved through God's power working through human instruments, anticipates Christ's decisive triumph on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and conquered death itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Ultimately, the call to arms in Judges 4:10, for a specific battle and deliverance, finds its grander echo in the Great Commission, where Christ commissions His followers to go forth, not with swords, but with the Gospel, knowing that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18-19](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-19 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 5:18

Zebulun and Naphtali [were] a people [that] jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.

Judges 5:15

And the princes of Issachar [were] with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart.

Judges 4:14

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

1 Kings 20:11

And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell [him], Let not him that girdeth on [his harness] boast himself as he that putteth it off.

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

1 Samuel 25:27

And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

Exodus 11:8

And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.