Judges 4:10

¶ 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.

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.

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

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

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

Judges 4:10 describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israel’s history, detailing the mustering of forces under the leadership of Barak and the prophetess Deborah in preparation for battle against the Canaanite oppressors led by Sisera.

Context

This verse comes directly after the dramatic exchange between Deborah and Barak, where Deborah, acting as God's messenger, commanded Barak to lead Israel against Sisera's formidable army (Judges 4:6). Barak's condition for going was that Deborah accompany him, to which she agreed, though prophesying that the ultimate glory would go to a woman (Judges 4:9). Here, Barak fulfills his part, calling upon the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, known for their fighting prowess and strategic location, to gather at Kedesh. Deborah’s presence with him signifies divine endorsement and assurance of victory, a crucial factor for the morale and faith of the Israelite forces.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Action: Despite initial hesitation, Barak responds to the divine command given through Deborah. This act of calling the tribes demonstrates his obedience and readiness to engage in the Lord's battle.
  • Divine Leadership and Presence: Deborah's accompanying Barak emphasizes that this was not merely a human military endeavor but a divinely ordained one. Her presence symbolized God's leadership and commitment to His people, bolstering Barak's courage and the army's faith. This mirrors the principle of God fighting for His people.
  • Tribal Unity and Response: The specific mention of Zebulun and Naphtali highlights the willingness of these tribes to answer the call to arms, demonstrating a degree of unity and commitment essential for Israel's deliverance. Their bravery is further praised in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:18).
  • Strategic Muster: Kedesh, located in the territory of Naphtali, was a strategic gathering point, preparing the Israelite army for their descent into the plain of Esdraelon where Sisera's forces were positioned.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ten thousand men at his feet" (KJV) conveys a sense of direct command and immediate readiness. It signifies that these men were under Barak's direct authority and prepared to follow his lead into battle, emphasizing the disciplined assembly of the Israelite forces.

Practical Application

Judges 4:10 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us of the importance of responding to God's call, even when it involves daunting challenges or requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Barak's example shows that courage often grows in the act of obedience. Furthermore, it underscores the value of wise counsel and spiritual leadership, as Deborah's presence was instrumental in empowering Barak and the army. For believers today, it serves as an encouragement to trust in God's presence and guidance as we face life's battles, knowing that He often works through human instruments who are willing to obey and unite for a common, righteous cause.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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