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?

And she sent {H7971} and called {H7121} Barak {H1301} the son {H1121} of Abinoam {H42} out of Kedeshnaphtali {H6943}, and said {H559} unto him, Hath not the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} commanded {H6680}, saying, Go {H3212} and draw {H4900} toward mount {H2022} Tabor {H8396}, and take {H3947} with thee ten {H6235} thousand {H505} men {H376} of the children {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321} and of the children {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074}?

She sent for Barak the son of Avino'am, from Kedesh in Naftali, and said to him: "ADONAI has given you this order: 'Go, march to Mount Tavor, and take with you 10,000 men from the people of Naftali and Z'vulun.

She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun.

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not Jehovah, the God of Israel, commanded, saying, Go and draw unto mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Commentary

Context of Judges 4:6

Judges 4:6 introduces the pivotal moment in Israel's deliverance from the oppressive rule of Jabin, King of Canaan, whose army was led by the formidable Sisera. For twenty years, the Israelites had suffered under this tyranny (Judges 4:3). At this time, Deborah, a prophetess and the only female judge of Israel, was leading and judging the people. This verse marks her divine summons to Barak, a military leader from Kedesh-naphtali, to initiate God's plan for victory. It highlights the direct involvement of God in the affairs of His people, providing a strategic command for their liberation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Command and Initiative: The core of this verse is the clear declaration: "Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded?" This underscores that the upcoming battle is not a human initiative but a direct mandate from God. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His active role in the history and deliverance of His people.
  • God's Chosen Leadership: Deborah, as God's spokesperson, demonstrates spiritual authority and courage in conveying the divine message. Barak is called to be the military instrument of God's will. This highlights God's pattern of raising up leaders for specific purposes, as seen throughout the book of Judges (e.g., Judges 3:9).
  • Specific Divine Strategy: The command is precise: "Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun." This detail shows God's meticulous planning and His ability to orchestrate events, even down to the location and the specific tribes involved in the battle.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD God of Israel" (Hebrew: YHWH Elohei Yisrael) is significant. YHWH (often translated as "LORD" in KJV, representing God's covenant name) emphasizes God's personal, self-existent, and covenant-keeping nature. Elohei Yisrael ("God of Israel") reinforces His unique relationship with His chosen people and His active engagement in their history. This divine title lends immense weight and authority to the command given to Barak.

Practical Application

Judges 4:6 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Listen for God's Voice: Just as Deborah heard and conveyed God's command, we are called to be attentive to God's will in our lives, whether through Scripture, prayer, or wise counsel.
  • Obey God's Commands: The verse highlights the importance of obedience to a clear divine directive, even when the task seems daunting. God's commands often come with a specific strategy and the promise of His presence.
  • Embrace Diverse Leadership: God uses various individuals, with different gifts and roles, to accomplish His purposes. Deborah's leadership as a prophetess and judge, and Barak's as a military commander, demonstrate the complementary nature of spiritual and practical leadership working together under God's direction.
  • Trust in God's Strategy: God's plans are often specific and may require faith to follow, even when they seem unconventional. This passage reminds us to trust God's wisdom and power to bring about victory, not relying on human strength alone. The subsequent victory at Mount Tabor was a testament to God's faithfulness to His command.
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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

  • Hebrews 11:32 (6 votes)

    ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

  • Acts 13:47 (5 votes)

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Judges 8:18 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

  • Joshua 19:37 (4 votes)

    And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

  • Joshua 1:9 (3 votes)

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Joshua 21:32 (3 votes)

    And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

  • Psalms 7:6 (3 votes)

    Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me [to] the judgment [that] thou hast commanded.