Judges 4:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:6 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's deliverance from twenty years of Canaanite oppression under King Jabin and his formidable general, Sisera. It records the divine command delivered by Deborah, Israel's prophetess and judge, to Barak, a military leader from Kedesh-naphtali. This verse reveals God's direct initiative and specific strategy for liberating His people, instructing Barak to gather ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and draw them toward Mount Tabor for a decisive confrontation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 4:6 is situated within the cyclical narrative of the Book of Judges, which consistently portrays Israel's pattern of apostasy, divine judgment through oppression, cries for help, and God's raising up of a deliverer. Following the oppression by Jabin, King of Canaan, whose general Sisera possessed 900 iron chariots ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Israel's Oppression by Jabin")), the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. Deborah, uniquely serving as both a prophetess and a judge, was leading Israel during this period, holding court under the "palm of Deborah" ([Judges 4:4-5](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4-5 - Deborah, Judge and Prophetess")). This verse initiates the divine response to Israel's cry, as Deborah, acting as God's mouthpiece, directly summons Barak and relays the Lord's precise instructions for the upcoming battle, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation and deliverance that unfolds in the rest of the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a decentralized Israelite society, frequent external threats, and internal spiritual decline. Canaanite city-states, though often fragmented, posed significant military challenges, especially with advanced weaponry like iron chariots, which gave them a distinct advantage over Israel's largely infantry-based forces. Kedesh-naphtali, Barak's hometown, was in the northern tribal territory of Naphtali, close to the region most affected by Jabin's oppression. Mount Tabor, a prominent isolated mountain in the Jezreel Valley, was a strategic location providing a natural defensive position and an ideal rallying point for tribal forces. The mention of Naphtali and Zebulun highlights the localized nature of the conflict and the need for specific tribal mobilization. Deborah's role as a female judge and prophetess was exceptional in a patriarchal society, underscoring God's sovereign choice of leaders regardless of conventional societal norms or gender. Her authority was derived directly from God, making her command to Barak an undeniable divine imperative.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout the Book of Judges and the Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as the command originates solely from "the LORD God of Israel," not from human strategy or desperation. God actively intervenes in the affairs of His people to deliver them from oppression, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's failures. Secondly, it highlights **God's Use of Chosen Leaders**, both spiritual (Deborah) and military (Barak), to accomplish His purposes. Deborah's courage in delivering the message and Barak's initial reluctance (as seen in [Judges 4:8](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8 - Barak's Condition")) underscore the human element in divine plans and the importance of **Obedience to God's Commands**. Finally, the detailed instructions regarding location and tribal involvement point to **God's Meticulous Planning and Strategic Wisdom**, assuring Israel that their victory would be a result of His divine orchestration, not merely human strength or numbers, a theme echoed in other deliverance narratives like Gideon's victory in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"LORD God of Israel" (Hebrew, _YHWH Elohei Yisrael_):** This composite divine title is profoundly significant. **YHWH** (rendered "LORD" in KJV) is God's personal, covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and active presence in the history of His people. **Elohei Yisrael** ("God of Israel") specifically identifies Him as the God who has chosen Israel, entered into a covenant relationship with them, and is uniquely committed to their welfare. The combination asserts His absolute authority, His covenant obligation to deliver Israel, and the undeniable divine origin of the command.
* **"commanded" (Hebrew, צוה, _tsavah_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative order, not a suggestion or a request. It conveys the weight of a divine imperative, leaving no room for doubt about the origin or the expectation of obedience. The rhetorical question "Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded?" implies that this command was already known or should have been recognized by Barak as a divine directive, perhaps through prior prophetic revelation or a deep spiritual conviction.
* **"draw toward" (Hebrew, משך, _mashak_):** While often translated as "draw" or "drag," in this military context, it implies a strategic movement or leading. It suggests the act of assembling forces and leading them to a specific point. The nuance here is not just "go," but "lead them forth," indicating a deliberate tactical maneuver to gather the troops and position them for battle at Mount Tabor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali,"**: This opening clause establishes Deborah's active role as God's messenger and the initiator of the divine plan. She doesn't wait for Barak; she takes the initiative to summon him. Barak is clearly identified by his lineage and his hometown, grounding the narrative in specific geographical and personal details, making him a tangible figure in the divine strategy.
* **"and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying],"**: Deborah's rhetorical question serves to underscore the divine authority behind the message. It implies that the command is not her own idea but a direct, undeniable mandate from God Himself, perhaps one that Barak was already aware of or had been wrestling with. This phrasing places the burden of obedience squarely on Barak, challenging him to act on what he knows to be God's will.
* **"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 final part of the verse details the specific divine strategy. It includes the objective ("Go and draw toward mount Tabor"), the required force ("ten thousand men"), and the specific tribal composition ("children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun"). This precision highlights God's meticulous planning and His ability to orchestrate events, even down to the location and the specific human agents involved, demonstrating that the victory would be His, not merely a result of human military prowess.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Judges 4:6 is the **Rhetorical Question**: "Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying]...?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to emphasize a point already known or self-evident, thereby strengthening the authority and certainty of the divine command. It serves to underscore that the directive to Barak is not a suggestion from Deborah but an undeniable, pre-existing mandate from God Himself. This device compels Barak to acknowledge the divine origin and the imperative nature of the call. Additionally, the verse employs **Divine Command**, conveying God's direct and authoritative instruction through His prophetess. The specific details of the command also serve as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the battle that will take place at Mount Tabor and indicating the key participants in the upcoming conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:6 is a powerful testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores the truth that God is not a distant deity but one who hears the cries of His oppressed people and orchestrates their deliverance through specific, often surprising, means. The divine command given through Deborah to Barak highlights God's sovereignty over history and His willingness to use human agents, regardless of their perceived strengths or weaknesses, to accomplish His redemptive purposes. This passage illustrates God's initiative in breaking cycles of oppression and His provision of precise strategies for victory, emphasizing that true deliverance comes from Him alone.

* [Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - Moses' Call to Deliver Israel")
* [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - God Calls Gideon to Deliver Israel")
* [2 Samuel 5:23-24](/2_samuel/5-23 "2 Samuel 5:23-24 - God's Strategic Command to David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:6 serves as a profound reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and often initiates His plans through clear, specific commands. Just as Deborah courageously conveyed God's word and Barak was called to obey, we too are called to be attentive to God's voice, whether through the Scriptures, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of godly leaders. The passage challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and trust in God's specific strategies, even when they seem daunting or unconventional from a human perspective. Obedience to a divine command, even when it involves significant risk or requires stepping out in faith, is foundational to experiencing God's deliverance and seeing His purposes unfold. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique roles within God's larger plan, recognizing that He equips those He calls and that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern God's specific commands for our lives today, and what might prevent us from hearing or acknowledging them?**
* **What fears or doubts might arise when faced with a clear divine directive, and how can we overcome them to obey?**
* **In what areas of our lives might God be calling us to "go and draw toward Mount Tabor," requiring us to trust His strategy over our own?**
* **How can we, like Deborah, courageously convey God's truth, or like Barak, act on it, even when it seems challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did Deborah, a woman, issue a military command to Barak?**

Answer: Deborah's role was unique and divinely appointed. Judges 4:4-5 clearly states she was a prophetess and a judge, meaning she was God's spokesperson and held judicial authority over Israel. In a patriarchal society, her leadership was extraordinary, highlighting that God chooses and empowers individuals for His purposes regardless of conventional societal norms or gender. Her command to Barak was not based on her own military expertise but on her direct reception of God's word. She was God's chosen vessel to convey His specific instructions for Israel's deliverance, emphasizing that the authority came from "the LORD God of Israel," not from Deborah herself. This demonstrates God's sovereignty in raising up leaders and His ability to work through anyone He chooses to fulfill His will.

**What was the strategic significance of Mount Tabor in this command?**

Answer: Mount Tabor was a highly strategic location for several reasons. It is an isolated, dome-shaped mountain rising prominently from the Jezreel Valley, offering an excellent vantage point and a natural defensive position. For the Israelite forces, primarily infantry, assembling on a mountain provided a tactical advantage against Sisera's army, which relied heavily on iron chariots that were most effective on flat terrain. The command to "draw toward Mount Tabor" meant gathering the Israelite forces on high ground, forcing Sisera to engage them on terrain unfavorable to his chariots. This choice of location was a key part of God's precise strategy to ensure Israel's victory.

**Why were only the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun specified in the command?**

Answer: The specification of Naphtali and Zebulun was likely due to several factors. Geographically, these tribes were located in the northern regions of Israel, which were directly impacted by Jabin's oppression from Hazor. They were the most immediate and accessible tribal groups to mobilize for a battle in the Jezreel Valley near Mount Tabor. Furthermore, the Book of Judges often highlights the fragmented nature of Israelite tribal cooperation; God's command here focuses on the tribes most directly affected and perhaps most willing or able to respond to the call for deliverance in their immediate vicinity. This specific instruction underscores God's meticulous planning, mobilizing the necessary forces from the relevant regions for the precise strategic location.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 4:6, with its divine command for deliverance through a chosen leader, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the "LORD God of Israel" initiated the plan to free His people from Canaanite oppression, so too did God the Father initiate the grander plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus, to deliver humanity from the far more pervasive oppression of sin and death. Jesus is the ultimate "commander" sent by God, not merely to gather ten thousand men, but to gather all who would believe in Him, from every tribe and nation, into His eternal kingdom. His mission was not to lead a physical army to a specific mountain, but to confront the spiritual enemy on the cosmic battlefield, culminating in His victory on the cross and resurrection. The specific, divine strategy given to Barak foreshadows the perfect, divine strategy of God in Christ, where the ultimate Lamb of God, through His sacrifice, disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")) and triumphed over the one who had the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")). Jesus' call to His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), echoes the divine imperative, but with a spiritual and global scope, promising His abiding presence. He is the true Judge and Deliverer who brings not just temporary relief but abundant and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus, the Giver of Life")), fulfilling God's covenant promises in a way that far surpasses any Old Testament deliverance.

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

Hebrews 11:32

¶ 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

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

¶ 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

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

Joshua 1:9

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

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

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.