Judges 5:1

KJV

¶ Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then sang {H7891} Deborah {H1683} and Barak {H1301} the son {H1121} of Abinoam {H42} on that day {H3117}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day D'vorah and Barak the son of Avino'am sang this song:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:1 serves as the solemn and celebratory introduction to the "Song of Deborah," one of the oldest and most significant poetic compositions in the Hebrew Bible. This verse immediately follows the dramatic narrative of Israel's decisive victory over the oppressive Canaanite forces of King Jabin and his formidable general Sisera, a triumph orchestrated by God through the leadership of the prophetess Deborah and the military commander Barak. It marks a pivotal transition from prose narrative to lyrical praise, setting the stage for a profound theological reflection on divine deliverance, human obedience, and the communal expression of gratitude for God's mighty acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:1 directly follows the detailed prose account of the battle in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera"). The transition from narrative to song is a common literary device in the Old Testament, used to commemorate significant divine interventions and to provide a theological interpretation of historical events, much like the [Song of Moses in Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea") after the Red Sea crossing. This shift elevates the victory from a mere historical event to a liturgical act of worship and remembrance, emphasizing its spiritual significance and ensuring its enduring legacy within Israel's collective memory. The song itself, encompassing all of [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah"), provides a parallel, often more vivid and emotionally charged, account of the same events described in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - The Narrative of Deborah and Barak").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set within the turbulent period of the Judges, a time characterized by Israel's cyclical disobedience, subsequent oppression by foreign powers, their cry for deliverance, and God's raising up of "judges" to rescue them ([Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God Raises Up Judges")). For twenty years, Israel had been severely oppressed by Jabin, the Canaanite king of Hazor, whose general Sisera commanded a fearsome army equipped with 900 iron chariots ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Canaanite Oppression")). The Canaanites represented a significant threat, both militarily and culturally, to Israel's nascent identity and monotheistic faith. In this context, Deborah's emergence as a prophetess and judge was extraordinary, highlighting God's ability to use unexpected instruments for His purposes, even in a patriarchal society. The victory described was not merely a military one but a profound demonstration of Yahweh's sovereignty over the gods of Canaan and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** The "Song of Deborah" introduced by this verse is rich with theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it embodies **Praise and Thanksgiving**, giving all glory to God for the victory, acknowledging that it was His power, not human strength, that secured Israel's freedom ([Judges 4:15](/judges/4-15 "Judges 4:15 - The Lord Routes Sisera")). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His faithfulness to rescue them from oppression when they turn to Him. Thirdly, the song serves as a vital act of **Commemoration**, ensuring that the details of the battle and God's miraculous intervention are remembered and passed down through generations, reinforcing Israel's identity as a people saved by God. Lastly, it highlights **Leadership and Obedience**, celebrating the courageous and unique leadership of Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and the eventual obedience of Barak, who, despite initial hesitation, fulfilled his crucial role in God's redemptive plan ([Judges 4:8-9](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8-9 - Barak's Hesitation and Deborah's Response")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sang (Hebrew, _shir_):** The verb "sang" (יָשִׁר, _yashir_) comes from the Hebrew root _shir_, meaning "to sing, chant, or intone." This is not merely a casual utterance but implies a formal, communal, and often liturgical act of praise and celebration. In ancient Israel, songs were powerful vehicles for remembering historical events, expressing theological truths, and engaging in corporate worship. The act of singing after a victory, as seen here and in [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea"), signifies a profound acknowledgment of divine intervention and a public declaration of God's sovereignty.
* **Deborah (Hebrew, _D'vorah_):** Meaning "bee," Deborah is presented as a unique figure in Israel's history—a prophetess and a judge ([Judges 4:4](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4 - Deborah, a Prophetess and Judge")). Her inclusion as a co-author and singer of this song underscores her pivotal role not only as a spiritual and judicial leader but also as a military strategist and a theological interpreter of God's actions. Her presence signifies God's willingness to use anyone, regardless of gender or societal norms, to accomplish His purposes.
* **Barak (Hebrew, _Baraq_):** Meaning "lightning," Barak was the military commander whom Deborah summoned to lead the Israelite forces against Sisera ([Judges 4:6](/judges/4-6 "Judges 4:6 - Deborah summons Barak")). While initially hesitant to go without Deborah ([Judges 4:8](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8 - Barak's Condition")), he ultimately obeyed God's command through Deborah. His co-authorship of the song signifies his crucial role in the victory and the communal nature of the celebration, acknowledging both spiritual and military leadership in the triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam":** This opening clause immediately establishes the context of celebration and the key figures involved. The KJV paragraph marker "¶" signals a significant shift in literary form from prose narrative to poetic composition. The joint singing of Deborah and Barak emphasizes the unity of spiritual and military leadership in Israel's deliverance. Barak is identified by his patronymic, "son of Abinoam," a common way to identify individuals in ancient Near Eastern texts, grounding him in his lineage from Kedesh Naphtali.
* **"on that day, saying":** The phrase "on that day" highlights the immediacy of the celebration following the decisive victory over Sisera and the Canaanites. It suggests a spontaneous outpouring of praise and thanksgiving, a direct response to God's miraculous intervention. The word "saying" introduces the subsequent poetic text, indicating that the entire fifth chapter of Judges is the content of their song, a formal and communal declaration of God's mighty acts.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the stage for the powerful "Song of Deborah." The most prominent is **Genre Shift** or **Poetic Shift**, moving abruptly from the prose narrative of [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - The Narrative of Deborah and Barak") to the archaic, elevated poetry of [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah"). This shift immediately signals to the reader that the following text is not merely a recounting of facts but a deeply spiritual and artistic interpretation of events, meant to be sung, remembered, and celebrated. The use of **Inclusio** is also evident, as the song in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah") provides a poetic retelling of the events of [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - The Narrative of Deborah and Barak"), framing the entire episode of deliverance with both narrative and lyrical accounts. This repetition through different literary forms underscores the profound significance and divine origin of the victory. Furthermore, the verse acts as a powerful **Anticipation**, building suspense and inviting the reader into the heart of the celebration, preparing them for the rich imagery, vivid descriptions, and theological insights contained within the ensuing song.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:1, as the gateway to the Song of Deborah, encapsulates the profound biblical truth that deliverance and victory ultimately belong to the Lord. The act of singing is not merely an emotional response but a theological declaration, a public acknowledgment that God alone is the source of salvation and the one who triumphs over all enemies. This communal act of worship serves to embed the memory of God's faithfulness into the heart of the community, ensuring that future generations will remember His mighty deeds and trust in His power. It underscores the importance of celebrating God's victories, both personal and corporate, as a vital expression of faith and a means of reinforcing a God-centered worldview.

* [Exodus 15:1](/exodus/15-1 "Exodus 15:1 - The Song of Moses")
* [Psalm 68:1](/psalm/68-1 "Psalm 68:1 - God Arises, His Enemies Scatter")
* [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:1 invites us to consider how we respond to God's interventions and victories in our own lives and in the life of the church. Just as Deborah and Barak immediately broke into song, we are called to cultivate a spirit of prompt and heartfelt gratitude, recognizing God's hand in our deliverances, large and small. This verse reminds us that worship is not just an obligation but a natural, joyful response to God's goodness and power. When we acknowledge God as the true source of our triumphs, we not only give Him the glory He deserves but also strengthen our own faith and the faith of those around us. It encourages us to remember past acts of God's faithfulness, allowing them to build our confidence for future challenges, and to express that gratitude through various forms of worship—whether through song, prayer, testimony, or acts of service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to moments of deliverance or blessing in my life? Is my first inclination to give God explicit praise?**
* **What role does communal worship play in my understanding and remembrance of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more immediate and expressive spirit of gratitude and praise after experiencing God's intervention?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judges 5 called a "Song" and not just a narrative, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Judges 5 is designated as a "Song" because it is a highly poetic and lyrical composition, distinct from the prose narrative of [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - The Narrative of Deborah and Barak"). Its significance lies in several aspects: it represents one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, offering valuable insights into early Israelite language and literary forms. Theologically, it serves as a powerful liturgical and commemorative piece, celebrating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Canaanite oppression. Unlike a simple historical account, the song provides a theological interpretation of the events, emphasizing God's sovereignty, the participation of various tribes, and the dramatic roles of Deborah, Barak, and Jael. It was likely performed communally to reinforce faith, remember God's mighty acts, and pass down the story through generations.

**What is the significance of Deborah and Barak singing together in Judges 5:1?**

Answer: The joint singing of Deborah and Barak in [Judges 5:1](/judges/5-1 "Judges 5:1 - The Song of Deborah") is highly significant. It highlights the collaborative nature of the victory, which involved both spiritual leadership (Deborah as prophetess and judge) and military leadership (Barak as commander). Their shared authorship and performance of the song underscore the communal aspect of the celebration and the unified recognition that the victory was from God. It also serves to publicly honor both figures for their distinct yet complementary roles in God's plan of deliverance, showcasing that God uses diverse individuals and gifts to accomplish His purposes ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:1, introducing a song of triumph over oppression, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The victory of Deborah and Barak over Sisera's chariots foreshadows the far greater and decisive victory achieved by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") over the forces of sin, death, and the devil. Just as God raised up Deborah and Barak as deliverers for Israel, He sent His Son, Jesus, as the supreme and final Deliverer for all humanity ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). The Song of Deborah celebrates a temporary liberation from an earthly oppressor, but Christ's triumph on the cross and His resurrection secured eternal freedom from spiritual bondage ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the true Judge who brings justice and salvation, and the ultimate Commander who leads His people to victory, not through physical warfare, but through spiritual conquest. The "new song" sung in heaven by the redeemed ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Lamb")) echoes the ancient songs of deliverance, but its theme is the Lamb who was slain and has triumphed, making all who believe in Him more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). Thus, Judges 5:1 points forward to the ultimate celebration of God's definitive victory through Christ, inviting all believers to join in the eternal song of praise for His finished work.

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

Exodus 15:1

¶ Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Isaiah 12:1

¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.