Judges 5:11

KJV

[They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that are delivered from the noise {H6963} of archers {H2686} in the places of drawing water {H4857}, there shall they rehearse {H8567} the righteous acts {H6666} of the LORD {H3068}, even the righteous acts {H6666} toward the inhabitants of his villages {H6520} in Israel {H3478}: then shall the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068} go down {H3381} to the gates {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Louder than the sound of archers at the watering-holes will they sound as they retell the righteous acts of ADONAI, the righteous acts of his rulers in Isra'el. "Then ADONAI's people marched down to the gates.

Berean Standard Bible

the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates:

American Standard Version

Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of Jehovah, Eventhe righteous acts of his rule in Israel. Then the people of Jehovah went down to the gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:11, a vibrant declaration within the Song of Deborah and Barak, celebrates Israel's profound transformation from a state of pervasive fear and oppression to one of secure worship and communal flourishing. It vividly portrays a people delivered by divine intervention from constant threats, particularly at vulnerable points like water sources. This liberation enables them to publicly recount and proclaim the Lord's righteous and saving acts, not merely as private gratitude but as a foundational practice for their restored society. The verse culminates in the image of the people confidently re-engaging with public life at the city gates, symbolizing the restoration of peace, justice, and order under God's sovereign care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:11 is a pivotal verse within the "Song of Deborah and Barak" (Judges 5), a magnificent poetic recounting of Israel's victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. This song immediately follows the prose narrative of the battle in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera"), serving as a theological and celebratory interpretation of the events. The song itself is structured as a hymn of praise, moving from an invocation to God's past mighty acts, to a lament over Israel's previous state of oppression and disunity, a vivid description of the battle, and finally, a celebration of the triumph and a curse upon those who did not aid the Lord. Verse 11 specifically marks a turning point, moving from the description of the dire conditions before the battle (e.g., [Judges 5:6-7](/judges/5-6 "Judges 5:6-7 - Desolate Roads")) to the joyous outcome of deliverance and the subsequent acts of worship and societal restoration. It emphasizes the *consequence* of God's victory – a return to normal, safe life and the imperative to remember and declare His deeds.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For twenty years, Israel had suffered under the harsh oppression of King Jabin of Hazor and his formidable military commander, Sisera, who possessed 900 iron chariots ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Jabin's Oppression")). This period was marked by extreme insecurity, with roads unsafe for travel and daily life, even essential tasks like drawing water, fraught with danger from marauding bands and archers. "Places of drawing water" were particularly vulnerable, as they were often outside fortified areas and necessary for survival, making them prime targets for ambush. The "gates" of a city were not merely entrances but served as the central hub for community life, commerce, legal proceedings, and public assembly. The inability to safely gather at the gates or draw water symbolized the complete breakdown of civil order and the pervasive fear that gripped the Israelites. The victory celebrated in Judges 5, therefore, signifies a profound return to normalcy, security, and the re-establishment of communal life, allowing the people to once again gather freely and safely.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance**, underscoring that Israel's freedom from oppression is not a result of human might but a direct, miraculous intervention by the Lord. The "noise of archers" represents the specific, terrifying threat from which God delivers His people. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Public Proclamation of God's Righteous Acts**. The command to "rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD" transforms private gratitude into a communal, public declaration, essential for remembering God's faithfulness, justice, and powerful intervention. This act of remembrance serves to solidify faith for the present generation and transmit the narrative of God's goodness to future ones, as seen in the broader call to remember God's works throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Teaching Future Generations")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Restoration of Peace and Security**. The ability of "the people of the LORD [to] go down to the gates" symbolizes a decisive return to civil order, safety, and the unhindered resumption of public life. This restoration underscores God's commitment to the well-being of His "villages in Israel" and the re-establishment of justice and peace in the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rehearse (Hebrew, _yishtannu_ from שנה _shanah_):** This verb means "to repeat," "to recount," or "to teach." It implies more than a casual recollection; it suggests a deliberate, public, and perhaps even ritualistic act of recounting. In the context of Judges 5:11, it signifies the imperative to continually tell the story of God's saving deeds, ensuring that the memory of His intervention is not lost but actively passed down and ingrained into the collective consciousness of the community. It's about instilling truth through repetition.
* **Righteous Acts (Hebrew, צדקות _tsedeqot_):** This is the plural form of _tsedaqah_, often translated as "righteousness" or "justice." However, in this context, it refers specifically to God's just, faithful, and saving deeds. It's not merely an abstract quality of God but His active demonstration of His covenant faithfulness through concrete acts of deliverance and judgment. These "righteous acts" are those by which God upholds His covenant, defends the oppressed, and executes justice against His enemies, thereby revealing His character.
* **Gates (Hebrew, שערים _she'arim_):** In ancient Near Eastern cities, the gates were far more than mere entry points. They were the center of public life, serving as places for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, political discussions, and social gatherings. To "go down to the gates" signifies a return to normalcy, security, and the full resumption of civic and communal life, free from the fear of ambush or oppression. It represents the restoration of peace and the ability to conduct life openly and justly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water":** This clause vividly paints the picture of the immediate past—a time of constant terror and vulnerability. "The noise of archers" (קול יורים, _qol yorim_) evokes the sound of arrows flying, the constant threat of ambush, and the pervasive fear that made even mundane, essential tasks like drawing water perilous. The "places of drawing water" (משאבים, _mish'abim_) were critical, often exposed locations, symbolizing the extreme danger that permeated daily life. The phrase "they that are delivered" highlights God's active role in bringing about this radical change from danger to safety.
* **"there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD":** This is the core command and purpose of their deliverance. The "there" refers to the now-safe places of drawing water, or more broadly, any place where people gather in security. The delivered people are not merely to be grateful; they are commanded to "rehearse," or repeatedly declare and teach, God's "righteous acts" (צדקות, _tsedeqot_). This public proclamation serves as a communal act of worship, remembrance, and instruction, ensuring that the memory of God's saving intervention is preserved and celebrated.
* **"[even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel":** This specifies the beneficiaries and the scope of God's saving work. God's righteous acts are directed specifically "toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel," emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness to His people, even in their scattered and vulnerable state. It underscores that God's justice is not abstract but profoundly personal and redemptive for His chosen ones.
* **"then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates":** This final clause describes the glorious consequence and symbol of their deliverance and renewed worship. "The people of the LORD" – a term emphasizing their covenant relationship – are now able to confidently and freely "go down to the gates." This signifies the complete restoration of public life, security, and the ability to conduct justice and commerce openly. It stands in stark contrast to the previous state of hiding and fear, marking a return to communal flourishing under God's protection.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:11 is rich in **Symbolism**, using "places of drawing water" to represent the vulnerability of daily life and "gates" to symbolize security, community, and the restoration of civil order. The contrast between the "noise of archers" and the subsequent "rehearsing of righteous acts" employs powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the dramatic shift from terror to worship. The phrase "noise of archers" also functions as **Metonymy**, where the sound represents the entire oppressive military threat. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "righteous acts" (צדקות, _tsedeqot_) emphasizes the central importance of God's just and saving deeds, making them the focal point of the people's remembrance and proclamation. This repetition serves to engrain the message of God's active intervention and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:11 profoundly illustrates the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that defines the book of Judges, yet it transcends this cycle by emphasizing the enduring call to remember and proclaim God's faithfulness. The verse underscores that divine deliverance is not merely an end to suffering but a summons to worship and communal testimony. It highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, demonstrating His justice and covenant loyalty through powerful, redemptive acts. The transformation from fear to freedom, from hiding to public gathering, serves as a timeless paradigm for God's restorative work in the lives of individuals and communities. This passage reminds us that our liberation from any form of bondage should naturally lead to a public declaration of God's character and deeds, solidifying faith for ourselves and future generations.

* [Psalm 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember His Wonderful Works")
* [Psalm 9:11](/psalms/9-11 "Psalm 9:11 - Proclaim His Deeds")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Deliverer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:11 offers a powerful blueprint for how believers today should respond to God's deliverance in their lives. Just as the Israelites were called to "rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD" in their newfound security, we too are invited to cultivate a deep, communal memory of God's faithfulness. This means actively recounting His interventions, both in personal testimony and corporate worship, ensuring that His saving deeds are not forgotten but celebrated and passed on. When God delivers us from spiritual bondage, fear, or any form of oppression, our natural response should be public praise and a renewed commitment to living out our faith in the open, confident in His protection. The ability to "go down to the gates" symbolizes our freedom to engage fully in life, serving God and community without the paralyzing fear that once held us captive. This verse encourages us to live as a people who remember, proclaim, and embody the peace and justice that come from the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "noise of archers" (i.e., fears, anxieties, oppressions) has God delivered you from in your life?**
* **How do you currently "rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD" in your personal life and within your community of faith?**
* **In what ways does your freedom in Christ enable you to "go down to the gates"—to engage with the world and participate in public life with confidence and purpose?**
* **What stories of God's deliverance in your life or in the history of the church are you called to actively remember and share with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "the noise of archers in the places of drawing water" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase vividly describes the pervasive danger and fear that characterized Israel's life under Canaanite oppression. "The noise of archers" refers to the constant threat of ambush, the sound of arrows, and the terror of sudden attacks. "Places of drawing water" were essential for daily life but often located outside the protection of fortified cities, making them highly vulnerable to raids. Therefore, the phrase collectively represents the extreme insecurity and constant threat of violence that made even the most basic, necessary activities perilous for the Israelites before God's deliverance. It underscores the depth of their oppression and the magnitude of their liberation.

**Why is it important for the people to "rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD"?**

Answer: Rehearsing God's righteous acts is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it is an act of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God as the true source of their deliverance. Secondly, it serves as a communal memory, ensuring that the story of God's faithfulness and power is not forgotten but passed down through generations, strengthening the faith of the community. Thirdly, it reinforces their identity as "the people of the LORD," reminding them of their covenant relationship and God's active role in their history. This public proclamation builds corporate faith, fosters resilience, and provides a foundation for future trust in God's continued protection and provision, as seen in the call to remember God's works in [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering the Deeds of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:11, while celebrating a specific historical deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "noise of archers" and the pervasive fear of oppression in Judges foreshadow the far greater spiritual bondage to sin, death, and the devil from which humanity suffers. Christ is the ultimate Deliverer who, through His crucifixion and resurrection, has definitively disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")). He has delivered us from the "domain of darkness" and transferred us into "the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). No longer do we live in fear of the ultimate enemy, for Christ has destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Devil")). Our "places of drawing water"—our daily lives, our most vulnerable moments—are now secure in Him. Consequently, like the delivered Israelites, we are called to "rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD," which now preeminently include the saving work of Christ. We are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood... that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Proclaiming God's Excellencies")). The ability of the people to "go down to the gates" symbolizes the peace and freedom we have in Christ, enabling us to live openly and confidently as citizens of His kingdom. This peace, which surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), allows us to engage with the world, not in fear, but as ambassadors of reconciliation, knowing that in Christ, the gates of the New Jerusalem are always open, and there is no longer any need for fear or hiding ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates of New Jerusalem")).

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

1 Samuel 12:7

Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

Micah 6:5

O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

Judges 5:8

They chose new gods; then [was] war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

Lamentations 5:4

We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us.

Genesis 26:20

And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

Genesis 26:22

And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

Lamentations 5:9

We gat our bread with [the peril of] our lives because of the sword of the wilderness.