Judges 5:13

KJV

Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he made him that remaineth {H8300} have dominion {H7287} over the nobles {H117} among the people {H5971}: the LORD {H3068} made me have dominion {H7287} over the mighty {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then a remnant of the nobles marched down; the people of ADONAI marched down to me like warriors.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the LORD came down to me against the mighty.

American Standard Version

Then came down a remnant of the nobles and the people; Jehovah came down for me against the mighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:13, a pivotal declaration within the triumphant Song of Deborah and Barak, celebrates the divine reversal of power orchestrated by God. It proclaims that the LORD Himself empowered the diminished Israelite remnant to gain decisive dominion over the formidable Canaanite nobles and their mighty forces, thereby asserting God's absolute sovereignty and justice in delivering His people from oppression. This verse serves as a powerful testament to Yahweh's direct intervention in human affairs, transforming the weak into victors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:13 is intricately woven into the "Song of Deborah and Barak" (Judges 5), a poetic and theological complement to the prose narrative of Israel's victory over Sisera and the Canaanites found in Judges 4. This ancient hymn functions as a profound expression of praise and thanksgiving to Yahweh for His miraculous deliverance. The song opens with a majestic invocation, recalling God's powerful presence at Sinai, before transitioning to describe Israel's dire state under Canaanite oppression. Verse 13 specifically marks a turning point, highlighting the divine initiative in empowering Israel's forces, setting the stage for the detailed recounting of tribal participation (or lack thereof) and the climatic defeat of Sisera. Its placement within the song emphasizes that the subsequent military details are merely the outworking of God's prior, sovereign decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to Judges 5:13 is a period of severe Canaanite oppression lasting two decades, led by King Jabin of Hazor and his formidable commander, Sisera, who commanded 900 chariots of iron. This technological superiority rendered Israel's traditional fighting methods ineffective, leading to widespread fear, deserted trade routes, and disarmed populations. The battle itself occurred in the strategically vital Jezreel Valley, particularly near the Kishon River, a terrain ideal for chariot warfare. In this desperate situation, Deborah, a prophetess and judge, uniquely rose to leadership, challenging the conventional military norms by summoning Barak. The ensuing victory, therefore, was not merely a military success but a profound theological statement, demonstrating God's capacity to deliver His people even when they are at their weakest and their enemies are at their strongest, fundamentally overturning established power dynamics.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Reversal of Power**, where God consistently humbles the proud and exalts the lowly, showcasing His justice and sovereignty over human hierarchies. It underscores **God's Sovereignty in Battle**, emphasizing that true deliverance stems not from human might or strategic brilliance but from God's direct intervention, a principle vividly illustrated throughout [Israel's early history](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea") and subsequent military encounters. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant People**, even when they have strayed, reminding them of His unwavering commitment to their liberation. Finally, it serves as a powerful call to **Praise and Thanksgiving for Deliverance**, encouraging Israel to attribute all glory for their triumph exclusively to the LORD, a sentiment beautifully echoed in [Psalm 115:1](/psalm/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to Us, But to Your Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dominion (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** From the root H7287, this verb signifies "to tread down," "to subjugate," or "to rule with authority." Its usage here emphasizes not merely a temporary victory but a complete and decisive subjugation of the enemy, establishing Israel's authority over their former oppressors. It conveys the idea of a comprehensive and lasting control, a profound reversal of the previous state of subjection.
* **Nobles (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** From H117, this term refers to "mighty ones," "majestic ones," or "powerful leaders." In this context, it specifically denotes the elite, respected, and formidable figures of the Canaanite army. The stark contrast between the "remnant" of Israel and these "nobles" underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention, highlighting that the victory was over truly significant adversaries.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this word describes someone "powerful," a "warrior," or a "valiant man." Its use in the second clause reinforces the formidable nature of the enemy forces that Yahweh Himself overcame. It emphasizes that the victory was not over a weak foe but over those who were genuinely strong and considered invincible in human terms, further magnifying God's unparalleled power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people:"** This clause declares God's active and sovereign role (the implicit "he" referring to the LORD) in empowering the Israelite "remnant." This "remnant" refers to those who survived the long period of oppression and responded to the call to battle, often a small, vulnerable, and militarily inferior group. Despite their disadvantaged state, God enabled them to overcome and rule over the powerful Canaanite "nobles" or leaders, illustrating a profound and divinely orchestrated reversal of fortunes.
* **"the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty."** This is Deborah's personal, emphatic testimony, attributing the entire victory and the establishment of Israel's authority directly and exclusively to Yahweh. The "me" refers to Deborah, representing both her own leadership empowered by God and, by extension, the collective Israel that she led. The "mighty" refers to the formidable Canaanite forces, particularly Sisera's army. This statement underscores that the triumph was not by human strength or strategic brilliance but solely by divine intervention and empowerment, ensuring that all glory is ascribed to God.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, as the two clauses—"Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people" and "the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty"—echo and reinforce each other, emphasizing the central theme of divine empowerment and reversal. The verse also utilizes striking **Contrast**, pitting the vulnerable "remnant" against the powerful "nobles" and "mighty" forces, thereby magnifying the miraculous and unexpected nature of God's intervention. Furthermore, the inclusion of Deborah's **Personal Testimony** ("the LORD made *me* have dominion") lends an authoritative and intimate voice to the divine action, making the theological truth profoundly personal and relatable. Finally, the clear identification of the **Divine Agent** ("he made," "the LORD made") unequivocally points to God as the sole orchestrator of this dramatic shift in power, ensuring that the victory is attributed entirely to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His unique ability to overturn human power structures. It reveals a core theological principle: God often chooses the weak and the despised to humble the strong and the proud, demonstrating that true power resides not in human might or worldly status, but in His divine will and intervention. This divine reversal is not merely a historical event but a recurring pattern throughout salvation history, affirming God's justice and His commitment to liberating His people from oppression. The verse invites believers to place their trust entirely in God's power, recognizing that He alone can grant victory and dominion in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a profound declaration that God's ways are not humanity's ways, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.

* [1 Samuel 2:8](/1-samuel/2-8 "1 Samuel 2:8 - Hannah's Song of Reversal")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by his Army")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life in any era. It serves as a powerful reminder that in moments of personal or collective weakness, when challenges seem insurmountable and adversaries appear overwhelmingly strong, God's power remains undiminished and supremely active. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from our limited resources or perceived disadvantages to the limitless power of God. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on Him, trusting that He can and will intervene to bring about His purposes, often through means that defy human logic or expectation. Just as Deborah gave all glory to the LORD, we are likewise called to acknowledge God's hand in our victories, whether they are triumphs over personal struggles, professional challenges, or societal injustices, fostering a spirit of humility and profound gratitude. This divine principle assures us that no situation is beyond God's reach, and His strength is most perfectly displayed when we are at our weakest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of God empowering the weak challenge our reliance on human strength, resources, or societal status today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God to give you "dominion" over seemingly insurmountable challenges or oppressive circumstances?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of consistent gratitude and attribute our successes, deliverances, and breakthroughs to the LORD, as Deborah so clearly did?**

### FAQ
**Who is "him that remaineth" in this verse?**

Answer: "Him that remaineth" (Hebrew: _sârîyd_) refers to the Israelite remnant, specifically those who survived the long period of Canaanite oppression and responded to the call to battle alongside Deborah and Barak. This phrase highlights their vulnerable, diminished, and often disarmed state, emphasizing that despite their numerical and military inferiority, God chose and empowered this small, seemingly insignificant group to achieve a great victory over the formidable Canaanite forces. It powerfully underscores the biblical theme that God often works through the weak and foolish to confound the strong and wise, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak").

**Why does Deborah specifically declare, "the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty"?**

Answer: This declaration is Deborah's personal testimony and profound affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty in the victory. By saying "the LORD made *me* have dominion," Deborah attributes the entire triumph—her leadership, Israel's success, and the complete subjugation of the enemy—directly and exclusively to Yahweh. It emphasizes that the victory was not a result of her own strategic brilliance, Barak's military prowess, or Israel's strength, but solely due to divine intervention and empowerment. This statement serves to give all glory to God, reinforcing the central message of the Song of Deborah that true deliverance comes from Him alone, a principle echoed throughout [the Psalms](/psalm/121-2 "Psalm 121:2 - My Help Comes from the Lord") and the broader biblical narrative of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:13, with its triumphant declaration of God empowering the weak to overcome the mighty, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God enabled a vulnerable Israelite remnant to gain dominion over the formidable Canaanites, so too did God accomplish the greatest victory over sin, death, and Satan through the seemingly weak and humble means of Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was born in obscurity, lived a life of humble service, and willingly subjected Himself to the ultimate weakness and shame of the cross. Yet, it was precisely through this apparent defeat that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power to grant "dominion" over the "mighty" forces of evil, establishing Christ as [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All") and granting believers victory through Him ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1-corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ")). Thus, the Song of Deborah's celebration of divine reversal powerfully prefigures the far greater, cosmic reversal achieved by Christ, through whom God continues to empower His church, often perceived as weak and foolish by the world, to overcome by His Spirit and proclaim His glorious triumph ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")).

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

Revelation 2:26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 2:27

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Isaiah 41:15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 49:14

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.