Judges 5:16

Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great searchings of heart.

Why abodest {H3427} thou among {H996} the sheepfolds {H4942}, to hear {H8085} the bleatings {H8292} of the flocks {H5739}? For the divisions {H6390} of Reuben {H7205} there were great {H1419} searchings {H2714} of heart {H3820}.

But why did you stay at the pens for the sheep, and listen to the shepherd's flute playing for the flocks? Concerning the divisions of Re'uven there were great searchings of heart.

Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.

Why sattest thou among the sheepfolds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.

Commentary

Judges 5:16 is a poignant verse from the ancient and powerful "Song of Deborah," a poetic celebration and lament following Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, as recounted in Judges chapter 4. This verse specifically addresses the tribe of Reuben, questioning their absence from the critical battle.

Context

The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) serves as a divine commentary on the preceding narrative. It praises those tribes and individuals who bravely participated in the Lord's battle against the Canaanites, while openly rebuking those who held back. Reuben, along with Gilead (which included Gad and half of Manasseh), Dan, and Asher, are singled out for their failure to join the fight. Reuben, a tribe known for its pastoral lifestyle and having settled east of the Jordan River (a decision highlighted in Numbers 32:1), is chastised for prioritizing their flocks and comfort over the urgent call to defend Israel.

Key Themes

  • Indecision and Inaction: The verse directly confronts Reuben's hesitation and ultimate failure to participate in a crucial moment for the nation. Their "great searchings of heart" led to paralysis rather than purposeful action.
  • Misplaced Priorities: Reuben's choice to remain "among the sheepfolds" to hear "the bleatings of the flocks" illustrates a preference for personal security and livelihood over communal duty and a divine calling.
  • Consequences of Disunity: The Song of Deborah starkly contrasts Reuben's inaction with the valor of tribes like Zebulun and Naphtali, who "jeoparded their lives unto the death" (Judges 5:18). This highlights the importance of unity and collective effort in God's work.
  • Divine Expectation: God expected His people to rise to the occasion and fight for their deliverance, and inaction was viewed as a failure of faith and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases in this verse offer deeper nuance:

  • The word translated "divisions" (Hebrew: pelaggoth) can imply factions or internal deliberations. It suggests that Reuben was internally divided or engaged in lengthy debates rather than making a clear decision to act.
  • "Great searchings of heart" (Hebrew: chiqrei lev) speaks to deep introspection, analysis, or even overthinking. While introspection can be valuable, here it led to inaction and missing a critical opportunity for the Lord's victory. It implies a struggle with conscience or duty that ultimately resulted in their absence from the battle.

Practical Application

Judges 5:16 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Beware of Paralysis by Analysis: While careful consideration is wise, excessive deliberation or internal debate ("great searchings of heart") can lead to missed opportunities for service or obedience, especially when God's call is clear.
  • Prioritize God's Kingdom: The "sheepfolds" represent worldly comforts, personal interests, or material possessions that can distract us from our spiritual responsibilities. We are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
  • Embrace Corporate Responsibility: Just as the tribes were expected to unite for Israel's deliverance, believers are called to participate actively in the body of Christ and in the spiritual battles of our time (Ephesians 6:12). Inaction can weaken the collective effort.
  • Act on Conviction: When faced with a clear call to duty or an opportunity to serve, we are challenged to move beyond hesitation and act in faith, trusting in God's leading.

This verse encourages us to examine our own priorities and ensure that our "searchings of heart" lead to faithful action rather than regrettable inaction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Numbers 32:24

    Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

  • Numbers 32:1

    ¶ Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;

  • Numbers 32:5

    Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan.

  • Psalms 4:4

    Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

  • Judges 5:15

    And the princes of Issachar [were] with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart.

  • Psalms 77:6

    I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

  • Philippians 3:19

    Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
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