Judges 5:2

Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

Praise {H1288} ye the LORD {H3068} for the avenging {H6544}{H6546} of Israel {H3478}, when the people {H5971} willingly offered {H5068} themselves.

"When leaders in Isra'el dedicate themselves, and the people volunteer, you should all bless ADONAI.

“When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD.

For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, For that the people offered themselves willingly, Bless ye Jehovah.

Commentary

Judges 5:2 is the opening verse of the famous "Song of Deborah and Barak," a powerful hymn of victory and thanksgiving celebrating Israel's triumph over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. This verse sets the tone for the entire song, immediately directing all glory and praise to the LORD for His mighty works.

Context

This verse follows the events described in Judges Chapter 4, where the prophetess Deborah and military commander Barak led Israel to a decisive victory against King Jabin of Hazor and his formidable general, Sisera. Israel had been oppressed by Jabin for twenty years, and this victory marked a significant turning point, demonstrating God's faithfulness to deliver His people when they turn to Him. The song itself provides additional details and reflections on the battle, highlighting both divine intervention and human participation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance and Vindication: The phrase "avenging of Israel" (Hebrew: pĕra) signifies God's active intervention to bring justice and liberation to His oppressed people. It's not about human revenge but divine vindication, where God sets things right and delivers His chosen nation from their enemies. This points to God as the ultimate deliverer.
  • Praise and Thanksgiving: The command "Praise ye the LORD" (Hebrew: Baruch Yahweh or Hallel Yahweh) emphasizes the appropriate response to God's saving acts. It's a call to acknowledge His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness. This theme of praising God for His mighty deeds is central throughout Scripture, as seen in Psalm 150.
  • Voluntary Service and Commitment: The phrase "when the people willingly offered themselves" (Hebrew: hitnaddĕb) highlights the crucial role of the Israelite warriors who stepped forward to fight. This was not coerced service but a spontaneous, freewill offering of themselves for God's cause. It contrasts with those who held back (as later mentioned in the song) and underscores the value God places on a willing heart in service, much like the cheerful giving commended in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Linguistic Insights

The term "avenging" (pĕra) here carries the sense of God "uncovering" or "unleashing" His power to bring freedom and justice. It's a powerful declaration of God's active role in Israel's deliverance. The word "willingly offered themselves" (hitnaddĕb) is often used in the context of voluntary offerings or contributions to the Tabernacle or Temple, signifying a deep, unforced devotion and readiness to serve God's purposes.

Practical Application

Judges 5:2 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people. When we face oppression or challenges, we should look to Him for deliverance and justice. Furthermore, it challenges believers to consider their own willingness to serve God. Are we offering ourselves freely and enthusiastically for His kingdom work, or are we holding back? This verse encourages a spirit of praise for God's past deliverances and a readiness to participate wholeheartedly in His ongoing work in the world.

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

  • Judges 5:9

    My heart [is] toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:16

    And next him [was] Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

  • Psalms 110:3

    Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

  • Philippians 2:13

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

  • Psalms 136:19

    Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Psalms 136:20

    And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Revelation 19:2

    For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
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