Judges 5:21

KJV

The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

The river {H5158} of Kishon {H7028} swept them away {H1640}, that ancient {H6917} river {H5158}, the river {H5158} Kishon {H7028}. O my soul {H5315}, thou hast trodden down {H1869} strength {H5797}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Kishon River swept them away, that ancient river, the Kishon River. O my soul, march on with strength!

Berean Standard Bible

The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!

American Standard Version

The river Kishon swept them away, That ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:21, a climactic declaration within the ancient "Song of Deborah and Barak," powerfully encapsulates the divine victory of Israel over Sisera's formidable Canaanite army. This verse vividly portrays the Kishon River, supernaturally transformed into a raging torrent, as the instrument of God's judgment, sweeping away the enemy forces and dramatically affirming the Lord's absolute sovereignty over nature and His adversaries. It culminates in a profound personal exclamation, celebrating the utter subjugation of overwhelming strength by the hand of God, mediated through His chosen instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5 functions as the poetic, theological, and celebratory counterpart to the prose narrative of the battle in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera"). While [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - The Narrative of Deborah and Barak") provides a factual account of the conflict, [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak") elevates the narrative into a triumphant hymn, likely composed and sung by Deborah herself. This shift from historical prose to epic poetry allows for a deeper exploration of the spiritual significance of the event, emphasizing God's miraculous intervention and Israel's dependence on Him. The song meticulously recounts Israel's dire state, God's call to action, the specific details of the battle, and culminates in a resounding declaration of divine triumph and the subsequent blessings and curses. Verse 21 is strategically placed within the song's vivid depiction of the battle, highlighting the pivotal moment when nature itself became an instrument of God's judgment against the Canaanites, leading to their complete rout.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle recounted in Judges 4 and 5 took place in the Jezreel Valley, a crucial strategic plain in ancient Israel, bordered by the Kishon River. Sisera, the Canaanite general, commanded a technologically superior army, most notably possessing 900 iron chariots. These chariots were the ancient equivalent of modern tanks, providing a decisive advantage on flat terrain. The Kishon River, however, is not a perpetually flowing river but a *wadi*—a seasonal riverbed that can rapidly transform into a dangerous, impassable torrent after sudden, heavy rainfall. The biblical account, particularly in the song, emphasizes that a divinely orchestrated downpour turned the dry *wadi* into a treacherous quagmire, rendering Sisera's chariots utterly useless and trapping his forces. This natural phenomenon, interpreted as a direct act of God, was instrumental in neutralizing the Canaanite technological advantage and securing Israel's victory, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign control over human military might and the very elements of creation. The victory was not by Israel's strength, but by divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 5:21 profoundly encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Intervention**, portraying God as an active and decisive participant in human history, directly intervening in the affairs of His people to secure their deliverance. The river's sudden surge is not mere chance but a providential act, demonstrating that God actively fights for Israel, as promised in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nature**, illustrating that even the most powerful elements of creation are under His absolute command and can be marshaled as instruments of His judgment or deliverance. The "ancient river" becomes a weapon in God's hand. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Defeat of Overwhelming Strength** by divine power. Sisera's chariots, symbols of formidable military might, were rendered impotent, affirming that true strength lies not in human weaponry or numbers but in absolute reliance on the Lord, a theme echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, not Chariots"). Finally, the deeply personal exclamation, "O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength," reflects the theme of **Triumph and Deliverance**, celebrating the crushing victory over a seemingly invincible foe through God's unexpected means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kishon (Hebrew, _Qîyshôwn'_):** This refers to the specific river in the Jezreel Valley, whose name implies "winding." As a *wadi*, it is typically a modest stream but can swell dramatically and dangerously with heavy rains, becoming a torrent. Its mention here emphasizes its active, divinely appointed role in the battle, transforming from a geographical feature into an instrument of God's judgment against Sisera's forces.
* **Swept away (Hebrew, _gâraph'_):** This verb signifies a violent, irresistible carrying off or bearing away, particularly by water. It vividly portrays the utter helplessness and complete destruction of the Canaanite army as they were overwhelmed by the sudden, powerful floodwaters of the Kishon. The term conveys the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment, leaving no room for escape.
* **Trodden down (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** This word literally means "to tread" or "to trample," often implying a march or a crushing underfoot. In this context, it conveys a complete and decisive conquest, an act of utterly subjugating an enemy. The imagery evokes a victorious warrior trampling his defeated foe, emphasizing the total vanquishing of Sisera's "strength" (his formidable army and chariots) by divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The river of Kishon swept them away":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary agent of destruction against the Canaanite army: the Kishon River. It highlights the direct, physical impact of the divinely orchestrated flood, which transformed the terrain into a treacherous death trap for Sisera's chariots and foot soldiers. The river is presented not merely as a natural phenomenon but as an active, powerful instrument in God's hand, executing His judgment.
* **"that ancient river, the river Kishon":** The repetition of "the river Kishon" underscores its profound significance and its central, almost legendary, role in this particular battle. The appellation "that ancient river" (Hebrew: *nahal qedumim*) might refer to its timeless presence in the landscape, suggesting its enduring witness to history, or more profoundly, it could evoke a connection to God's past acts of deliverance, implying that this act of divine intervention through the river is consistent with His character throughout history. It elevates the river's status from a mere geographical feature to a participant in sacred, redemptive history.
* **"O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength":** This is a powerful, deeply personal exclamation, most likely spoken by Deborah. The phrase "O my soul" is an apostrophe, a direct address to her own inner being, emphasizing the profound personal conviction, spiritual exultation, and awe she feels in the wake of God's victory. To "trod down strength" signifies the complete and utter subjugation of the enemy's power—Sisera's formidable army and iron chariots—which was rendered utterly impotent and crushed. It is a triumphant declaration of God's decisive victory achieved through unexpected and overwhelming means.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:21 is rich with literary artistry, enhancing its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent device is **Repetition**, specifically of "the river of Kishon," which serves to emphasize its crucial and active role in the battle, creating a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect that underscores the river's participation as an instrument of divine will. **Personification** is clearly evident as the river is depicted as an active agent that "swept them away," imbuing a natural element with dynamic, almost volitional power in service of God's purposes. The phrase "O my soul" is a powerful example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker (likely Deborah) directly addresses an abstract entity or her own inner self, lending a deeply personal, emotional, and exultant tone to the declaration of victory. Finally, the phrase "thou hast trodden down strength" employs **Metaphor**, comparing the complete and utterly decisive defeat of the enemy's military might to the act of trampling something underfoot, vividly conveying the total subjugation and destruction of their power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:21 stands as a profound testament to God's active, sovereign involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the deliverance of His people. It demonstrates unequivocally that God is not limited by human strength, military technology, or conventional means; He can use the most unexpected elements—even a seasonal river—to achieve His purposes and defeat seemingly insurmountable foes. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, revealing that nature itself responds to His command and serves as an instrument of His divine will and judgment. It reminds believers that when faced with overwhelming challenges, our trust should never be in human might or finite resources, but in the omnipotent God who actively fights for His own, turning obstacles into avenues for miraculous, resounding victory.

* [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27-28 "The Drowning of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Trust in the Lord, not in Chariots or Horses")
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "The Lord Your God Goes With You to Fight for You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:21 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of divine intervention and where we place our trust in the face of overwhelming odds. Just as God used the unexpected and seemingly mundane Kishon River to defeat a technologically superior army, He often works in unconventional, surprising ways to bring about our deliverance and spiritual growth. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate where we place our confidence when confronted with our own "chariots of iron"—be they overwhelming financial burdens, debilitating health crises, fractured relational conflicts, or intense spiritual battles. It encourages a posture of radical dependence on God, reminding us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and His resources are limitless. We are called to remember that the Lord is a warrior who actively fights for His people, and no enemy, no matter how formidable, can ultimately stand against His sovereign will. This truth should instill profound confidence, courage, and peace, knowing that our "soul" can, through God's empowering presence, "trod down strength" that seems utterly insurmountable in our own eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chariots of iron" or seemingly insurmountable challenges are you currently facing in your life, and how might God be inviting you to trust His unconventional methods?**
* **In what unexpected or surprising ways has God intervened in your past, demonstrating His power and faithfulness in situations where you felt powerless?**
* **How does the imagery of God using nature as a weapon in Judges 5:21 encourage or challenge your understanding of His absolute sovereignty over all creation?**
* **What does it mean for your "soul" to "trod down strength" in a spiritual sense, and how can you actively participate in that victory through faith and reliance on God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Kishon being called 'that ancient river'?"**

Answer: The phrase "that ancient river" (Hebrew: *nahal qedumim*) carries several layers of profound meaning. It could simply refer to the Kishon as a long-established, well-known geographical feature in the region, emphasizing its enduring presence throughout history. More profoundly, it might evoke a sense of timelessness or even a connection to God's past acts of deliverance, suggesting that the Lord's power, demonstrated through this river, is consistent and unchanging throughout all generations. Some scholars also suggest it could imply a river that has witnessed many significant events or possesses a primeval quality, making its participation in this divine victory all the more momentous. Ultimately, it elevates the river from a mere natural phenomenon to a participant in a divinely orchestrated, historic, and redemptive event, highlighting God's consistent work through creation.

**Who is speaking when it says, 'O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength'?"**

Answer: This triumphant and deeply personal exclamation is widely attributed to Deborah, the prophetess and judge, who is the primary speaker and likely the composer (or inspirer) of the "Song of Deborah and Barak" in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"). It is a powerful apostrophe, a literary device where she addresses her own soul, emphasizing the profound spiritual and emotional impact of God's decisive victory over Sisera's forces. This self-address signifies her personal identification with the triumph and her awe at God's overwhelming power in completely subjugating the enemy's strength. It reflects a deep, internal celebration of God's faithfulness and the complete vindication of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:21, with its vivid depiction of divine power crushing overwhelming enemy strength through unexpected means, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "strength" of Sisera's chariots, rendered utterly impotent by God's intervention through the Kishon River, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the far greater strength of humanity's spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—that Christ decisively "trod down" through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Just as God used an unexpected natural phenomenon to secure Israel's physical deliverance, so too did He use the seemingly weak and humble means of Christ's death on the cross to achieve humanity's ultimate spiritual liberation. The triumphant declaration by Deborah, "O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength," echoes and is infinitely surpassed by the New Testament's declaration of Christ's cosmic triumph over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true and ultimate warrior who, through His own blood, destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")). The Song of Deborah anticipates the ultimate "song of triumph" sung for the [Lamb of God](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Song of the Lamb"), who decisively conquers all foes and reigns supreme, ensuring that all strength arrayed against God's people is ultimately trodden underfoot by the King of kings and Lord of lords, who is coming again in power and great glory ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior and King")).

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

Judges 4:7

And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

Psalms 44:5

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Isaiah 25:10

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

Psalms 83:9

¶ Do unto them as [unto] the Midianites; as [to] Sisera, as [to] Jabin, at the brook of Kison:

Psalms 83:10

[Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

Genesis 49:18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.