Judges 5:3

KJV

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}, O ye kings {H4428}; give ear {H238}, O ye princes {H7336}; I, even I, will sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068}; I will sing {H2167} praise to the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hear, kings; listen, princes; I will sing to ADONAI! I will sing praise to ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, evenI, will sing unto Jehovah; I will sing praise to Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:3, a pivotal verse from the "Song of Deborah and Barak," serves as a majestic summons to all earthly rulers to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the LORD. It transitions from this universal call to a deeply personal and emphatic declaration of worship by Deborah herself, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to sing praises to the LORD God of Israel for His miraculous deliverance of His people from Canaanite oppression. The verse encapsulates profound themes of divine authority, personal devotion, and covenant faithfulness, setting a precedent for responding to God's mighty acts with profound gratitude and adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:3 is an integral part of the "Song of Deborah and Barak," a triumphant poetic ode found in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"). This song immediately follows the prose account of Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by King Jabin and his formidable general Sisera, as detailed in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera"). The song functions as a theological interpretation and emotional response to the historical events, transforming a military triumph into a profound act of worship and thanksgiving. It begins with a grand call to praise and then recounts the battle from a divine perspective, highlighting God's direct intervention and the varied responses of the Israelite tribes. The opening verses, including Judges 5:3, establish the song's cosmic scope and its primary purpose: to glorify God for His salvation and to declare His universal dominion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, foreign oppression, cries for help, and divine deliverance through a "judge." At this specific juncture, Israel had been oppressed by Jabin, King of Hazor, for twenty years ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Israel Oppressed by Jabin")). The Canaanites, with their superior iron chariots, posed a significant military threat, symbolizing technological and military superiority. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, alongside Barak, a military commander, led the Israelites to victory at the Kishon River, where a divinely orchestrated rainstorm turned the battlefield into a quagmire, rendering Sisera's chariots ineffective ([Judges 5:20-22](/judges/5-20-22 "Judges 5:20-22 - The Stars Fought from Heaven")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, victory songs were common, serving to commemorate significant events, praise deities, and solidify national identity. The "Song of Deborah" fits this cultural pattern but uniquely attributes the victory not to human might or a national deity, but emphatically to the LORD God of Israel, emphasizing His unique covenant relationship and active involvement in history.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 5:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as the verse boldly asserts God's authority over all earthly rulers, echoing the universal reign of God found in passages like [Psalm 2:10-12](/psalm/2-10-12 "Psalm 2:10-12 - Kings are Warned to Serve the LORD"). It also highlights **Personal Commitment to Worship**, as Deborah's emphatic "I, even I, will sing" demonstrates a deeply personal and public vow of adoration, setting an example for individual and communal praise. The repeated reference to "the LORD God of Israel" underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding the audience of God's unique relationship with His chosen people and His readiness to act on their behalf, even when they falter. Finally, the verse is a testament to the theme of **Victory and Thanksgiving**, demonstrating the appropriate response to God's mighty acts of deliverance—a response of heartfelt praise and glorification, as seen throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 107:1-2](/psalm/107-1-2 "Psalm 107:1-2 - Give Thanks to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root (H8085) meaning to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention, obedience, or understanding. In this context, it is an imperative, demanding that the addressees not merely perceive sound but truly comprehend and respond to the divine message. Paired with "give ear," it forms a strong call to heed the proclamation of God's mighty acts.
* **Sing (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** A primitive root (H7891) meaning to sing. In Judges 5:3, it is used in the first person imperfect, "I will sing," indicating a personal and determined act of worship. This verb, along with _zâmar_ (H2167, "sing praise"), emphasizes the vocal and musical expression of adoration, a fitting response to God's deliverance. Deborah's repeated use of this verb underscores her profound personal commitment to praise.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, the self-Existent or Eternal One; Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. This is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His faithfulness, self-sufficiency, and active presence in the lives of His people. Its use here highlights that the praise is directed to the specific, covenant-keeping God of Israel, not a generic deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes;":** This opening clause is a majestic and authoritative summons. Deborah, speaking under divine inspiration, addresses not just the immediate audience but all earthly rulers—kings and princes—regardless of their power or domain. It is a universal declaration that the message of God's sovereignty and mighty acts is relevant to all, demanding their attention and recognition. This sets a cosmic stage for the song that follows, asserting God's ultimate authority over all human governance and challenging the perceived power of earthly potentates.
* **"I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD;":** Following the grand, universal call, Deborah shifts to a deeply personal and emphatic declaration. The Hebrew construction uses the strong personal pronoun "I" (אָנֹכִי) twice for emphasis, highlighting her individual, unwavering commitment to worship. Despite her prominent role as a leader and judge, her primary response to God's deliverance is personal adoration directed specifically to "the LORD" (Yahweh), God's covenant name. This demonstrates that true leadership in faith begins with profound personal devotion and a public commitment to acknowledge God's greatness.
* **"I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel.":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the preceding vow of worship, adding specificity to the object of her praise. The repetition of "I will sing" underscores the depth of her resolve and the joy of her heart. The title "the LORD God of Israel" (Yahweh Elohei Yisrael) grounds her praise in the specific covenant relationship God has with His people. It acknowledges His unique identity as the one who has acted powerfully on behalf of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness and their exclusive allegiance to Him. Her praise is a direct, grateful response to His specific and mighty acts of salvation for His chosen nation.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:3 is rich in literary artistry, effectively conveying its powerful message. The most prominent device is **Apostrophe**, where Deborah directly addresses "kings" and "princes," though they are not physically present or part of her immediate audience. This rhetorical address elevates the song's scope, making it a universal proclamation of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. **Repetition** is evident in the dual imperatives "Hear... give ear" and the repeated personal vow "I... will sing... I will sing." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and profound **Emphasis**, underscoring both the universal call to attention and Deborah's deep personal commitment to worship. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism**, particularly synonymous parallelism, where "Hear, O ye kings" is mirrored by "give ear, O ye princes," and "I... will sing unto the LORD" is echoed by "I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel." This structural balance enhances the poetic quality and reinforces the meaning of each phrase, driving home the dual message of God's universal claim and the individual's response of praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:3 serves as a foundational declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty, asserting that His authority transcends all earthly powers and demands recognition from even the most exalted human rulers. This theological truth is not merely an abstract concept but is powerfully demonstrated through His active intervention in history on behalf of His people. Deborah's personal vow to sing praise exemplifies the proper response to such divine acts—a response rooted in deep gratitude and covenant faithfulness. The verse underscores that worship is not just a communal act but a profoundly personal commitment, flowing from an understanding of who God is (the LORD, the covenant God) and what He has done (delivered Israel). It establishes a pattern where divine deliverance evokes human adoration, transforming moments of triumph into opportunities for glorifying God and proclaiming His unmatched dominion.

* [Psalm 2:10-12](/psalm/2-10-12 "Psalm 2:10-12 - Kings are Warned to Serve the LORD")
* [Psalm 96:1-3](/psalm/96-1-3 "Psalm 96:1-3 - Sing a New Song to the LORD")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our God is not merely a personal savior but the sovereign Lord over all creation, whose authority extends to every nation and every ruler. In a world often characterized by human pride, political ambition, and the pursuit of earthly power, this verse calls us to align our perspective with God's, recognizing that ultimate dominion belongs to Him alone. Deborah's emphatic personal declaration, "I, even I, will sing unto the LORD," challenges us to cultivate a deeply personal and intentional practice of worship, not just as a duty but as a heartfelt response to God's faithfulness and deliverance in our own lives. Whether in moments of personal triumph or amidst societal challenges, our primary response should be to lift our voices in praise, proclaiming His greatness and acknowledging His active involvement in our circumstances. This verse inspires us to be bold in our worship, letting our praise be a testimony to the world of the God who reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over "kings and princes" impact your perspective on current world events or political leadership?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more "personal and emphatic" commitment to worship, similar to Deborah's declaration?**
* **When God delivers you or acts powerfully in your life, how do you typically respond? Does it lead you to a deeper expression of praise and thanksgiving?**
* **How can your personal and corporate worship become a more powerful witness to those who do not yet acknowledge the LORD God of Israel?**

### FAQ
**Why does Deborah address "kings and princes" who are not present?**

Answer: Deborah's address to "kings and princes" is a powerful rhetorical device known as apostrophe. It serves to elevate the significance of the message and to assert the universal sovereignty of the LORD. By calling upon the highest earthly authorities, Deborah emphasizes that the victory achieved by Israel was not merely a tribal skirmish but a demonstration of God's ultimate power over all nations and their rulers. It's a prophetic declaration that God's acts of deliverance demand recognition from all, regardless of their earthly status. This grand summons sets the stage for the song's theological depth, proclaiming that the God of Israel is the true King over all creation, a theme echoed in [Psalm 24:7-10](/psalm/24-7-10 "Psalm 24:7-10 - The King of Glory Enters").

**What is the significance of Deborah emphasizing "I, even I, will sing"?**

Answer: The emphatic repetition "I, even I, will sing" (אָנֹכִי לַיהוָה אָשִׁירָה) highlights Deborah's deep personal resolve and leadership in worship. It underscores that while the call to acknowledge God's sovereignty is universal, the response of worship is also profoundly personal. As a prophetess and judge, Deborah models the appropriate response to God's mighty acts: a heartfelt, unwavering commitment to praise Him. This personal vow demonstrates that true spiritual leadership is rooted in individual devotion and sets an example for all believers to actively and personally participate in adoration, as seen in the psalmist's declaration in [Psalm 104:33](/psalm/104-33 "Psalm 104:33 - I Will Sing to the LORD All My Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "Song of Deborah" and Judges 5:3, with its triumphant declaration of God's sovereignty and His victory over oppressors, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Deborah sang of a temporal deliverance from Canaanite oppression, Christ's victory on the cross achieved an eternal deliverance from sin, death, and the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). The call to "Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes" resonates with the universal kingship of Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Just as Deborah personally vowed to sing praise to the LORD God of Israel, believers today are called to offer their lives as a "spiritual worship" to the Lamb of God, who has conquered all ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice"); [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy is the Lamb")). The victory celebrated in Judges 5 foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, whose reign is eternal and whose deliverance brings true freedom and everlasting joy, prompting a new song of praise that will resound throughout eternity ([Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")).

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

Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Psalms 138:5

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great [is] the glory of the LORD.

Psalms 119:46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Psalms 49:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

Psalms 49:2

Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

Ezra 7:21

And I, [even] I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which [are] beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

Psalms 2:10

¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.