Judges 5:30

KJV

Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?

KJV (with Strong's)

Have they not sped {H4672}? have they not divided {H2505} the prey {H7998}; to every {H7218} man {H1397} a damsel {H7356} or two {H7361}; to Sisera {H5516} a prey {H7998} of divers colours {H6648}, a prey {H7998} of divers colours {H6648} of needlework {H7553}, of divers colours {H6648} of needlework on both sides {H7553}, meet for the necks {H6677} of them that take the spoil {H7998}?

Complete Jewish Bible

'Of course! They're collecting and dividing the spoil a girl, two girls for every warrior, for Sisra booty of dyed clothing, a plunder of colorfully embroidered garments, two embroidered scarves for every soldier's neck.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’

American Standard Version

Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil? A damsel, two damsels to every man; To Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, A spoil of dyed garments embroidered, Of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the spoil?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:30, a profound and deeply ironic verse within the triumphant "Song of Deborah," offers a poignant glimpse into the anxious and presumptuous imaginings of Sisera's mother and her noblewomen. From their vantage point, they anticipate Sisera's glorious return from battle, laden with the spoils of war, including female captives and exquisite textiles, completely oblivious to his ignominious death at the hands of Jael. This stark contrast between their hopeful, yet ultimately futile, expectations and the grim reality known to the reader serves as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty and the ultimate defeat of those who oppose God's purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Song of Deborah" in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "The Song of Deborah and Barak"), a poetic celebration and theological interpretation of Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanites. While [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges Chapter 4 - The Defeat of Sisera") provides the prose narrative of the battle, culminating in Sisera's death at the hand of Jael, [Judges 5](/judges/5 "The Song of Deborah") offers a lyrical, divinely inspired account. Judges 5:30 specifically functions as the climactic expression of dramatic irony within the song, shifting the narrative focus from the battlefield to Sisera's home. Here, his mother and her noblewomen are depicted in a scene of anxious, yet utterly misguided, anticipation of his triumphant return. This deliberate shift amplifies the triumph of Israel by showcasing the complete reversal of fortune for their oppressor, highlighting the depth of God's deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1200-1000 BCE) was a tumultuous era for Israel, marked by cycles of disobedience, foreign oppression, and divine intervention through charismatic leaders. The Canaanites, under King Jabin of Hazor and his commander Sisera, were a formidable regional power oppressing Israel. Ancient warfare was characterized by brutal conflict and the significant acquisition of "spoil" or "prey," which included material wealth, livestock, and human captives. "Damsels" (female captives) were a common part of the spoils, often destined for servitude or concubinage. Textiles, especially those of "divers colours" and "needlework on both sides," were highly valued commodities, signifying wealth, status, and artistic skill, often used as currency, gifts, or prestigious trophies. The scene of a mother anxiously awaiting her warrior son's return, expecting him to bring back such treasures, was a culturally recognizable motif, making the irony of Sisera's actual, inglorious fate all the more impactful.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 5:30 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it masterfully employs **dramatic irony**, where the audience knows Sisera's tragic end, while his mother remains tragically ignorant, expecting his glorious return. This underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's plans prevail over human intentions and pride, as articulated in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Prevails"). Secondly, the verse illuminates the **harsh realities of ancient warfare**, particularly the practice of taking "prey" or "spoil," which included both material wealth and human captives. The detailed description of the anticipated plunder, especially the valuable "needlework," serves to emphasize the perceived grandeur of the expected victory, further heightening the irony. Finally, within the overarching context of the Song of Deborah, this verse reinforces the theme of **God's justice and deliverance**, showcasing how the Lord brings down the proud and delivers His people, often through unexpected means, as seen in Jael's role in [Judges 4:17-22](/judges/4-17 "Judges 4:17-22 - Jael Kills Sisera").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sped (Hebrew, _ṣālaḥ'_):** This verb means "to prosper," "to succeed," or "to rush forward." In the context of Judges 5:30, Sisera's mother and her noblewomen are rhetorically asking if he has not "prospered" or "succeeded" in his mission, implying a swift and decisive victory. The word choice here emphasizes their expectation of triumph and the ease with which they believe Sisera would have achieved it, starkly contrasting with his actual ignominious defeat and highlighting their profound misunderstanding of the battle's outcome.
* **Prey (Hebrew, _šālāl'_):** This noun refers to "spoil," "plunder," or "booty" taken in war. The repeated use of "prey" throughout the verse underscores the material and human gains expected from Sisera's victory. The specific items mentioned—damsels and richly embroidered garments—represent the most coveted and valuable forms of spoil in ancient Near Eastern warfare, symbolizing wealth, power, and the subjugation of the defeated. The anticipation of such extensive plunder further emphasizes the mother's deluded vision of triumph.
* **Divers colours / Needlework (Hebrew, _reḳem_):** This term denotes richly embroidered or variegated fabric, often of exceptional quality. The phrase "needlework on both sides" (Hebrew, _reḳem reḳmātayim_) signifies an extremely high level of skill and artistry, indicating that the embroidery was so fine and intricate that it appeared equally beautiful on both sides of the fabric. Such textiles were not merely clothing but valuable commodities, often used as currency, gifts, or prestigious trophies, highlighting the immense value and desirability of the imagined spoils and the perceived grandeur of Sisera's expected victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey;":** This opening rhetorical question, posed by Sisera's mother or her ladies, expresses their anxious impatience but also their underlying assumption of victory. They are certain that Sisera and his army have not only achieved success ("sped") but are already in the process of distributing the spoils ("divided the prey"), implying a swift and overwhelming triumph. The query reflects their confident expectation, which stands in stark contrast to the grim reality known to the reader.
* **"to every man a damsel [or] two;":** This clause details the first type of anticipated spoil: female captives. The phrase "a damsel or two" suggests a generous distribution, emphasizing the abundance of the expected victory and the perceived entitlement of Sisera's soldiers to such human plunder. This reflects the harsh reality of ancient warfare where women from conquered peoples were often taken as slaves or concubines, and their capture was a sign of complete subjugation.
* **"to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?":** This lengthy and highly descriptive clause focuses on the special, luxurious spoils reserved for Sisera himself. The repetition of "divers colours" and "needlework" emphasizes the exquisite beauty and immense value of the textiles. The specific mention of "needlework on both sides" highlights an exceptionally rare and skilled craftsmanship, making these garments highly prized. The final phrase, "meet for the necks of them that take the spoil," suggests these valuable cloths would be worn as adornments or trophies around the necks of the victorious, symbolizing their triumph and status. This detailed anticipation of Sisera's personal glory heightens the dramatic irony, as the reader knows he will never wear such spoils.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Judges 5:30 is **Dramatic Irony**. The entire verse is steeped in it, as the audience is fully aware of Sisera's ignominious death at Jael's hand, while his mother and her noblewomen remain tragically ignorant, fantasizing about his triumphant return laden with spoils. This creates a powerful tension and underscores the completeness of Sisera's defeat. The **Repetition** of phrases like "prey of divers colours" and "needlework on both sides" serves to emphasize the perceived value and desirability of the anticipated spoils, amplifying the mother's misguided hopes and, by extension, the irony. Furthermore, the vivid **Imagery** of "damsels" and "divers colours of needlework... for the necks of them that take the spoil" paints a detailed picture of the expected victory, making the contrast with Sisera's actual fate all the more stark and poignant. The rhetorical **Question** at the beginning, "Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey?", further highlights the mother's anxious anticipation and the certainty of her false hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly focused on the material expectations of Sisera’s mother, serves as a profound theological statement within the Song of Deborah. It powerfully illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human pride when set against God's purposes. The elaborate anticipation of earthly spoils and glory by Sisera's household stands in stark contrast to the humble, yet divinely ordained, means of his actual defeat—a tent peg wielded by a woman. This highlights God's ability to use the weak and unexpected to bring down the mighty, demonstrating that true victory and justice originate from Him, not from human might or strategic planning. The irony also serves as a warning against presumptuousness and a reminder that God's judgment is often swift and unexpected for those who oppress His people.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalm/37-12 "Psalm 37:12-13 - The Lord Laughs at the Wicked")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:30 offers a timeless lesson on the dangers of presumption and the ultimate triumph of God's will over human arrogance. In our own lives, we often make elaborate plans, anticipate certain outcomes, and even boast in our perceived strengths or future successes, much like Sisera's mother. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to hold our expectations loosely, to cultivate humility, and to always acknowledge God's sovereign hand in all affairs. It challenges us to consider whether our hopes and plans align with God's purposes, or if they are rooted in a self-centered pursuit of worldly gain and glory. When we face opposition or uncertainty, this passage encourages us to trust in God's justice and His ability to work in unexpected ways, rather than relying on our own strength or despairing over our circumstances. It invites us to shift our perspective from human expectation to divine reality, recognizing that God is actively at work, bringing about His perfect will, often through means that defy our logical understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be presuming upon future success or outcomes without acknowledging God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the dramatic irony of this verse challenge my own pride or self-reliance?**
* **In what situations have I witnessed God's justice prevail in unexpected ways, similar to Sisera's defeat?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and trust in God's ultimate plan, even when my immediate circumstances are uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why is Sisera's mother depicted in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed depiction of Sisera's mother and her ladies-in-waiting in Judges 5:30 serves several crucial purposes within the Song of Deborah. Primarily, it creates profound dramatic irony, highlighting the stark contrast between their anxious, yet utterly misguided, expectations of triumph and Sisera's actual ignominious death. This scene amplifies the completeness of Israel's victory and the divine reversal of fortunes. It also humanizes the enemy, making their downfall more poignant and emphasizing that God's judgment reaches even into the seemingly secure homes of the oppressors. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God's plans for deliverance cannot be thwarted by human arrogance or military might, as seen in the broader narrative of [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges Chapter 4 - The Defeat of Sisera") and [Judges 5](/judges/5 "The Song of Deborah and Barak").

**What is the significance of "needlework on both sides"?**

Answer: The phrase "needlework on both sides" (Hebrew: _reḳem reḳmātayim_) describes an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship in ancient textiles. It indicates that the embroidery was so finely and intricately done that the pattern was visible and equally beautiful on both sides of the fabric, a rare and highly prized skill. In the context of Judges 5:30, this detail emphasizes the immense value and luxurious nature of the spoils Sisera's mother expects him to bring home. Such textiles were not merely clothing but significant symbols of wealth, status, and victory, often used as currency or prestigious gifts. By highlighting such exquisite plunder, the verse further underscores the depth of the mother's delusion and the magnitude of Sisera's anticipated, yet ultimately unfulfilled, glory. This detail amplifies the dramatic irony, making Sisera's actual defeat even more impactful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:30, with its powerful dramatic irony and portrayal of a defeated enemy's deluded expectations, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. Sisera's mother anticipates spoils of war and human subjugation, but Christ's victory brings spiritual freedom and eternal life. The anticipated triumph of a human general, who ultimately falls, foreshadows the true and eternal triumph of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who conquers not by earthly might but by self-sacrifice. Just as Sisera's mother's hopes were dashed, the expectations of those who oppose God's kingdom are ultimately futile, for Christ has definitively triumphed over all principalities and powers through His death and resurrection (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His "spoil" is not material wealth or human captives, but a redeemed people, purchased with His blood (see [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by the Lamb's Blood")), and the ultimate defeat of the spiritual enemies who once held humanity captive. The irony of Judges 5:30 points forward to the glorious reality that the world's perceived victors are often God's ultimate vanquished, while the seemingly weak and crucified Christ is the true and eternal King, whose victory is assured and whose kingdom will never end (see [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

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

Exodus 15:9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Genesis 37:3

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he [was] the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of [many] colours.

2 Samuel 13:18

And [she had] a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters [that were] virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

Psalms 45:14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.