Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

So let all thine enemies {H341} perish {H6}, O LORD {H3068}: but let them that love {H157} him be as the sun {H8121} when he goeth forth {H3318} in his might {H1369}. And the land {H776} had rest {H8252} forty {H705} years {H8141}.

"May all your enemies perish like this, ADONAI; but may those who love him be like the sun going forth in its glory!" Then the land had rest for forty years.

So may all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years.

So let all thine enemies perish, O Jehovah: But let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Commentary

Judges 5:31 concludes the powerful and poetic Song of Deborah and Barak, a celebratory hymn marking Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. This verse serves as both an imprecation and a blessing, culminating in a declaration of peace for the land.

Context

The book of Judges recounts cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in ancient Israel. Leading up to this verse, Israel had been severely oppressed by Jabin, King of Hazor, and his commander Sisera, who had 900 chariots of iron (Judges 4:3). Deborah, a prophetess and judge, along with Barak, led the Israelites to a miraculous victory, largely due to divine intervention and the bravery of individuals like Jael, who killed Sisera (Judges 4:21). The song itself is a vivid recounting of these events, praising God for His deliverance and condemning those who did not aid Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Imprecation: The opening phrase, "So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD," is an imprecatory prayer. It's a fervent plea for God's justice to be fully realized against those who oppose His will and His people. This is not personal vengeance but a desire for God's righteousness to prevail, eliminating threats to His covenant nation. It echoes similar sentiments found in the Psalms, such as Psalm 68:1.
  • Blessing for God's Lovers: In stark contrast, the verse pronounces a magnificent blessing upon "them that love him." To be "as the sun when he goeth forth in his might" signifies triumph, glory, unstoppable power, and radiant prosperity. It suggests that those devoted to God will share in His victory and experience His favor, shining brightly in His light. This reflects the principle that God blesses those who obey and cherish Him (Deuteronomy 6:5).
  • The Consequence of Deliverance: The concluding statement, "And the land had rest forty years," highlights the immediate and long-lasting impact of God's intervention. This period of peace signifies the restoration of stability and security after a time of severe oppression. It underscores the pattern of God's faithfulness to provide rest for His people when they turn to Him, a theme echoed in other periods of peace in Judges, such as Judges 3:11.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "perish" (אבד, 'abad) implies complete destruction or ruin, emphasizing the totality of the desired judgment against God's adversaries.
  • The phrase "them that love him" uses the Hebrew verb אהב ('ahab), which denotes deep affection, loyalty, and commitment. It's not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt devotion that translates into obedience and trust.
  • The imagery of the "sun when he goeth forth in his might" (שמש Χ‘Χ‘Χ¨ΧͺΧ•, shemesh bi-gvurato) is powerful. Gevurah (might/strength) speaks to the full, overwhelming power and brilliance of the sun at its zenith, symbolizing undeniable ascendancy and glory for those who align with God.

Practical Application

Judges 5:31 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is a God of Justice: While we are called to love our enemies, we can also trust that God will ultimately bring justice to all who oppose Him and His righteous kingdom. This verse provides assurance that evil will not prevail indefinitely.
  • Devotion Leads to Flourishing: Those who genuinely love and commit to the Lord are promised a life of spiritual strength, influence, and blessing. Our devotion to God is not in vain; it leads to flourishing, light, and victory in His strength.
  • God Provides Rest: After periods of spiritual struggle or societal turmoil, God is faithful to provide periods of rest and peace for His people. This rest is a gift of His grace and a testament to His sovereign control.

This verse beautifully encapsulates the stark contrast between the fate of God's enemies and the destiny of those who love Him, culminating in a promise of peace after divine intervention.

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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:6

    And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

  • 2 Samuel 23:4

    And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds; [as] the tender grass [springing] out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

  • Psalms 19:4

    Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

  • Psalms 19:5

    Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

  • Psalms 91:14

    Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

  • Daniel 12:3

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

  • 1 Peter 1:8

    Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: