Judges 5:6

KJV

¶ In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the days {H3117} of Shamgar {H8044} the son {H1121} of Anath {H6067}, in the days {H3117} of Jael {H3278}, the highways {H734} were unoccupied {H2308}, and the travellers {H1980} walked {H3212} through byways {H6128}{H5410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In the days of Shamgar the son of 'Anat, in the days of Ya'el, the main roads were deserted; travelers walked the byways.

Berean Standard Bible

In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways.

American Standard Version

In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, In the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, And the travellers walked through byways.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:6, embedded within the triumphant Song of Deborah and Barak, vividly portrays the profound societal breakdown and pervasive fear that gripped Israel prior to their miraculous deliverance. It describes a land so plagued by insecurity and oppression that main roads lay deserted, forcing travelers to navigate dangerous, obscure byways. This verse underscores the dire conditions that necessitated divine intervention and sets the stage for the dramatic shift from chaos to peace brought about by God through His chosen leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:6 is an integral part of the "Song of Deborah and Barak" (Judges 5:1-31), a poetic recounting and celebration of Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanite forces led by King Jabin of Hazor and his general, Sisera. This song serves as a powerful artistic complement to the prose narrative of Judges 4. Verses 4-5 depict God's majestic presence and the shaking of creation, setting a cosmic backdrop for the divine intervention. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the human experience of this oppression, detailing the societal paralysis before the call to arms in verses 7-8. The subsequent verses then laud the tribes who participated and condemn those who did not, culminating in the dramatic description of Sisera's defeat and Jael's pivotal role. The verse's placement early in the song establishes the depth of the crisis from which God delivered His people, enhancing the magnitude of the victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel, lacking a centralized monarchy, was vulnerable to external threats from surrounding peoples like the Canaanites. King Jabin of Hazor, mentioned in [Judges 4:2](/judges/4-2 "Judges 4:2 - King Jabin's Oppression"), had "mightily oppressed" Israel for twenty years. This oppression was not merely political or military; it deeply impacted daily life. The Canaanites, with their superior iron chariots ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Canaanite Chariots")), dominated the plains and trade routes, making travel on main roads extremely perilous due to banditry, raids, and general lawlessness. The mention of Shamgar, son of Anath ([Judges 3:31](/judges/3-31 "Judges 3:31 - Shamgar's Deliverance")), points to a previous, albeit limited, deliverer, highlighting the ongoing nature of Israel's struggles. Jael, a Kenite woman, is surprisingly introduced here, foreshadowing her unexpected and crucial role in Sisera's demise ([Judges 4:17-22](/judges/4-17 "Judges 4:17-22 - Jael Kills Sisera")). The imagery of deserted highways thus paints a picture of a society under siege, where basic freedoms and economic activity were severely curtailed by fear and insecurity.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 5:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the Song of Deborah. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Oppression and Desperation**, illustrating the dire consequences of Israel's spiritual decline and their subsequent abandonment by God to their enemies. The "unoccupied highways" symbolize the breakdown of civil order and the pervasive fear that paralyzed society, highlighting the urgent need for divine intervention. This verse also sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, magnifying the glory of God's rescue through Deborah and Barak by contrasting the prior chaos with the subsequent peace ([Judges 5:31](/judges/5-31 "Judges 5:31 - Forty Years of Rest")). Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Unexpected Deliverers**, with the mention of Jael, a non-Israelite woman, whose future actions will be pivotal in the victory. The verse thus functions as a powerful lament, articulating the depths of Israel's distress before the dawn of God's salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **highways (Hebrew, _nᵉtîḇōṯ'_):** This term refers to "paths," "ways," or "roads," specifically those that are well-trodden, established, and typically used for public travel, commerce, and communication. The plural form emphasizes the widespread nature of the desolation. In ancient Israel, such routes were vital arteries for economic and social life. Their emptiness signifies a complete cessation of normal societal function due to fear and danger.
* **unoccupied (Hebrew, _ḥāḏᵉlû'_):** Derived from the verb "to cease," "to stop," or "to fail." Here, it vividly conveys that the highways had literally "ceased to be used" or "were deserted." It's a powerful image of abandonment and paralysis, indicating that the threat was so severe that people simply stopped using the main thoroughfares altogether, rather than risking their lives. This word underscores the profound impact of the oppression on daily life and movement.
* **byways (Hebrew, _’ōrᵉḥōṯ'_):** This word denotes "paths," "tracks," or "ways," often implying less-traveled, winding, or obscure routes. In contrast to the _nᵉtîḇōṯ_ (highways), these were not the preferred or safest routes. The fact that travelers resorted to them highlights the extreme danger on the main roads, forcing people into more perilous, inefficient, and hidden journeys, or compelling them to avoid travel entirely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath,"**: This clause grounds the historical context, referencing a previous, albeit brief, period of judgeship. Shamgar's deliverance of Israel from the Philistines ([Judges 3:31](/judges/3-31 "Judges 3:31 - Shamgar's Single-Handed Victory")) indicates a time of persistent foreign threat and Israel's ongoing vulnerability, setting the stage for the severe oppression under Jabin and Sisera that followed or continued. It emphasizes that insecurity was not a new phenomenon, but rather a recurring affliction.
* **"in the days of Jael,"**: The mention of Jael here is anticipatory and highly significant. While Shamgar represents a past, limited deliverance, Jael's name points to the future and the specific, pivotal role she will play in the current crisis by killing Sisera ([Judges 4:17-22](/judges/4-17 "Judges 4:17-22 - Jael's Decisive Act")). Her inclusion in this initial description of distress foreshadows the unexpected means by which God would bring about the ultimate victory, highlighting that even in the darkest times, God is preparing His instruments of salvation.
* **"the highways were unoccupied,"**: This is the central image of the verse, powerfully conveying the depth of the societal breakdown. "Highways" (main roads) were the arteries of commerce, communication, and social interaction. Their "unoccupied" (deserted) state indicates that normal life had ceased. Fear of ambush, robbery, or violence from the Canaanite oppressors or general lawlessness made public travel too dangerous, bringing trade and movement to a standstill and isolating communities.
* **"and the travellers walked through byways."**: This clause further elaborates on the consequence of the deserted highways. Instead of using the safer, more direct main roads, people were forced to use "byways"—winding, obscure, and often more dangerous paths. This reflects a life lived in constant fear and caution, where basic activities like travel were fraught with peril, illustrating the pervasive insecurity and the desperate conditions that Israel endured.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to paint a vivid picture of Israel's distress. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the stark contrast between "highways" and "byways." The image of deserted main roads and travelers resorting to hidden paths powerfully conveys pervasive fear and societal paralysis. This is further enhanced by **Metonymy**, where "highways" and "byways" stand in for the entire social and economic fabric of the nation; their state reflects the state of the people. The phrase "the highways were unoccupied" also carries a subtle hint of **Personification**, as if the roads themselves have ceased their activity, emphasizing the unnaturalness of the situation. The entire verse functions as a form of **Lament**, articulating the deep suffering and disruption experienced by the Israelites, setting a somber tone that magnifies the subsequent triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of spiritual decline and the desperate need for divine intervention. It illustrates how the absence of righteous leadership and the presence of oppression can lead to a complete breakdown of societal order, where fear dictates daily life. The verse underscores God's justice in allowing His people to experience the consequences of their disobedience, yet simultaneously sets the stage for His merciful deliverance. It highlights that true security and peace are ultimately found not in human strength or strategic roads, but in God's protective hand and the leaders He raises up. The chaos depicted here is a stark reminder of the world's brokenness and humanity's yearning for a deliverer who can restore order and safety.

* [Leviticus 26:22](/leviticus/26-22 "Leviticus 26:22 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 107:4-7](/psalms/107-4 "Psalm 107:4-7 - God Delivers from Wandering")
* [Isaiah 35:8-10](/isaiah/35-8 "Isaiah 35:8-10 - The Highway of Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:6 invites us to reflect on the profound impact of fear and insecurity on human flourishing, both individually and communally. When trust is broken, when justice is absent, and when danger lurks, life becomes a constant navigation of "byways"—less direct, more perilous, and ultimately debilitating paths. This historical snapshot reminds us that true peace and security are precious gifts, often taken for granted. For believers, it prompts us to consider where our ultimate security lies. Do we live in fear of the world's "highways," or do we trust in the God who provides a "highway of holiness" where no lion or ravenous beast will be found? It also challenges us to be agents of peace and justice in a broken world, seeking to alleviate the conditions that force others onto dangerous "byways," and to pray for and support righteous leadership that fosters security and freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or society do I see "highways unoccupied" due to fear or injustice?**
* **How does the pervasive fear described in this verse contrast with the peace that Christ offers?**
* **What role can believers play in bringing security and freedom to those who are forced to walk through "byways" today?**
* **How does this verse deepen my appreciation for God's provision of safety and order in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What does "highways were unoccupied" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: It means that the main, well-established roads and trade routes were deserted. People had stopped using them because they were too dangerous, likely due to raids, banditry, or the direct threat of the Canaanite oppressors. This signifies a complete breakdown of civil order, commerce, and free movement, indicating a society paralyzed by fear and insecurity. Normal life had ceased, forcing people to either avoid travel altogether or resort to less safe, obscure paths.

**Why are Shamgar and Jael mentioned together in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Shamgar, son of Anath, serves to contextualize the period of oppression within a broader history of Israel's struggles, referencing a past deliverer ([Judges 3:31](/judges/3-31 "Judges 3:31 - Shamgar's Brief Judgeship")). The inclusion of Jael, however, is anticipatory and highly significant. She is not yet a deliverer in the narrative, but her name foreshadows her crucial and unexpected role in the upcoming victory over Sisera ([Judges 4:17-22](/judges/4-17 "Judges 4:17-22 - Jael's Decisive Act")). By placing their names together, the song emphasizes that even in the midst of profound distress, God is working through various individuals, both past and future, to bring about His deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 5:6, with its poignant depiction of a society crippled by fear and insecurity, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "unoccupied highways" and dangerous "byways" of Israel's oppression mirror humanity's spiritual condition before Christ—lost, alienated from God, and walking in paths of sin and fear, unable to find true peace or security ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Jesus, however, declares Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")), establishing a new, spiritual "highway" to God that is safe and accessible for all who believe. He is the ultimate deliverer, not merely from physical oppressors but from the bondage of sin and death, offering true freedom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")) and a peace that "transcends all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Where fear once forced people into dangerous detours, Christ now invites us to walk in the broad, secure path of His grace, leading us to eternal rest and security in God's presence ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the one who transforms the desolate byways of a fallen world into a glorious path of life.

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

Isaiah 33:8

The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.

Judges 3:31

¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Leviticus 26:22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your [high] ways shall be desolate.

Lamentations 1:4

The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she [is] in bitterness.

Psalms 125:5

As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

Judges 4:17

¶ Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for [there was] peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.