### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bârâq**, represented by `{{H1301}}`, identifies **Barak, an Israelite** military leader. It appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses**, primarily in the book of Judges. The name is central to the narrative of Israel's deliverance from the oppression of Sisera, where Barak acts as the commander of Israel's army under the direction of the prophetess Deborah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Barak, the son of Abinoam, is summoned by Deborah from Kedesh-naphtali [[Judges 4:6]]. He is given a divine command to gather ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them into battle. Barak's initial response is one of hesitation, agreeing to go only if Deborah accompanies him [[Judges 4:8]]. Despite this, he obeys the call, assembles the army [[Judges 4:10]], and at Deborah's signal, leads his forces down from Mount Tabor [[Judges 4:14]]. The Lord gives Israel a decisive victory, and Barak pursues the defeated army [[Judges 4:16]]. His story concludes with him joining Deborah in a song of praise for this deliverance [[Judges 5:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key verbs describe the actions surrounding Barak's role in the conflict:
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to): The narrative begins when Deborah sent and **called** Barak to deliver the Lord's command, initiating the entire sequence of events [[Judges 4:6]].
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise): This word marks critical moments of action. Deborah **arose** to go with Barak [[Judges 4:9]], and she commands him to "**Up**" (arise) to begin the battle, for the Lord had gone before him [[Judges 4:14]]. The victory song also urges him to "**arise**, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive" [[Judges 5:12]].
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to run after): This highlights Barak's role as a military pursuer. After the Lord routed the enemy, Barak **pursued** after the chariots and the host [[Judges 4:16]], and he is later seen as he **pursued** Sisera personally [[Judges 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H1301}}` carries significant theological weight about leadership and divine intervention.
* **Obedience and Divine Enablement:** Although Barak displays initial reluctance, his ultimate obedience to the command to go to Mount Tabor is the catalyst for victory ([[Judges 4:10]], [[Judges 4:14]]). His story illustrates that God empowers those He calls, even when they feel inadequate.
* **God's Sovereignty in Battle:** The text explicitly states that it was the LORD who **discomfited** Sisera's army "before Barak" [[Judges 4:15]]. Deborah confirms this by declaring, "is not the LORD gone out before thee?" [[Judges 4:14]], emphasizing that the victory belongs to God.
* **Fulfillment of Prophetic Word:** Due to Barak's condition for going to battle, Deborah prophesies that the honor of victory over Sisera himself would go to a woman [[Judges 4:9]]. This is fulfilled when Jael kills Sisera, and Barak is shown the result [[Judges 4:22]], demonstrating that God's declared purposes will stand.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1301}}` is the name of a pivotal figure in Israel's history whose story is one of reluctant but obedient leadership. Barak's account is not merely a record of military conquest but a powerful demonstration of faith, the necessity of obedience, and the absolute sovereignty of God in bringing about deliverance for His people. Through the narrative of Barak, the scripture shows how God accomplishes His will through human agents, directing their actions and securing victory.
TRV