Judges 5:1-31

CONTEXT: Known universally as the Song of Deborah (and printed as headers in many modern Bibles) Chapter 5 is for the most part (v.1-11) a victorious song of the forces of Israel over the Canaanite King Jabin. Starting in v.12 things get a little more complicated as some tribes are praised and some disgraced. Matthew Henry breaks it down as follows: I. It begins with praise to God (v. 2, 3). II. The substance of this song transmits the memory of this great achievement. 1. Comparing God’s appearances for them on this occasion with his appearances to them on Mount Sinai (v. 4, 5). 2. Magnifying their deliverance from the consideration of the calamitous condition they had been in (v. 6-8). 3. Calling those to join in praise that shared in the benefits of the success (v. 9-13). 4. Reflecting honour upon those tribes that were forward and active in that war, and disgrace on those that declined the service (v. 14-19, 23). 5. Taking notice how God himself fought for them (v. 20-22). 6. Celebrating particularly the honour of Jael, that slew Sisera, on which head the song is very large (v. 24-30). It concludes with a prayer to God (v. 31).

Our main text, v.16 is applicable today. Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Our nation (USA) is being guided by separate forces who have completely forgotten our National Motto, In God We Trust! We may not be physically in war (combat) but the spiritual warfare for the soul of this nation rages. There is a great division amongst the people and unless we regain that pride in our founding father’s faith and unity I fear we are doomed to failure. As Mclaren asks in his commentary below: ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’-Who?

This link to Alexander MacLaren’s Expositions Of Holy Scripture for Judges 5 may provide some helpful insight. Also here is a link to Matthew Henry’s Method of Prayer; Pray for the Healing of your Nation’s Unhappy Divisions and Success Against your Nation’s Enemies

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SERMON

“Hear, O Kings; Give Ear, O Princes; to the Lord I will sing

The ninety-sixth in a series: “I Will be Your God and You Will Be My People.”

Texts: Judges 5:1-31; Revelation 16:1-16