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    Judges 5 (KJV)

    Read Judges chapter 5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Judges 5

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Judges 5:31

    "So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that l…"

    Judges 5:3

    "Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will si…"

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    Judges 5 Summary

    Judges 5 is the Song of Deborah and Barak, one of the oldest poems in the Bible, celebrating God's victory over the Canaanite army of Sisera. The song praises tribes who answered the call to battle and rebukes those who stayed behind.

    The poem moves from cosmic imagery—stars fighting from heaven—to the intimate scene of Jael's decisive action against Sisera. It concludes with a poignant picture of Sisera's mother waiting for a son who will never return. The song is both a victory hymn and a theological statement about God's warrior-kingship.

    Key Themes

    Victory songGod as warriorCourage and cowardiceWomen in God's planCommunal responsibility

    Key Verses in Judges 5

    "Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song."

    — Judges 5:3

    Opens the victory hymn with bold proclamation before the rulers of the earth.

    "So may all your enemies perish, LORD! But may all who love him be like the sun when it rises in its strength."

    — Judges 5:31

    A powerful closing benediction contrasting the fate of God's enemies with the glory of His faithful.

    Life Application

    This song reminds us that God's victories deserve celebration and remembrance. It also challenges us: when God calls, will we respond courageously or hang back? Our participation in God's work matters.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is the Song of Deborah important?

    It is one of Scripture's oldest poems, providing a contemporary eyewitness celebration of God's deliverance. It offers historical, literary, and theological richness.

    Which tribes refused to fight?

    Reuben, Gilead (Gad), Dan, and Asher are rebuked for staying behind, while Zebulun and Naphtali are praised for risking their lives.

    Read the full summary of Judges

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