Judges 5:17 - The Song of Deborah and Barak

Audio Bible

Context

The Song of Deborah and Barak
…16Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. 17Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. 18Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield.…

Cross References

Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.Joshua 19:29
The border then turned back toward Ramah as far as the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah, and came out at the Sea in the region of Achzib,Joshua 19:46
Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, including the territory across from Joppa.1 Kings 9:26
King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea.Ezekiel 27:3
Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’Ezekiel 27:8
The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains.Ezekiel 27:9
The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.Isaiah 23:1
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.Isaiah 23:10
Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor.Jeremiah 49:23
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.Matthew 4:13
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,Matthew 11:21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.Mark 3:8
Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.Luke 6:17
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.John 6:1
After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).

Joshua 13:25,31
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah; …

Asher

Joshua 19:24-31
And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families…

sea shore.

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Judges 5

Gilead remained beyond the Jordan.
Gilead refers to a region east of the Jordan River, often associated with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This phrase indicates that these tribes did not participate in the battle against Sisera, choosing instead to stay in their territory. Historically, the area of Gilead was known for its balm, a valuable commodity, suggesting a focus on trade and economic stability over military engagement. The decision to remain "beyond the Jordan" highlights a division among the Israelite tribes, reflecting a lack of unity during the time of the Judges. This division can be seen as a recurring theme in Israel's history, where geographical and tribal loyalties sometimes took precedence over national unity.

Dan, why did you linger by the ships?
The tribe of Dan was originally allocated land in the central coastal region of Israel, but due to pressure from the Philistines, they later migrated northward. The mention of "lingering by the ships" suggests a preoccupation with maritime activities or trade, possibly indicating a reluctance to engage in the inland conflict. This phrase underscores the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan, who struggled to secure their inheritance and often found themselves in conflict with surrounding peoples. The rhetorical question implies a critique of their priorities, as they chose economic pursuits over joining their fellow Israelites in battle. This can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of Israel's struggle to fully possess the land and remain faithful to their covenantal responsibilities.

Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.
The tribe of Asher was located along the northern coast of Israel, an area known for its fertile land and access to the Mediterranean Sea. By "staying at the coast," Asher is depicted as choosing the comfort and security of their established settlements over participating in the conflict. The mention of "harbors" suggests a focus on trade and economic prosperity, similar to Dan. This decision reflects the challenges of tribalism and the temptation to prioritize local interests over national concerns. The coastal location of Asher also made them more susceptible to influence from neighboring Canaanite cities, which may have contributed to their reluctance to engage in the battle. This highlights the ongoing struggle for Israel to maintain its distinct identity amidst surrounding cultures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. In this context, it represents the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who chose to settle there rather than join the battle.

2. Dan
One of the tribes of Israel, originally allocated land in the central coastal region. Here, they are criticized for staying with their ships instead of joining the fight.

3. Asher
Another tribe of Israel, located along the northern coast. They are noted for remaining in their harbors, indicating a lack of participation in the battle.

4. The Jordan River
A significant geographical and spiritual boundary in Israel, often symbolizing a division between commitment and complacency.

5. The Battle
The context of this verse is the Song of Deborah, celebrating the victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. The tribes' participation or lack thereof is highlighted.

Teaching Points

Commitment to God's Call
The tribes' reluctance to join the battle serves as a reminder of the importance of responding to God's call with action, not excuses.

Unity in the Body of Christ
Just as the tribes were expected to unite against a common enemy, Christians are called to work together in spiritual battles, supporting one another in faith.

Avoiding Complacency
The comfort and security of Gilead, Dan, and Asher can symbolize spiritual complacency. Believers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones to fulfill God's purposes.

The Cost of Inaction
The tribes' inaction had consequences for their reputation and spiritual legacy. Similarly, failing to act on God's directives can lead to missed opportunities for growth and blessing.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Judges 5What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?Judges 5:15-17: Does the criticism of certain tribes for not joining the battle suggest editorial bias or political propaganda?What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?

(17) Gilead abode beyond Jordan.--Gilead was the son of Machir, and grandson of Manasseh. The name is here probably meant to include Gad, as well as the half-tribe of Manasseh. The word "abode" means "stayed quietly" (Psalm 16:9), and is rendered qniesce-bat in the Vulgate.

Why did Dan remain in ships?--The sudden question is very picturesque. The other rendering, "Why did Dan fear the ships (of the enemy)? "is untenable. The possession of Joppa. one of the few seaports of Palestine, naturally influenced the pursuits of the tribe (Joshua 19:46; 2Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7); but whether they are here reproached for absorption in commerce, or for cowardice in taking refuge in their ships, is uncertain. The word rendered "remain" often involves a notion of "alarm" (Deuteronomy 32:27). If the Danite migration (Judges 18) had by this time occurred, it is almost impossible that they should not have rendered some assistance to the revolt of the northern tribes. The fact that it is not here alluded to shows the extremely early date at which this narrative must be placed. . . .

Verse 17. - In ships. The celebrated hat. hour of Joppa (Jonah 1:3), now Jaffa, was in the tribe of Dan. His breaches. The creeks and bays where they kept their fishing. boats. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Gilead
גִּלְעָ֗ד (gil·‘āḏ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

remained
שָׁכֵ֔ן (šā·ḵên)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

beyond
בְּעֵ֤בֶר (bə·‘ê·ḇer)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side

the Jordan.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

Dan,
וְדָ֕ן (wə·ḏān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel

why
לָ֥מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

did you linger
יָג֖וּר (yā·ḡūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility

by the ships?
אֳנִיּ֑וֹת (’o·nî·yō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 591: A ship

Asher
אָשֵׁ֗ר (’ā·šêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 836: Asher -- 'happy one', a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, also perhaps a city in Palestine

stayed
יָשַׁב֙ (yā·šaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

at the coast
לְח֣וֹף (lə·ḥō·wp̄)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2348: Shore, coast

and remained
יִשְׁכּֽוֹן׃ (yiš·kō·wn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

in
וְעַ֥ל (wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his harbors.
מִפְרָצָ֖יו (mip̄·rā·ṣāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4664: A break, a haven

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Judges 5:17 Catholic BibleOT History: Judges 5:17 Gilead lived beyond the Jordan (Jd Judg. Jdg)