THEOSISSeverian of Gabala
An additional ancient hymn was celebrated by the esteemed Devorra, who, following the defeat of her adversaries, commemorated her triumph with the finest expression of victory she could offer—a song of victory.
Judges 5:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
In that day Debbora and Barac, son of Abinoem, sung, and said:
וַתָּ֣שַׁר דְּבוֹרָ֔ה וּבָרָ֖ק בֶּן־אֲבִינֹ֑עַם בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹֽר׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jakimov I.S.
The fifth chapter of Judges includes what is known as the Song of Deborah. The narrative that inspired this song is recounted in chapter four. Following the death of Ehud, the Israelites found themselves oppressed by Jabin, the king of Canaan, for a span of twenty years. During this time, no one dared to challenge this oppression; however, eventually, Deborah inspired Barak to rise against their oppressors, leading to their victory. In Judges 4:14, this entire account is described as a miraculous act, attributed to the divine power of God. What makes it miraculous? The answer lies within the Song of Deborah. The remarkable aspect is that the rebellion against oppression was initiated by a seemingly fragile woman.
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Deborah motivated the people to revolt, while Jael ultimately defeated Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite forces. The Song of Deborah is noteworthy for its exceptional use of Hebrew language. Scholars agree on the considerable poetic qualities found in Deborah’s words. Additionally, the authenticity of this song is widely acknowledged by experts who convincingly establish that it is the exact song Deborah sang ‘that day,’ as noted in the Book of Judges. The song comprises three sections; the first concludes with verse 11, the second with verse 21, and the final part extends to the end of the chapter. Let us explore the song. ‘In that day sang Deborah with Barak;…’ indicating that both participated in the singing, yet the authorship of the song belongs to Deborah, as she declares in verse 3.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ex 15:1Then Moses and the children of Israel sung this canticle to the Lord, and said: Let us sing to the Lord: for he is gloriously magnified, the horse and the rider he hath thrown into the sea.
- Ps 18 (17):1
- Rev 19:1After these things, I heard as it were the voice of much people in heaven, saying: Alleluia. Salvation and glory and power is to our God.
- Rev 19:3And again they said: Alleluia. And her smoke ascendeth for ever and ever.
- Rev 15:3And singing the canticle of Moses, the servant of God, and the canticle of the Lamb, saying: Great and wonderful are thy works, O Lord God Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, O King of ages.
- Rev 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and magnify thy name? For thou only art holy. For all nations shall come and shall adore in thy sight, because thy judgments are manifest.
- Isa 12:1And thou shalt say in that day: I will give thanks to thee, O Lord, for thou wast angry with me: thy wrath is turned away, and thou hast comforted me.
- Isa 12:6Rejoice, and praise, O thou habitation of Sion: for great is he that is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.