Judges 5:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This messenger is the Son of God, for the Lord says, “My name is in him” (Ex. 23:21). This angel appeared to the Israelites to proclaim that, despite their glory and that of their leaders, only he could ensure their true joy and preservation. Following Moses' death, he appeared only to those particularly deserving or during significant events, as seen when he visited Joshua at Jericho. After Joshua’s passing, he admonished Israel at Bochim during the early days of the judges. Though concerned for the Israelites, they repeatedly turned to sinful ways, prompting the angel to declare, “I will leave you and no longer protect you from the nations that will become thorns and temptations for you” (Judges 2:1-6). The era of the Judges was marked by turmoil within Israel, frequently leading to subjugation by foreign powers; they were liberated only to fall back into bondage. While idol worship and abandonment of the true God played a role in their suffering, the primary reason was that the angel of their leader and protector was withdrawn from them. This angel of the Lord rarely showed himself to the judges or similar figures; it is Deborah who first references the angel after the occurrence at Bochim, stating, "Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord to me" (Judg. 5:23). It is clear that the reappearance of the angel of the Lord as the Israelites’ protector would signify renewed divine oversight of their lives. As Barak contemplates the impending battle, he is uncertain how to achieve victory with the meager forces at his disposal, convinced that without the protection and assistance of God’s angel, success is unattainable. Consequently, he turns to Deborah, a woman inspired by this angel, believing her presence in battle will secure victory for Israel.