Judges 5:19-23 meaning

The following verses of Judges 5:19-23 each contain the poetic tool of repetition to provide emphasis. This style can be found throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms (Psalm 29:1-2, 93:1-3, 115:1, 136). This passage utilizes repetition to communicate the greatness of God:

"The kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach near the waters of Megiddo; they took no plunder in silver" (v 19).

The mention of the kings of Canaan refers to the coalition of Canaanite city-state rulers who united under Sisera's command to suppress the Israelites. Taanach and Megiddo were significant Canaanite cities located in the Jezreel Valley, in northern Israel. Megiddo in particular is an ancient city with a rich history, often associated with battles due to its strategic position controlling the Via Maris (the Way of the Sea), an important trade route connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. Excavations have revealed that Taanach was a fortified city during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1550-1200 BC).

Despite the Canaanite cities’ efforts, they took no plunder in silver (v 19), showing that their kings failed to gain any spoil or reward from the battle. Throughout Scripture, when God promises victory to His people, He usually causes the enemy to fail in every way (Exodus 14:24-28; Deuteronomy 28:7; Joshua 8:18-23, 11:6-9). In contrast, those who are faithful to God are continually promised great rewards:

The LORD has provisions and promises in His kingdom for the ones who remain in Him, but to those who do not follow Him, there is only separation and death (John 15:6-7). The Canaanite kings are not under the protection of God, and thus reap no rewards for their selfish campaigns.

Deborah and Barak’s song now looks to the heavens: "The stars fought from heaven, from their paths they fought against Sisera" (v 20).

Verse 20 poetically describes divine intervention in the battle. The stars likely symbolize celestial beings or forces, suggesting that God orchestrated the elements in favor of Israel. The phrase from their paths they fought (v 20) implies that the cosmic order was employed against Sisera on the battlefield, reinforcing the idea that the victory was not achieved by human effort but by God’s providence. Personifying the stars and sky and giving them action is not uncommon in the Bible (Job 38:7; Psalm 19:1; Daniel 12:3; Philippians 2:15).

Mentions of nature continue in verse 21: "The torrent of Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon" (v 21).

The Kishon River flows through the Jezreel Valley near Mount Carmel into the Mediterranean Sea. During the dry season, it is a modest stream, but it can become a raging torrent during heavy rains. Its propensity to flood could turn the tide in battles, as likely happened during this conflict. The reference to the ancient torrent underscores its longstanding presence and historical significance. A sudden flooding of the Kishon could have turned the battleground into a muddy quagmire, hindering the chariots of Sisera's army and inevitably leading to their downfall.

After a description of the enemy’s failed campaign, as well as the references to nature’s contribution, we see a shout of endurance for the people: "My soul, march on with strength!" (v 21). Here, the singers, Deborah and Barak, exhort themselves—or perhaps the collective spirit of Israel—to continue with strength. It is a call to persist in faith and determination, recognizing that victory comes through steadfastness in God. When they call to their souls to march on, the emphasis is on eternal perseverance, not necessarily in this single moment.

The focus returns to the enemy in the next verse: "Then the horses’ hoofs beat from the galloping, the galloping of his mighty stallions" (v 22).

Some vivid imagery here depicts the panic and retreat of Sisera's forces. The galloping of his mighty stallions (v 22) suggests that even the strongest elements of the enemy's army were in disarray. The pounding hooves convey the chaos and urgency as they fled. In the previous chapter, Sisera’s army is described to have “nine hundred iron chariots” (Judges 4:3). Despite the seeming advantage in numbers and strength, Judges 5:22 alludes to the fact that none of these powers did them good in battle against the Lord.

A scathing rebuke comes to the idle Meroz: "'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the Lord, 'utterly curse its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the warriors'" (v 23). Meroz is a location mentioned only here in the Bible, and its exact site remains uncertain. It is presumed to be near the battle site, indicating that it was close enough to have participated but chose not to.

The angel of the Lord pronounces a curse upon its inhabitants for their failure to assist in the battle. This condemnation highlights the expectation that all Israelites should participate in the collective defense and support God's cause. While God intervenes powerfully, there is an expectation for His people to act. It is up to us to obey God or not.

This final passage of Judges 5 poetically recounts the miraculous victory God granted Israel over the Canaanite kings. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His power to intervene on behalf of His people. From a historical perspective, Sisera—the commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor—represents the oppressive forces against Israel during this period. However, the forces of God leading the battle and the natural elements turning against the enemy underscore God's active role in delivering Israel. Simultaneously, the curse upon Meroz's inhabitants serves as a stern warning against inaction, and highlights the expectation that God's people must actively participate in His work. Believers are called to trust in God's mighty deliverance, participate actively in His work, and avoid complacency.