SEV Biblia, Chapter 5:15
Príncipes también de Isacar fueron con Débora; y también Isacar, como Barac se puso a pie en el valle. De las divisiones de Rubén son grandes los pensamientos del corazón.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Judges 5:15
Verse 15. The princes of Issachar] They were at hand and came willingly forth, at the call of Deborah, to this important war. Barak-was sent on foot] I have no doubt that wylgrb , without regarding the points, should be translated with his footmen or infantry. Thus the Alexandrian Septuagint understood it, rendering the clause thus: outw barak exapesteilen pezouv autou eiv thn koilada, "Barak also sent forth his footmen into the valley." Luther has perfectly hit the meaning, Barak mit seinen fussvoleke, "Barak with his footmen." For the divisions of Reuben] Either the Reubenites were divided among themselves into factions, which prevented their co-operation with their brethren, or they were divided in their judgment concerning the measures now to be pursued, which prevented them from joining with the other tribes till the business was entirely settled. The thoughts of heart, and searchings of heart, might refer to the doubts and uneasiness felt by the other tribes, when they found the Reubenites did not join them; for they might have conjectured that they were either unconcerned about their liberty, or were meditating a coalition with the Canaanites.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 15. And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah , etc.] On Mount Tabor, whither they came to offer themselves to join in the war against Jabin; or to assist with their counsels, the men of this tribe being understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, Chronicles 12:32 even Issachar : not the princes only, but the whole tribe also; so the Targum paraphrases it, “the rest of the tribe of Issachar:” and also Barak, he was sent on foot into the valley ; which was at the bottom of Mount Tabor, from whence he was sent down by Deborah, when Sisera’s army was come thither; and where he went cheerfully on foot at the head of his 10,000 men, to engage Sisera with his horse and chariots; and which latter were capable of doing great execution in the valley, by running among the foot, and cutting them in pieces with the scythes at the side of them; but Barak, fearless of danger, readily obeyed the command of the judge and prophetess, believing it was of God: or the words may be rendered, as by Noldius f104 as Issachar, so Barak; he was sent , etc. the one as the other, with equal readiness and cheerfulness, courage and intrepidity, descended the mountain, at the order of Deborah, and took the field in the open plain, to engage with Sisera and his numerous host: for the division of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart ; either for their divisions among themselves in their own councils, some being for going over Jordan to assist their brethren the Israelites against Jabin, and free them from his yoke, pitying their distressed state and condition; and others were for keeping at home, and taking care of their flocks, and not intermeddle in the quarrel; judging it to be most for their worldly peace and profit to observe a neutrality: by reason of which divisions no assistance was given. Or for their divisions and separations from their brethren the Israelites, from whom they were not only separated by the river Jordan, but in their affections to them, and regards for them; keeping at a distance from them, when their help was required: and this conduct of theirs caused many thoughts of heart in Deborah and Barak, in the princes and people of Israel, who could not well understand the reason of it; and which caused much grief and uneasiness of mind, that so powerful a tribe, and who had been assisting to them in the conquest of the land, and lay convenient to help them, yet should be so very indifferent to them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 12-23 - Deborah called on her own soul to be in earnest. He that will set the hearts of other men on fire with the love of Christ, must himself bur with love. Praising God is a work we should awake to, and awak ourselves unto. She notices who fought against Israel, who fought for them, and who kept away. Who fought against them. They were obstinat enemies to God's people, therefore the more dangerous. Who fought for them. The several tribes that helped are here spoken of with honour for though God is above all to be glorified, those who are employe must have their due praise, to encourage others. But the whole creatio is at war with those to whom God is an enemy. The river of Kisho fought against their enemies. At most times it was shallow, yet now probably by the great rain that fell, it was so swelled, and the strea so deep and strong, that those who attempted to pass, were drowned Deborah's own soul fought against them. When the soul is employed in holy exercises, and heart-work is made of them, through the grace of God, the strength of our spiritual enemies will be trodden down, an will fall before us. She observes who kept away, and did not side with Israel, as might have been expected. Thus many are kept from doin their duty by the fear of trouble, the love of ease, and undu affection to their worldly business and advantage. Narrow, selfis spirits care not what becomes of God's church, so that they can but get, keep, and save money. All seek their own, Php 2:21. A little wil serve those for a pretence to stay at home, who have no mind to engag in needful services, because there is difficulty and danger in them But we cannot keep away from the contest between the Lord and his enemies; and if we do not actively endeavour to promote his cause in this wicked world, we shall fall under the curse against the workers of iniquity. Though He needs no human help, yet he is pleased to accep the services of those who improve their talents to advance his cause He requires every man to do so.
Original Hebrew
ושׂרי 8269 בישׂשכר 3485 עם 5973 דברה 1683 וישׂשכר 3485 כן 3651 ברק 1301 בעמק 6010 שׁלח 7971 ברגליו 7272 בפלגות 6391 ראובן 7205 גדלים 1419 חקקי 2711 לב׃ 3820
