Why Abode You Among the Sheepfolds? - Judges 5:16

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer. And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart”, and in chapter five and verse sixteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks?” where we read,

Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? 

For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

The verse reads, “Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks?” The writer began with the words, “why abode you” which means “for what reason and cause do you live, dwell and inhabit” “among the sheepfolds” or “in the midst and middle of the fire-places, ash-heaps or stalls for cattle”; “to hear the bleatings” which means “to listen to the pipings, whistling and hissings” “of the flocks” or “belonging to the droves and herds”? The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung the question as to what reason the tribe of “Reuben” sat at home to listen to the shepherds whistling for their herds. 

The verse goes on to say, “For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.” The writer continued with the words, “for the divisions of Reuben there” which means “because the classes belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah in that location” “were great searchings of heart” or “existed as large, intense, important and mighty decrees, resolves, salutes and actions prescribed belonging to the soul, will and mind”. The writer repeated the phrase from the song of “Deborah and Barak” that the classes of “Reuben” existed with mighty and important decrees and resolves within their souls. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how there was a calling out to the tribe of Reuben to get involved in the battle against “Jabin” because they were dwelling among “sheepfolds” where they listened to the whistles of shepherds calling for them. Even though they had large and intense resolves within their souls, they did not act upon them. Good intentions never “did” anything, and because the tribe of “Reuben” was to help defeat “Jabin”, their distractions were intolerable. God wants us to be involved in His Kingdom work, and our introduction into His Kingdom comes when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and show us the importance of getting involved in His work in this world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Mark 10:44; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing about, “Gilead abode beyond Jordan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

The Princes of Issachar with Deborah - Judges 5:15

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer”, and in chapter five and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “the princes of Issachar were with Deborah” where we read,

And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.

The verse reads, “And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak:” The writer began with the words, “and the princes of Issachar” which means “and the rulers, chiefs, chieftains and officials belonging to Issachar whose name means ‘there is recompense’ and was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name” “were with Deborah” or “were alongside and accompanied Deborah whose name means ‘bee’”; “even Issachar” which means “also and indeed Issachar whose name means ‘there is recompense’”, “and also Barak” or “and even so and indeed Barak whose name means ‘lightning or flashing lightning’ and was the son of Abinoam of Kedesh who, incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, delivered the Israelites from the yoke of Jabin by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel”. The writer shared how the leaders and rulers from “Issachar” accompanied “Deborah” and “Barak”. 

The verse continues, “he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.” The writer added the words, “he was sent on foot” which means “he, Barak, was dispatched and assigned upon his, Barak’s, physical feet” “into the valley” or “to the vale, lowland or open country”. “For the divisions of Reuben there” which means “because, since and on account that the classes belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah within that location” “were great thoughts of heart” or “existed as large, intense, important and mighty decrees, resolves, salutes and actions prescribed belonging to the soul, will and mind”. The writer shared how “Barak” was dispatched on his physical feet into the vale or lowland, because the classes of the tribe of Reuben who were there  were mighty and important in their souls and minds. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah and Barak” had more support from the chieftains belonging to the tribe of “Issachar”. “Barak” was dispatched into the open country because the classes of the tribe of “Reuben” possessed important resolves within their souls and minds. God gave all these tribes their abilities and purpose to go alongside “Deborah and Barak” for the deliverance of Israel, and because He loves all people, God has employed many people to share His gospel throughout the world. God wants everyone to know that He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to tell others about His saving grace to those who believe. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

A Root Against Amalek - Judges 5:14

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive, you son of Abinoam. Then he made him that remains have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty”, and in chapter five and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek” where we read,

Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.

The verse reads, “Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your people;” The writer began with the words, “Out of Ephraim” which means “from Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap or I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was the second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh”: “was there a root of them” or “there existed a bottom, deep and lowest stratum pertaining to the remnant” “against Amalek” which means “in opposition to Amalek whose name means ‘dweller in a valley’ and was a son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan”: “after you, Benjamin” or “following or coming forth behind you, Benjamin whose name means ‘son of the right hand’ and was Jacob's and Rachel's youngest son, Joseph's full brother and the progenitor of the tribe of Benjamin” “among your people” which means “in the midst and middle of your, Benjaimin’s, human beings”. The writer shared how a remnant of the people of “Ephraim” rose up in opposition to “Amalek”, and others came from the tribe of “Benjamin” who were in the midst of the people of Israel. 

The verse goes on to say, “out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.” The writer goes on to say the words, “out of Machir” which means “from Machir whose name means sold and was the eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family” “came down governors” or “descended and went forth lawmakers, engravers and ones who enact decrees”, “and out of Zebulun” which means “and from Zebulun whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the tenth of the sons of Jacob, sixth and last of Leah and the male progenitor of Zebulun” “they that handle the pen of the writer” or “they, the lawgivers from Zebulun, draw, lead along and proceed with the scepter, truncheon and branch belonging to the ones who count, recount, relate and reckon. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” also sung of the lawmakers who descended from “Machir” and the counters and reckoners who were from “Zebulun”.  

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how there were various people who helped with the conquering of “Jabin” by “Israel”. People from “Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir and Zebulun” joined in the battle with various positions and strengths. God uses all types of people in His Kingdom, and He calls for everyone to relate to Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we  believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the abilities and talents that are necessary to be useful in His Kingdom wherever and whenever He decides to use us. (See John 3:16; 16;13; Acts 1;8 Mark 10:44; Romans 12)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “the princes of Issachar were with Deborah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Dominion Over the Nobles - Judges 5:13

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive, you son of Abinoam”, and in chapter five and verse thirteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung about Barak, “he made him that remains have dominion over the nobles among the people” where we read,

Then he made him that remains have dominion over the nobles among the people: 

the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.

The verse reads, “Then he made him that remains have dominion over the nobles among the people:” The writer began with the words, “then he made him that remains” which means “at that time Jehovah God caused the remnant or small amount of people of Israel to”: “have dominion” or “dominate, tread down, subjugate and rule” “over the nobles” which means “above the great, majestic and famous kings and chieftains” “among the people” or “in the midst of the human beings”. The writer shared how Jehovah God caused the remnant of Israel to dominate the famous kings and chieftains who were their enemies. 

The verse continues, “the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.” The writer added the words, “the LORD” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name of the One True God” “made me have dominion” or “caused me, Barak, to dominate, rule and subjugate” “over the mighty” which means “above the strong, brave and valiant ones”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung of Jehovah God giving “Barak” the ability to dominate those who were brave and valiant. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God gave the ability for  “Barak” and the people of Israel to dominate their adversaries, and it was to such a degree, that even those who were powerful and valiant fell under their control. God gave victory to His people “Israel” even after they had forsaken Him for other deities. Regardless of how far away from God we are, He is always ready to receive us back through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us know when He has given us the victory over His foes and ours. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Awake and Utter a Song - Judges 5:12

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates”, and in chapter five and verse twelve of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song” where we read,

Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song:

 arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive, you son of Abinoam.

The verse reads, “Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song:” The writer began with the words, “awake, awake, Deborah” which means “rouse, stir up and incite your own self, Deborah whose name means ‘bee””: “awake, awake, utter a song” or “rouse, stir up and incite, declare, converse and command a musical tune with your voice”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung of rousing up “Deborah” to sing a musical tune with her voice. 

The verse goes on to say, “arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive, you son of Abinoam.” The writer continues with the words, “arise, Barak” which means “rouse, stir up and incite your own self, Barak whose name means ‘lightning or lightning flash’ and was a son of Abinoam of Kedesh who, incited by Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, delivered the Israelites from the yoke of Jabin by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel”, “and lead your captivity captive” or “and take and drive your, Barak’s, booty and take away”, “you son of Abinoam” which means “you male offspring belonging to Abinoam whose name means ‘my father is delight’ and was a descendant of Naphtali”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung of “Barak who was Abinoam’s male offspring” rising up to capture his booty and gain.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how there was a stirring up that occurred in the lives of “Deborah and Barak”, and they included it in their song. God used them to defeat Israel’s hating foe, Jabin, and this was a part of the process that brought about Israel’s freedom. God uses people in His Kingdom to tell others about His saving grace that is received when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we like “Deborah and Barak” are employed to fulfill His desires on the earth. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing about Barak, “he made him that remains have dominion over the nobles among the people”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Delivered from the Noise of the Archers - Judges 5:11

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … Bless you the LORD. Speak, you that ride on white asses, you that sit in judgment, and walk by the way”, and in chapter five and verse eleven of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung about, “they that are delivered from the noise of archers” where we read,

They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

The verse reads, “They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, …” The writer began with the words, “they that are delivered” which means “the people who are rescued and saved” “from the noise of archers” or “separate and apart from the sound, bleating and crackling cry belonging to those who divide, cut off and sever with arrows ” “in the places of drawing water” which means “within the locations pertaining to the troughs or water drinking”. The writer shared how people who are rescued from those who shoot arrows to divide in the locations for drinking water shall be as follows.

The verse continues, “… there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel:” The writer added the words, “there shall they rehearse the righteous acts” which means “in that location the people shall recount, commemorate and tell again the justice, vindication, justification and salvation” “of the LORD” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God”, “even the righteous acts” which means “also and indeed the just, truthful and morally right works and deeds” “towards the inhabitants” or “to the people who dwell, live and abide” “of his villages in Israel” which means “pertaining to his, Jehovah God’s, towns and rural people within Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how Deborah and Barak sung about the people who would recount and commemorate the right and just deeds Jehovah God performed toward the people who lived within the towns of “Israel”. 

Finally the verse reads, “then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.” The writer concluded this verse with the words, “then shall the people” which means “at that time will the human beings” “of the LORD” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One” “go down to the gates” which means “descend, march and sink down toward the city openings, ports, doors or entrances”. The writer ended this verse by sharing how “Deborah and Barak” said the result of sharing the “righteous acts” of Jehovah God would be that they would descend to the entrances of their places to live.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah and Barak” used their singing voices to share about the people of Israel being rescued and saved from their foes’ bows and arrows which were employed in the locations where they would obtain “water”, and because of this, they would commemorate and recount Jehovah God’s right and just works and deeds toward the people who lived in the towns of “Israel”. This would allow the people to have free access to the entrances of their dwelling places. In other words, the people would feel safe and secure to live and go about their daily tasks. God desires to free all of us from the power of sin and death, and this was the reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to discern and celebrate the times He has acted on our behalf. (See John 3:16; Psalm 150:2)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Speak, You that Ride - Judges 5:10

In the book of Judges we learned, “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, praise you the LORD for the avenging of Israel,  … in the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through byways. The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless you the LORD”, and in chapter five and verse ten of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “speak, you that ride on white asses” where we read,

Speak, you that ride on white asses, you that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.

The verse reads, “Speak, you that ride on white asses, …” The writer began with the word, “speak” which means “put forth, mediate, commune, ponder and sing”, “you that ride on white asses” or “you people who mount and sit upon tawny or white she-asses or donkeys”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” included in their song the directive for the people who mounted white she-donkeys to put forth and commune. 

The verse continues, “… you that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.” The writer added the words, “you that sit in judgment” which means “you people who are seated and settled down in measure, vesture, armor, garments and raiment”, “and walk by the way” or “and amble and proceed through and according to the road, journey and path”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” directed their words toward the people who were seated in fine measured garments and proceeded according to the journey or road.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Deborah and Barak” addressed the people who were mounted upon fine donkeys in fancy saddle blankets and who proceeded according to the traveled road. We can imagine the site of this as these regal looking men were riding in the pathways of Israel after the defeat of “Jabin” by “Barak” and “Deborah”. God delivered the people of Israel, and He will deliver us as well from the power of sin and death when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us to celebrate like those who mount white she-donkeys and ride on fine garments in the pathways while rejoicing in His victory. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Psalm 16:11)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing about, “they that are delivered from the noise of archers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".