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".
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