The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The Kings Came and Fought - Judges 5:19

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, … Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives unto the death in the high places of the field”, and in chapter five and verse nineteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “the kings came and fought” where we read,

The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

The verse reads, “The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo;” The writer began with the words, “the kings came and fought” which means “the royal rulers and leaders lit upon, entered and were brought in and did battle and made war”, “then fought the kings of Canaan” or “at that time battled and warred the royal rulers and leaders belonging to Canaan whose name means ‘zealous or lowland’ and was the fourth son of Ham and the progenitor of the Phoenicians and of the various nations who peopled the seacoast of Palestine” “in Taanach” which means “within Taanach or Tanach whose name means ‘sandy’ and was an ancient Canaanite city conquered by Joshua and allotted to the half tribe of Manasseh although in the territory of Issachar; given to the Kohathite Levites; located on the west of the Jordan” “by the waters of Megiddo” or “beside and near’ the flowing streams belonging to Megiddo or Megiddon whose name means ‘place of crowds’ and was the ancient city of Canaan assigned to Manasseh and located on the southern rim of the plain of Esdraelon six miles (10 km) from Mount Carmel and eleven miles (18 km) from Nazareth”. The writer shared how royal rulers approached and battled, and at that time the royal rulers belonging to “Canaan in Taanach” which were beside the flowing streams of “Megiddo” did according to the following.

The verse continues, “they took no gain of money.” The writer added the words, “they took no gain” which means “they, the royal rulers, did not fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive or acquire any profit” “of money” or “pertaining to silver, shekels or talents”. The writer shared how the royal rulers did not receive or acquire any silver or shekels for their engaging in battle.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the royal rulers approached the battle grounds and waged war against the royal rulers of “Canaan” in the city of “Taanach” which was located beside the flowing streams of “Megiddo”. However, they did not receive or accept any payment for their ventures. This is commendable, and when we yield to God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days 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 desire and ability to help in the battles of His Kingdom throughout the world without worry for any earthly remuneration. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “they fought from heaven”, 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".

Zebulun and Naphtali Jeopardized - Judges 5:18

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, … Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches”, and in chapter five and verse eighteen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung, “Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives” where we read,

Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives unto the death

in the high places of the field.

The verse reads, “Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives unto the death …” The writer began with the word, “Zebulun” whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the tenth of the sons of Jacob, sixth and last of Leah; progenitor of the tribe of Zebulun” “and Naphtali” whose name means ‘wrestling’ and was “the sixth son of Jacob and the second by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel and the progenitor of the tribe of Naphtali” “were a people that jeopardized their lives” which means “existed as a group of human beings who reproached, taunted, blasphemed, defied and upbraided their, the people of Naphtali’s, selves, minds, desires, emotions and passions” “unto the death” or “till dead, killed or destroyed”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung about how the people of “Zebulun and Naphtali” reproached their own living to the point of dying on behalf of the liberation of Israel.

The verse goes on to say, “… in the high places of the field.” The writer continued with the words, “in the high places” which means “within the elevated, lofty and haughty locations” “of the field” or “pertaining to the cultivated land, ground or country”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung of how “Zebulun and Naphtali” “jeopardized their lives” within the lofty locations of the cultivated grounds.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Zebulun and Naphtali” were intensely involved in rescuing “Israel” from “Jabin”. Not only did they put aside their own emotions and passions to live, but they also engaged in battle within the lofty cultivated plains. Not everyone came to the aid of “Deborah and Barak” when they were going to attack the armies of “Jabin”, but the people of “Zebulun and Naphtali” did. God want us to engage in the battle for souls to be saved in His Kingdom. 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 so that all who put their faith and trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth and give them the ability to be bold and courageous in fighting for the salvation of as many people as possible. (See John 3:16; 4:35)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “the kings came and fought”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gilead Abode Beyond Jordan - Judges 5:17

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, … Why abode you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart”, and in chapter five and verse seventeen of Judges, we learn how Deborah and Barak sung about how, “Gilead abode beyond Jordan” where we read,

Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships?

Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

The verse reads, “Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships?” The writer began with the words, “Gilead abode beyond Jordan” which means “Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’ and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead, settled down, dwelled and resided across and on the opposite side of Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”: “and why did Dan” or “and for what reason and cause did Dan whose name means ‘a judge’ and was the fifth son of Jacob, the first of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid and the progenitor of the tribe that descended from him”; “remain in ships” which means “sojourn, abide and dwell within sailing vessels or boats”? The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung about how the people of “Gilead” continued on the opposite side of the “Jordan River”, and the people within “Dan” abided in their sailing vessels.

The verse continues, “Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.” The writer added the words, “Asher continued on the seas shore” which means “Asher whose name means ‘happy’ and was the son of Jacob and Zilpah and the progenitor of the tribe that descended from him, stayed and remained upon the coast or shore of the sea”, “and abode” or “and lived, dwelled and inhabited” “in his breaches” which means “within his, Asher’s, havens or landing places”. The writer shared how “Deborah and Barak” sung about the people of “Asher” staying on the coast of the sea and living within their landing places.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about people groups who did not get involved in the conflict to overtake “Jabin” and his army. There are people who get involved in the work of the Kingdom of God, and there are those who do not. God wants all of us to be in His Kingdom, and when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days, 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 be involved in His Kingdom work wherever He decides we should be. (See Matthew 6:33; John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Deborah and Barak sing, “Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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…

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…

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…

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…