Lexical Summary Barak: Barak Original Word: Βαράκ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Barak. Of Hebrew origin (Baraq); Barak, an Israelite -- Barak. see HEBREW Baraq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Baraq Definition Barak, a commander of the Isr. NASB Translation Barak (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 913: ΒαράκΒαράκ, ὁ, indeclinable (בָּרָק lightning), Barak, a commander of the Israelites (Judges 4:6, 8): Hebrews 11:32. (BB. DD.) Topical Lexicon Designation in the New Testament The name Βαράκ (Barak) appears once in the Greek New Testament, Hebrews 11:32, where the writer includes him among those “who through faith conquered kingdoms”. His inclusion situates him in the so-called “Hall of Faith,” underscoring that his Old Testament exploits were the fruit of genuine trust in God. Old Testament Background Barak son of Abinoam emerges in Judges 4–5 during the era of the Judges, when “the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 4:1). Oppressed by Jabin king of Canaan and his commander Sisera, Israel cried out, and the LORD raised up the prophetess Deborah. Acting on her prophetic summons, Barak mustered ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun on Mount Tabor. Military Deliverance and Divine Initiative The narrative emphasizes divine initiative: “I will draw out Sisera … and I will give him into your hands” (Judges 4:7). The decisive victory by the Kishon River is attributed to the LORD’s intervention (“the LORD routed Sisera,” Judges 4:15), demonstrating that Israel’s salvation rests on divine power rather than human strength or weaponry. Barak’s Faith As Commended in Hebrews 11 Hebrews 11 praises Barak’s faith, not flawless heroism. His request that Deborah accompany him (Judges 4:8) has sometimes been read as timidity, yet Scripture interprets it as faith willing to act when assured of the LORD’s presence. The passage in Hebrews groups him with Gideon, Samson, and Jephthah—imperfect people who nevertheless trusted God’s word and were used mightily. Prophetic Partnership with Deborah Barak’s collaboration with Deborah displays a model of complementary service. Deborah supplies prophetic direction; Barak provides military leadership. Their partnership affirms that God often works through united obedience rather than solitary endeavor. Liturgical Echoes in the Song of Deborah Judges 5 records one of the oldest hymns in Scripture, celebrating the victory. Barak is invited to “take captive your captives” (Judges 5:12). The song’s poetic retelling embeds the event in Israel’s worship, transforming military history into doxology and reinforcing collective memory of God’s deliverance. The Reversal of Honor and the Role of Jael Because Barak insisted on Deborah’s presence, the LORD decreed that “the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman” (Judges 4:9). Jael’s act of killing Sisera with a tent peg (Judges 4:21) fulfills this word. The episode illustrates both the sovereignty of God over human expectations and His ability to elevate unexpected instruments for His purposes. Doctrinal Themes • Providence: God orchestrates circumstances (weather, geography, alliances) to deliver His people. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Seek and submit to God’s word before strategic decisions, as Barak did through Deborah. Canonical Coherence Barak’s appearance in Hebrews validates the historical reliability of Judges and ties the salvation narratives of the Old Testament to the New Testament theme of persevering faith. His account anticipates the ultimate Captain of salvation, Jesus Christ, who secures a greater deliverance and is likewise celebrated in heavenly song (Revelation 5:9–10). Forms and Transliterations Βαρακ Βαράκ Barak BarákLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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