What is the meaning of Judges 5:21? The River Kishon swept them away • This opening line recalls the decisive moment when God turned nature itself against Sisera’s army (Judges 4:15). • The phrase is literal: “the torrent of Kishon” rose and physically carried away chariots and foot soldiers, just as the Red Sea overwhelmed Egypt’s forces (Exodus 14:28) and the Jordan parted for Israel (Joshua 3:14-16). • The emphasis is on God’s sovereignty; Israel did not rely on superior weapons but on the Lord who “thunders over the mighty waters” (Psalm 29:3). • Note the divine initiative: Barak’s troops merely advanced; the flood did the heavy lifting. In Judges 4:7 God had promised, “I will deliver them into your hands.” Judges 5:21 records the fulfillment. the ancient river, the River Kishon • Deborah pauses to celebrate Kishon’s reputation. “Ancient” reminds listeners of past victories tied to the same river, such as Elijah’s triumph over Baal’s prophets beside Kishon centuries later (1 Kings 18:40). • The repetition (“the River Kishon”) underscores certainty: this very river, unremarkable in dry season, became God’s chosen instrument. • Throughout Scripture, God often revisits old landmarks to forge new victories—think of Bethel for Jacob (Genesis 35:1-7) or Gilgal for Israel (Joshua 5:9). • By naming the river twice, Deborah invites Israel to remember and retell the story so future generations will “declare what He has done” (Psalm 145:4-6). March on, O my soul, in strength! • Having described the outward deliverance, Deborah turns inward, exhorting her own soul to keep moving in God-given strength. • Personal application flows naturally: when God acts, His people respond with renewed courage (Psalm 27:1; Psalm 71:16). • The line captures the rhythm of faith: – God intervenes → hearts are emboldened (Isaiah 40:29-31). – Faith looks back at deliverance, then forward with confidence (2 Timothy 1:7). • Deborah’s example invites every believer to preach truth to self, echoing David’s “Bless the LORD, O my soul” (Psalm 103:1). summary Judges 5:21 portrays a real flood that swept away Israel’s enemies, celebrates the storied Kishon as God’s recurring stage for victory, and closes with a call to internal fortitude. The passage teaches that the Lord commands nature, fulfills His promises, and strengthens His people to press on in the wake of His deliverance. |
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