What does "not a shield or spear" reveal about Israel's spiritual state? Setting the scene • “When they chose new gods, war came to their gates, but not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel.” (Judges 5:8) • Deborah and Barak are singing after the victory over Sisera. The song looks back at the condition of the nation just before the Lord intervened. The literal military picture • Forty thousand fighting men—yet no shields or spears. • Israel was effectively unarmed; they could not defend themselves or launch an attack. • Such total disarmament is abnormal for an ancient Near-Eastern people constantly threatened by hostile neighbors (cf. 1 Samuel 13:19-22, where the Philistines employed the same tactic). What the lack of weapons says about their spiritual state • Apostasy had stripped them of covenant blessings – “When they chose new gods” is the cause; the weapon shortage is the effect. – Deuteronomy 28:47-48 warns that turning from the LORD brings oppression and loss of strength. • God’s protective presence was withdrawn – The LORD is repeatedly called Israel’s “shield” (Psalm 115:9-11; Psalm 144:1-2). To lack literal shields shows they had forfeited their true Shield. • They were spiritually complacent and unprepared – Choosing idols dulled their sense of danger. War “came to their gates,” catching them unready. • Fear replaced faith – Without trust in the LORD, courage evaporated; no one bothered to procure arms. • Dependence on enemies – Disarmament often meant their oppressors controlled blacksmithing (1 Samuel 13 shows this later). Spiritually, they were now relying on pagan nations rather than on the LORD. God’s gracious intervention • Despite their unfaithfulness, God raised up Deborah and Barak, demonstrating mercy that does not cancel His holiness (Judges 2:18; Judges 5:11). • Victory came not from Israel’s might—there was none—but from the LORD’s direct action, underscoring that salvation is by grace. Timeless lessons for believers • Idolatry still disarms – Anything set above Christ—success, pleasure, security—leaves us vulnerable, robbing us of spiritual armor (Matthew 6:24). • True protection is found only in the LORD – “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). • Stay armed with God-given weapons – “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17). The New-Covenant believer never needs to stand weaponless. • Repentance restores strength – When Israel cried out, God delivered (Judges 4:3; 10:15-16). Confession and return to Christ renew spiritual vitality (1 John 1:9). |
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