Judges 5:12-18 – A Divided People
Judges 4:6 informs us that the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali took part in the battle against Sisera. However, it seems they did not go unaided by the other tribes of Israel in the war against Jabin that followed. Ephraim, Benjamin, Issachar and Machir (the half of Manasseh living east of the Jordan) joined the battle against the Canaanites. The tribes of Judah and Simeon are not mentioned (probably indicating they were not called to aid in the war effort). However, the tribes of Reuben, Dan, Asher and Gilead (in this context this probably refers to Gad who lived in Gilead alongside Manasseh) are specifically named as not having helped. It is likely they were asked to assist in the war effort but either refused or vacillated.
Why did these tribes not help when asked? It seems that self-interest kept them at home. Reuben is said to have had “great searchings of heart,” remaining among the sheepfolds. In other words, the men of Reuben could not make up their minds about what was the right thing to do. Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, Dan stayed by the ships and Asher by the sea coast. Each of these tribes stayed home to guard their own interests rather than take the risks inherent in war.
The Church, today, is engaged in warfare. Ephesians 6 tells us that this war is not a material war, fought with swords, rifles or missiles, but a spiritual war in which we employ the Word of God, faith, prayer, and righteousness. We are called to participate in this war and not to sit it out.
Questions
- Why did Deborah praise Zebulun, Naphtali, Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir, and Issachar?
- Why did Reuben, Gilead, Dan, and Asher stay home?
- In what kind of war is the Church engaged today?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will advance His Kingdom today.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.