This verse (Judges 4:6) is a pivotal moment in the story of Deborah and Barak. Let's break down its meaning:
"She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali..."
"She" refers to Deborah, a prophetess and judge in Israel at this time. She held a position of significant authority and leadership.
"Barak the son of Abinoam" is the person Deborah is summoning. He's identified by his father's name and his origin:
"Kedesh Naphtali" is a town located in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. It was a strategic location, likely familiar to Barak and his people.
"...and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, ‘Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor...'"
Deborah isn't acting on her own whim. She's relaying a direct command from God ("Yahweh, the God of Israel"). This establishes the divine authority behind the action.
"Mount Tabor" is a prominent mountain in the Jezreel Valley. It was a well-known landmark and a good strategic position for assembling an army.
"...and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?"
The command specifies the number and origin of the soldiers: 10,000 men.
These men are to be recruited from two specific tribes: Naphtali and Zebulun. This shows a focused military effort from a select part of the Israelite population.
In essence, the verse means:
Deborah, acting as God's representative, summoned Barak from his home in Kedesh Naphtali and told him that God had commanded him to lead 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to Mount Tabor, preparing for battle.
Significance:
Divine Authority: The verse emphasizes that this military action is divinely ordained. God is taking the initiative.
Deborah's Role: It highlights Deborah's role as a prophet and judge who communicates God's will to the military leader.
Barak's Responsibility: Barak is being tasked with a significant military command, putting him in a position of leadership and responsibility.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for the battle against Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, and introduces the key players in the conflict.
Testing Barak. His response to Deborah will be a key part of the narrative.
This verse (Judges 4:6) is a pivotal moment in the story of Deborah and Barak. Let's break down its meaning:
"She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali..."
"She" refers to Deborah, a prophetess and judge in Israel at this time. She held a position of significant authority and leadership.
"Barak the son of Abinoam" is the person Deborah is summoning. He's identified by his father's name and his origin:
"Kedesh Naphtali" is a town located in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. It was a strategic location, likely familiar to Barak and his people.
"...and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, ‘Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor...'"
Deborah isn't acting on her own whim. She's relaying a direct command from God ("Yahweh, the God of Israel"). This establishes the divine authority behind the action.
"Mount Tabor" is a prominent mountain in the Jezreel Valley. It was a well-known landmark and a good strategic position for assembling an army.
"...and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?"
The command specifies the number and origin of the soldiers: 10,000 men.
These men are to be recruited from two specific tribes: Naphtali and Zebulun. This shows a focused military effort from a select part of the Israelite population.
In essence, the verse means:
Deborah, acting as God's representative, summoned Barak from his home in Kedesh Naphtali and told him that God had commanded him to lead 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to Mount Tabor, preparing for battle.
Significance:
Divine Authority: The verse emphasizes that this military action is divinely ordained. God is taking the initiative.
Deborah's Role: It highlights Deborah's role as a prophet and judge who communicates God's will to the military leader.
Barak's Responsibility: Barak is being tasked with a significant military command, putting him in a position of leadership and responsibility.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for the battle against Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, and introduces the key players in the conflict.
Testing Barak. His response to Deborah will be a key part of the narrative.