Judges 5 - Victory Song

Judges 5 essentially retells the story of Deborah, Barac, and Jahel, but this time in song.  It's a poem, and it's remarkable.  Tradition holds that Deborah herself composed it, and the point of view does indicate this.  Judges 5:3 reads, "Hear, O ye kings, give ear, O ye princes: It is I, it is I, that will sing to the Lord, I will sing to the Lord, the God of Israel."  Repetition in poetry is never without purpose, and the double pronouncement of "it is I" indicates that there is something that stands out about the composer of this poem.  Deborah's being a woman would certainly set her apart and make her composition unique among the many canticles found in Scripture.  The song, when really broken down and scrutinized, is quite epic in scope.  It recalls the early history of the Israelites, the wonders God did for them, and then connects it all to the most recent and miraculous victory over Jabin and the Canaanites.  There is a listing of the various tribes, those who came to the defense of God's people, and those who stayed home.  Deborah heaps praise upon the former, and lambastes the latter.  Deborah herself is given a motherly description: "Debbora arose, a mother arose in Israel" (Judges 5:7).  The fact that Deborah, a powerful judge and leader, is described as Israel's mother is quite significant.  She has authority as a mother has, but cares for her people with a motherly affection and sweetness.  Her femininity is highlighted as an asset; she is not described simply in masculine terms.  The song continues and speaks of how Israel had become a downtrodden place, a dangerous place, where people could not live in peace and safety because of their oppressors the Canaanites.  But now, thanks to God, the pathways are safe, people can live and work freely, all due to God's intervention, through Deborah, Barac, and Jahel, in defeating the enemy.  It is a song of triumph.  It must have truly been a joyous time in Israel.  We know that the people will fall once again, and they will be oppressed once again, and another judge will have to be sent once again.  But for Deborah's generation we see a victorious Israel and a glimpse into the peace and joy of a society completely aligned with God's Holy Will.  A victory song was a most appropriate response to this triumphant episode of Jewish history.  Thanks be to God for Deborah, the mother of Israel!