King James Version
What Does Judges 5:20 Mean?
“They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. courses: Heb. paths”
Context
18
Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. jeoparded: Heb. exposed to reproach
19
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
20
They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. courses: Heb. paths
21
The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
22
Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. pransings: or, tramplings, or, plungings
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **They fought from heaven.—The “they” is impersonal**—the powers above. (Comp. Luke 12:20, Greek, and for the fact, Judges 4:22.)
**The stars in their courses.**—This is probably a general reference to the providential storms which had secured the victory to Israel. To understand the “stars” as meaning “angels” is a mistaken inference from Job 38:7. There is a striking parallel in Claudian’s poem on the Consulship of Honorius:—
“Oh nimium dilecte Deo, cui militat aether
Et conjurati veniunt ad classica venti.”
Similarly, Æschylus represents “water and fire, in ruin reconciled,” fighting against the Greek fleet.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 5:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge