King James Version
What Does Judges 5:7 Mean?
“The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.”
Context
5
The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel. melted: Heb. flowed
6
In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways . travellers: Heb. walkers of paths byways: Heb. crooked ways
7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
8
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
9
My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **The inhabitants of the villages ceased.**—The one Hebrew word for “the inhabitants of the villages” is *perâzôn. *The rendering of our version is supported by the Chaldee, and by the meaning of the analogous words in Deuteronomy 3:5.1Samuel 6:18, &c. But this cannot be the meaning in Judges 5:11; and it is far more probable that the LXX. (Cod. B) is right in rendering it “princes” (*dunatoi; *Vulgate, *fortes*)*, *though the difficulty of the word is shown by its being simply transliterated (*phrazon*) in the Alexandrine MS. The meaning probably is “warlike chiefs” (comp. Habakkuk 3:14). Luther renders it “peasants.”
**A mother in Israel.**—For this metaphor, comp. 2Samuel 20:19; Job 29:16; Genesis 45:8.
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 5:7 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 5:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge