King James Version

What Does Judges 5:8 Mean?

Judges 5:8 in the King James Version says “They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?” — study this verse from Judges chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?”

Judges 5:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. Speak: or, Meditate

Read Judges 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

This passage relates to the Song of Deborah celebrating divine victory, demonstrating God's sovereign choice and empowerment of deliverers. The judges themselves display varying degrees of faith and character flaws, yet God works through these imperfect human instruments to accomplish His purposes. This illustrates the biblical pattern that God's power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Theologically, these early judges establish the pattern of divine deliverance through unlikely means. God chooses the weak, marginalized, and flawed to demonstrate that victory comes from His power, not human strength. This anticipates Paul's teaching that "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

The military victories recorded here serve spiritual purposes—they deliver Israel from physical oppression but more importantly provide opportunity for spiritual renewal. Each deliverance creates space for Israel to return to covenant faithfulness. However, the repeated cycles show these deliverances provided only temporary relief, pointing to the need for the ultimate Deliverer who would provide permanent victory over sin and spiritual oppression through His death and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to the Song of Deborah celebrating divine victory. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about the Song of Deborah celebrating divine victory reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יִבְחַר֙1 of 13

“They chose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

אֱלֹהִ֣ים2 of 13

“gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

חֲדָשִׁ֔ים3 of 13

“new”

H2319

new

אָ֖ז4 of 13
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

לָחֶ֣ם5 of 13

“then was war”

H3901

battle

שְׁעָרִ֑ים6 of 13

“in the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מָגֵ֤ן7 of 13

“was there a shield”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

אִם8 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵֽרָאֶה֙9 of 13

“seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וָרֹ֔מַח10 of 13

“or spear”

H7420

a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point

בְּאַרְבָּעִ֥ים11 of 13

“among forty”

H705

forty

אֶ֖לֶף12 of 13

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:16-17Judges 2:17Judges 2:12Judges 4:31 Samuel 13:19-22

Test Your Knowledge

Judges 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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