Judges 5:11

They that are deliuered from the noise of Archers in the places of drawing water; there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, euen the righteous acts towards the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord goe downe to the gates. Judges 5:11 (KJV)

‘They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water,’ is a phrase from Judges 5, known as the ‘Song of Deborah.’ This song is a poetic celebration of Israel’s victory over their enemies under the leadership of Deborah and Barak, recorded in the Book of Judges and attributed to Deborah and Barak. It highlights the events and individuals involved in the battle and praises God for His deliverance.

Historical Background: The period of the Judges describes a tumultuous era in Israel’s history after entering the Promised Land, marked by cycles of turning away from God, oppression, crying out for help, and divine rescue through judges. The battle against Sisera occurred when Israel was oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, and his commander Sisera. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, called Barak to lead the Israelite army against Sisera’s forces.

Verse Analysis: ‘They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water’: This phrase refers to those spared from battlefield dangers. Drawing water was a routine task typically performed by women at wells, representing peaceful daily life. ‘There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel’: The delivered people gratefully recount God’s righteous acts, acknowledging His intervention and protection for themselves and their communities. ‘Then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates’: This signifies the people gathering at city gates—places for legal matters, disputes, and decisions—to publicly share testimonies and praise God.

Key Themes: Gratitude and praise emphasize acknowledging and remembering God’s faithfulness. Testimony and communal worship highlight sharing deliverance stories openly to strengthen community faith. God’s righteous acts underscore His justice and care for His people.