Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that loue him, be as the Sunne when he goeth foorth in his might. And the land had rest fourtie yeeres. Judges 5:31 (KJV)

Judges 5:31 concludes the Song of Deborah and Barak, a hymn of triumph recorded in the Book of Judges. The song is traditionally attributed to Deborah, the prophetess‑judge of Israel, and Barak, the military commander who fought alongside her. Within this brief verse two distinct themes emerge. First, Deborah invokes the Lord to bring about the destruction of Israel’s enemies, praying, “So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord.” This petition reflects a desire for divine justice against those who oppress God’s people. Second, she pronounces a blessing on those who love the Lord, describing them as “as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.” The solar imagery conveys radiance, strength, and the life‑giving power that the faithful receive from God.

The verse then records a concrete historical outcome: “And the land had rest forty years.” This statement marks a period of peace and stability that followed the decisive victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The forty‑year span underscores the lasting impact of God’s deliverance as celebrated throughout the broader song.

Thus, Judges 5:31 encapsulates both a prayerful appeal for the downfall of adversaries and a hopeful vision for the righteous, culminating in a historical note of forty years of rest. The passage invites readers to reflect on God’s power to defeat oppression, to honor those who love Him, and to recognize the peace that follows faithful reliance on the Lord.