“And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Judges 5:15 (KJV)”
Historical context: The book of Judges is set in a time when Israel was transitioning from the period of the judges to the establishment of kings. During this era, the Israelites faced cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 5 is a poetic song of praise called the “Song of Deborah,” which celebrates the victory of Israel over their Canaanite oppressors.
The role of Deborah: Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel at that time. She played a significant role in guiding and leading the people of Israel in their battles against their enemies. In this verse, we see that the princes of Issachar, including Barak, were aligned with Deborah in this particular battle.
The participation of Issachar and Barak: The verse mentions that the princes of Issachar, a tribe in Israel, were present with Deborah and Barak. Barak was the military commander chosen by God to lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanite king, Jabin, and his army led by Sisera.
Barak’s assignment: The verse states that Barak was sent on foot into the valley. This refers to the military strategy employed by Barak, where he led the Israelite army on foot into the Jezreel Valley, a strategic location where the Canaanites were encamped. Despite having chariots, Barak trusted in God’s guidance and went forward on foot.
The divisions of Reuben: The verse also mentions the divisions of Reuben, one of the tribes of Israel. However, it states that there were “great thoughts of heart” among them. The meaning of this phrase is somewhat uncertain, but it suggests that there was some internal conflict or indecision among the Reubenites that affected their involvement in the battle.
