5:1 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this victory song: 1
5:7 Warriors 2 were scarce, 3
they were scarce in Israel,
until you 4 arose, Deborah,
until you arose as a motherly protector 5 in Israel.
5:12 Wake up, wake up, Deborah!
Wake up, wake up, sing a song!
Get up, Barak!
Capture your prisoners of war, 6 son of Abinoam!
5:15 Issachar’s leaders were with Deborah,
the men of Issachar 7 supported 8 Barak;
into the valley they were sent under Barak’s command. 9
Among the clans of Reuben there was intense 10 heart searching. 11
1 tn The words “this victory song” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
2 tn The meaning of the Hebrew noun פְרָזוֹן (fÿrazon) is uncertain. Some understand the meaning as “leaders” or “those living in rural areas.” The singular noun appears to be collective (note the accompanying plural verb). For various options see B. Lindars, Judges 1-5, 237-38.
3 tn Or “ceased.”
4 tn The translation assumes that the verb is an archaic second feminine singular form. Though Deborah is named as one of the composers of the song (v. 1), she is also addressed within it (v. 12). Many take the verb as first person singular, “I arose” (cf. NAB, NASB, NIV).
5 tn Heb “mother.” The translation assumes that the image portrays Deborah as a protector of the people. It is possible that the metaphor points to her prophetic role. Just as a male prophet could be called “father,” so Deborah, a prophetess, is called “mother” (B. Lindars, Judges 1-5, 239).
3 tn Heb “take captive your captives.” (The Hebrew text uses a cognate accusative here.)
4 tn Heb “Issachar.” The words “the men of” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
5 tn Or “was true to.”
6 tn Heb “at his feet.”
7 tn Heb “great was.”
8 tc The great majority of Hebrew