Judges:5

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mhcc @Judges:5:1-5 . @ Verse 1-5 . - No time should be lost in returning thanks to the Lord for his mercies ; for our praises are most acceptable , pleasant , and profitable , when they flow from a full heart . By this , love and gratitude would be more excited and more deeply fixed in the hearts of believers ; the events would be more known and longer remembered . Whatever Deborah , Barak , or the army had done , the Lord must have all the praise . The will , the power , and the success were all from Him . mhcc @Judges:5:6-11 . @ Verse 6-11 . - Deborah describes the distressed state of Israel under the tyranny of Jabin , that their salvation might appear more gracious . She shows what brought this misery upon them . It was their idolatry . They chose new gods , with new names . But under all these images , Satan was worshipped . Deborah was a mother to Israel , by diligently promoting the salvation of their souls . She calls on those who shared the advantages of this great salvation , to offer up thanks to God for it . Let such as are restored , not only to their liberty as other Israelites , but to their rank , speak God 's praises . This is the Lord 's doing . In these acts of his , justice was executed on his enemies . In times of persecution , God 's ordinances , the walls of salvation , whence the waters of life are drawn , are resorted to at the hazard of the lives of those who attend them . At all times Satan will endeavour to hinder the believer from drawing near to the throne of grace . Notice God 's kindness to his trembling people . It is the glory of God to protect those who are most exposed , and to help the weakest . Let us notice the benefit we have from the public peace , the inhabitants of villages especially , and give God the praise . * Verse 12-23 - Deborah called on her own soul to be in earnest . He that will set the hearts of other men on fire with the love of Christ , must himself burn with love . Praising God is a work we should awake to , and awake ourselves unto . She notices who fought against Israel , who fought for them , and who kept away . Who fought against them . They were obstinate enemies to God 's people , therefore the more dangerous . Who fought for them . The several tribes that helped are here spoken of with honour ; for though God is above all to be glorified , those who are employed must have their due praise , to encourage others . But the whole creation is at war with those to whom God is an enemy . The river of Kishon fought against their enemies . At most times it was shallow , yet now , probably by the great rain that fell , it was so swelled , and the stream so deep and strong , that those who attempted to pass , were drowned . Deborah 's own soul fought against them . When the soul is employed in holy exercises , and heart-work is made of them , through the grace of God , the strength of our spiritual enemies will be trodden down , and will fall before us . She observes who kept away , and did not side with Israel , as might have been expected . Thus many are kept from doing their duty by the fear of trouble , the love of ease , and undue affection to their worldly business and advantage . Narrow , selfish spirits care not what becomes of God 's church , so that they can but get , keep , and save money . All seek their own ,Php strkjv @2:21 . A little will serve those for a pretence to stay at home , who have no mind to engage in needful services , because there is difficulty and danger in them . But we cannot keep away from the contest between the Lord and his enemies ; and if we do not actively endeavour to promote his cause in this wicked world , we shall fall under the curse against the workers of iniquity . Though He needs no human help , yet he is pleased to accept the services of those who improve their talents to advance his cause . He requires every man to do so . * Verse 24-31 - Jael had a special blessing . Those whose lot is cast in the tent , in a low and narrow sphere , if they serve God according to the powers he has given them , shall not lose their reward . The mother of Sisera looked for his return , not in the least fearing his success . Let us take heed of indulging eager desires towards any temporal good , particularly toward that which cherishes vain-glory , for that was what she here doted on . What a picture does she present of an ungodly and sensual heart ! How shameful and childish these wishes of an aged mother and her attendants for her son ! And thus does God often bring ruin on his enemies when they are most puffed up . Deborah concludes with a prayer to God for the destruction of all his foes , and for the comfort of all his friends . Such shall be the honour , and joy of all who love God in sincerity , they shall shine for ever as the sun in the firmament . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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