Judges 5:15
the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Issachar and Barak bravely rushed into battle, the verse notes that among the clans of Reuben, there were "great searchings of heart." This wasn't just hesitation; it points to a deep, internal struggle where they debated and wrestled with the decision to join the fight, ultimately choosing inaction.
This passage occurs within Deborah's powerful victory song, celebrating Israel's triumph over the Canaanite oppressor Sisera. The song praises tribes that bravely joined the battle, like Issachar who eagerly followed Deborah and Barak into the fray. However, it pointedly contrasts this with the tribe of Reuben, whose members were divided and deeply conflicted, ultimately staying home instead of fighting for their people.
Some tribes bravely answered the call to arms, rushing into battle. What does their swift obedience reveal about true commitment?
The song of Deborah highlights the contrast between those who acted and those who hesitated.
Issachar's Bold Step
This wasn't passive agreement; it was active participation, a testament to their courage and their willingness to stand with their people and trust in God's leadership through Deborah and Barak.
While some rushed into battle, one tribe faced 'great searchings of heart.' What led to their internal conflict, and what can we learn from it?
The song contrasts the bravery of some tribes with the internal struggle of Reuben.
The Great Searchings of Heart
Understand the original words
Yissaskar · Hebrew Proper Noun
A tribe of Israel whose tribal identity was often defined by their leadership and cooperative spirit in the nation's historical turning points.
Re'uben · Hebrew Proper Noun
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, often noted for their independent spirit and their hesitation to participate in the collective military efforts of the nation.
This passage shows a similar theme of God choosing a leader (David) from humble beginnings to shepherd His people, echoing the idea of leadership emerging even when prominent groups hesitate.
Psalm 119:113This verse speaks of the internal struggle with divided loyalties, mirroring the 'great searchings of heart' among the Reubenites who were torn between joining the battle and their comfortable lives.
Proverbs 1:10-16This passage warns against the allure of easy gain and the dangers of joining wicked schemes, offering a parallel to the Reubenites' potential reasoning for staying home rather than facing the risks of war.
Philippians 2:3-4This New Testament passage contrasts the self-centeredness that can lead to inaction with the selfless consideration of others, providing a principle that explains the rebuke of Reuben's disunity.
jfbJudges 5:15: "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."
- Then comes a reproachful notice of the tribes which did not obey the summons to take the field against the common enemy of Israel. By thedivisions—that is, the watercourses which descend from the eastern hills unto the Jordan and Dead Sea.For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart…
bensonJudges 5:15: "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."
Jdg 5:15 . He was sent on foot — Or, when he was sent, with his foot, into the valley. This is not an immaterial remark of the prophetess. It expresses that the tribe or people of Issachar, following the counsel and example of their princes, were as hearty and valiant in the cause as Barak their general;…
While Issachar and Barak bravely rushed into battle, the verse notes that among the clans of Reuben, there were "great searchings of heart." This wasn't just hesitation; it points to a deep, internal struggle where they debated and wrestled with the decision to join the fight, ultimately choosing inaction.
This passage occurs within Deborah's powerful victory song, celebrating Israel's triumph over the Canaanite oppressor Sisera. The song praises tribes that bravely joined the battle, like Issachar who eagerly followed Deborah and Barak into the fray. However, it pointedly contrasts this with the tribe of Reuben, whose members were divided and deeply conflicted, ultimately staying home instead of fighting for their people.
This passage occurs within Deborah's powerful victory song, celebrating Israel's triumph over the Canaanite oppressor Sisera. The song praises tribes that bravely joined the battle, like Issachar who eagerly followed Deborah and Barak into the fray. However, it pointedly contrasts this with the tribe of Reuben, whose members were divided and deeply conflicted, ultimately staying home instead of fighting for their people.
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This 'searching of heart' highlights the pain and perplexity that comes when our actions don't align with our convictions or our responsibilities to God and His people.
"the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart." — While Issachar and Barak bravely rushed into battle, the verse notes that among the clans of Reuben, there were "great searchings of heart." This wasn't just hesitation; it points to a deep, internal…
