“That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a call to praise, but a recognition of why praise is due: when leaders courageously take charge and the people freely choose to join them, it's a divine work in action. The original Hebrew for "leaders" might even hint at warriors with long hair, vowing vengeance, suggesting a picture of determined, dedicated fighters.
“That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces Deborah's powerful song of victory by calling for praise to God. It sets the stage by highlighting how leaders bravely stepped up and how ordinary people eagerly volunteered for battle, marking a moment when Israel actively participated in their own deliverance. The song then goes on to detail the specific tribal contributions and the miraculous defeat of their enemies.
The song of Deborah and Barak kicks off with a powerful call to praise. But what exactly are they praising God for? It involves a surprising detail about the warriors.
The song begins by praising God for the 'leaders taking the lead in Israel.' While this sounds like simple leadership, some scholars suggest it hints at a deeper commitment. The original Hebrew word used here is debated, but one strong interpretation links it to vows of vengeance.
Think of it like this: these leaders weren't just generals; they might have taken specific vows, perhaps symbolized by letting their hair grow long (like Nazirites, but for battle), signifying they wouldn't cut it until their enemies were defeated. This wasn't casual military action; it was a solemn, dedicated pursuit of justice.
It's one thing for leaders to step up, but what about the everyday people? This verse highlights a crucial element that fuels God's action.
The song doesn't stop with the leaders. It immediately points to 'the people offered themselves willingly.' This isn't about conscription or being forced into service. It's about a heart that chooses to engage.
This willingness is key. It suggests an inner motivation, a spirit moved by God to participate in the deliverance of Israel. It’s the difference between being pushed and being pulled by a genuine desire to see God's justice done and His people freed. This voluntary spirit is what makes the people's involvement so praiseworthy.
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The verse culminates in a call to 'bless the LORD!' But why is God worthy of such praise in this specific moment?
The entire call to praise in Judges 5:2 is rooted in God's action: 'for the avenging of Israel.' This isn't just about human effort; it's about God intervening to right wrongs and deliver His people.
The willingness of the leaders and the people to offer themselves is the context for God's mighty work. God stirs up their hearts, moves them to action, and then acts through them. So, the praise isn't just for the outcome of victory, but for God's powerful role in enabling and orchestrating the entire event, from the initial spark of courage in the leaders to the willing participation of the people.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title of sovereign authority and supreme being. In the Old Testament, it is the covenant name of God (Yahweh), revealing His faithfulness, self-existence, and personal relationship with His people.
Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the collective people of God descended from Jacob, chosen by Him to be a holy nation and the recipients of His covenant promises, law, and blessing.
barak · Hebrew Verb
In a biblical context, it is a cultic and relational act of ascribing honor, holiness, and supremacy to God. It acknowledges His divine nature and the benefits received from His grace.
This verse serves as the triumphant exordium to the Song of Deborah, celebrating not just Israel's victory, but the very heart of their willingness to fight and serve the Lord. It emphasizes that divine praise is due because leaders stepped up and the people freely offered themselves, highlighting a crucial aspect of their deliverance.
c. 1190 BC
Oppression by Jabin and Sisera
For twenty years, the Israelites suffered under the harsh rule of Jabin, a Canaanite king ruling from Hazor, with Sisera as his military commander. This period of severe oppression likely fueled a desperate desire for deliverance.
c. 1190 BC— this verse
Deborah's Call to Arms
The prophetess Deborah, acting as a judge, calls upon the Israelite leaders, particularly Barak of Naphtali, to rally the people against the Canaanite oppressors. This moment marks the beginning of the organized resistance.
c. 1190 BC
Mobilization and Gathering
Following Deborah's call, leaders and people from various tribes, especially Naphtali and Zebulun, begin to volunteer and gather for battle. This willing participation is a key theme highlighted in the song.
c. 1190 BC
Battle of the Kishon River
The Israelite forces, led by Deborah and Barak, engage and decisively defeat Sisera's army. Divine intervention is often credited with aiding the Israelites, possibly through a flood that hampered the Canaanite chariots.
c. 1190 BC
Defeat and Death of Sisera
Sisera flees the battle and is eventually killed by Jael, a Kenite woman, who drives a tent peg through his temple while he sleeps. This event marks the final end of Canaanite oppression.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Judges 5:2, speaking of a people who 'shall be willing in the day of your power,' highlighting the voluntary and eager participation of God's people in His work.
2 Chronicles 17:16This verse also speaks of people 'offering themselves willingly' to serve, drawing a parallel to the spirit of voluntary commitment seen in Judges 5:2 for a significant undertaking.
Deuteronomy 32:42There's a potential linguistic link here, as this verse may use a similar word to 'leaders' in Judges 5:2, possibly referencing warriors or those taking a vow of vengeance, connecting leadership with a readiness for battle.
Exodus 35:21This verse describes people 'offering willingly' contributions for the tabernacle, showing a consistent theme in Scripture where a willing heart is central to divine service and accomplishment.
jfbJudges 5:2: "Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."
2, 3. The meaning is obscurely seen in our version; it has been better rendered thus, "Praise ye Jehovah; for the free are freed in Israel—the people have willingly offered themselves" [Robinson].
bensonJudges 5:2: "Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."
Jdg 5:2 . Praise ye the Lord, &c. — This verse seems to be no more than the exordium, or preface to the song, expressing the subject or occasion of it, namely, the avenging of Israel, or the deliverance of them from Canaanitish slavery, and the people’s willingly offering themselves to battle. Houbigant renders the verse thus — “Because the leaders of Israel undertook the war, Because the…
This verse isn't just a call to praise, but a recognition of why praise is due: when leaders courageously take charge and the people freely choose to join them, it's a divine work in action. The original Hebrew for "leaders" might even hint at warriors with long hair, vowing vengeance, suggesting a picture of determined, dedicated fighters.
This verse introduces Deborah's powerful song of victory by calling for praise to God. It sets the stage by highlighting how leaders bravely stepped up and how ordinary people eagerly volunteered for battle, marking a moment when Israel actively participated in their own deliverance. The song then goes on to detail the specific tribal contributions and the miraculous defeat of their enemies.
This verse introduces Deborah's powerful song of victory by calling for praise to God. It sets the stage by highlighting how leaders bravely stepped up and how ordinary people eagerly volunteered for battle, marking a moment when Israel actively participated in their own deliverance. The song then goes on to detail the specific tribal contributions and the miraculous defeat of their enemies.
"“That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God…" — This verse isn't just a call to praise, but a recognition of why praise is due: when leaders courageously take charge and the people freely choose to join them, it's a divine work in action. The or…
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Last reviewed October 2026