SEV Biblia, Chapter 5:14
De Efraín salió su raíz contra Amalec, tras ti vino Benjamín contra tus pueblos; de Maquir descendieron príncipes, y de Zabulón los que solían manejar punzón de escribiente.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Judges 5:14
Verse 14. Out of Ephraim-a root of them] Deborah probably means that out of Ephraim and Benjamin came eminent warriors. Joshua, who was of the tribe of Ephraim, routed the Amalekites a short time after the Israelites came out of Egypt, Exod. xvii. 10. Ehud, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, slew Eglon, and defeated the Moabites, the friends and allies of the Ammonites and Amalekites. Machir, in the land of Gilead, produced eminent warriors; and Zebulun produced eminent statesmen, and men of literature. Probably Deborah speaks here of the past wars, and not of any thing that was done on this occasion; for we know that no persons from Gilead were present in the war between Jabin and Israel. See ver. 17. Gilead abode beyond Jordan.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 14. Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek , etc.] In this and some following verses, Deborah makes mention of the tribes that were siding and assisting in this war, and of those that were not; and begins with Ephraim, where she herself dwelt, Judges 4:5 who was the root, foundation, and source of this expedition, that under a divine influence directed, animated, and encouraged to it; and by whom, and from whence, a detachment was sent against the Amalekites, who upon all occasions were ready to assist the Canaanites, and now were about to do it; and to prevent their junction, a party was sent from Ephraim, and by the Ehpraimites; though the Targum, and the Jewish commentators in general, refer this to a past action, which Deborah here commemorates and celebrates; and understand by “root”, Joshua, who was of that tribe, and who discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword, Exodus 17:13 after thee, Benjamin, among thy people ; which the same Targum and the same writers interpret of a future fact, and as spoken of by way of prophecy; and suppose that Saul of the tribe of Benjamin is meant, and the people of Benjamin, the two hundred thousand footmen he took with him, and fought against Amalek, and destroyed them, 1 Samuel 15:1-9 but it is rather to be understood of the tribe of Benjamin in general, which at this time went out against Amalek, to prevent their giving any assistance to Jabin king of Canaan, and who were followed in it by a party of the Ephraimites; so that Benjamin has the greatest honour given it, partly as it was first in this affair, and partly as it was general, the whole tribe engaged, whereas only a few in Ephraim, and those stimulated by the example of Benjamin: out of Machir came down governors ; Machir was the only son of Manasseh, and therefore this must respect that tribe, half of which was settled on the other side Jordan, and to which Jarchi and other Jewish writers ascribe this, and suppose it refers to the princes and great men of it, who subdued the Amorites, and took the sixty cities of Argob in the time of Moses; though Kimchi and Ben Gersom understand it of some of them that came from thence to assist in this war; but it is clearly suggested in Judges 5:17 that they abode beyond Jordan, and gave no assistance at all; it therefore must be understood of the half tribe of Manasseh, within Jordan, from whence came great personages, with a number of men no doubt along with them, to lend an helping hand against the Canaanites, or to be employed as assistants under Barak in this expedition: and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer ; which being a maritime tribe, and employed in trade and navigation, had many clerks famous for their readiness in handling the pen; but these through a zeal for the common cause dropped their pens, and took to the sword, in vindication of the rights and liberties of themselves and their brethren; for which they are justly commended.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 bur with love. Praising God is a work we should awake to, and awak ourselves unto. She notices who fought against Israel, who fought for them, and who kept away. Who fought against them. They were obstinat 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 employe must have their due praise, to encourage others. But the whole creatio is at war with those to whom God is an enemy. The river of Kisho 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 strea 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, an 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 doin their duty by the fear of trouble, the love of ease, and undu affection to their worldly business and advantage. Narrow, selfis spirits care not what becomes of God's church, so that they can but get, keep, and save money. All seek their own, Php 2:21. A little wil serve those for a pretence to stay at home, who have no mind to engag 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 accep the services of those who improve their talents to advance his cause He requires every man to do so.
Original Hebrew
מני 4480 אפרים 669 שׁרשׁם 8328 בעמלק 6002 אחריך 310 בנימין 1144 בעממיך 5971 מני 4480 מכיר 4353 ירדו 3381 מחקקים 2710 ומזבולן 2074 משׁכים 4900 בשׁבט 7626 ספר׃ 5608
