SEV Biblia, Chapter 5:17
Galaad se quedó al otro lado del Jordán; y Dan ¿por qué se estuvo junto a los navíos? Aser se asentó a la ribera del mar, y en sus quebraduras se quedó.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Judges 5:17
Verse 17. Gilead abode beyond Jordan] That is, the Gadites, who had their lot in those parts, and could not well come to the aid of their brethren at a short summons. But the words of Deborah imply a criminal neglect on the part of the Danites; they were intent upon their traffic, and trusted in their ships. Joppa was one of their sea-ports. Asher continued on the seashore] The lot of Asher extended along the Mediterranean Sea; and being contiguous to Zebulun and Naphtali, they might have easily succoured their brethren; but they had the pretense that their posts were unguarded, and they abode in their breaches, in order to defend them.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 17. Gilead abode beyond Jordan , etc.] A country which lay on the other side Jordan, and was given by Moses, half of it to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the other half to the half tribe of Manasseh, Deuteronomy 3:12,13 and being here distinguished from Reuben, it seems that not only that tribe, but also the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, on that side Jordan, came not to the help of Israel; but abode where they were, attending their flocks and herds, and preferring their own private profit to the public good; yet as Gilead was given to Machir, Deuteronomy 3:15 and some are said to come out from thence to serve in this expedition, Judges 5:14 some read the words, as Kimchi observes, with an interrogation, “did Gilead abide beyond Jordan?” no, he did not; though his situation was beyond it, as well as Reuben’s, yet he did not continue there, but came over to help his brethren; and so this is introduced to upbraid Reuben, and leave him without excuse, since he could as well have left his flocks as Gilead did, and come over to the help of his brethren as well as he: and why did Dan remain in ships ? the Danites inhabiting Joppa, and other places bordering on the Mediterranean sea, attended their navigation and merchandise; and which they chose rather to do, than to appear in the field of battle in the behalf of their brethren; judging this to be a sufficient excuse, though the question put implies the contrary; according to the Targum, they were meditating a flight, and put their goods into ships to flee with them, should Sisera get the day: Asher continued on the sea shore ; on the shore of the Mediterranean sea, attending traffic and business, and did not concern themselves at all in this war: and abode in his trenches ; in his towns and cities, the walls of which had been broken down by the Canaanites, and remained unrepaired, nor were they suffered to repair them; and therefore excused themselves on this account from engaging in the war, being obliged to stay at home to keep and defend their cities; which were in such a ruinous and weak condition, that the enemy might enter at any time: some render it, “in their creeks” f105 bays and havens where they had much shipping, and which required their attendance.
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
גלעד 1568 בעבר 5676 הירדן 3383 שׁכן 7931 ודן 1835 למה 4100 יגור 1481 אניות 591 אשׁר 836 ישׁב 3427 לחוף 2348 ימים 3220 ועל 5921 מפרציו 4664 ישׁכון׃ 7931
