Then the survivors came down to the nobles;This phrase refers to the remnant of Israel who survived the oppression of the Canaanites. The term "survivors" indicates those who remained faithful and were preserved by God. The "nobles" could refer to the leaders or rulers of Israel, possibly those who were called to lead the people in battle. This reflects the biblical theme of God using a faithful remnant to achieve His purposes, as seen in
Isaiah 10:20-22.
the people of the LORD came down to me
"People of the LORD" signifies the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This phrase emphasizes that the Israelites are not just any people, but those chosen by God. The phrase "came down to me" suggests a gathering or rallying around a leader, in this case, Deborah, who is the speaker in this song. This reflects the unity and divine calling of the Israelites to act under God's guidance, similar to how God called Gideon inJudges 6.
against the mighty.
The "mighty" refers to the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, who were oppressing Israel. This phrase highlights the contrast between the seemingly weak and oppressed Israelites and the powerful Canaanite army. It underscores the biblical theme of God empowering the weak to overcome the strong, as seen in David's victory over Goliath in1 Samuel 17. This also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over the powers of sin and death, as described inColossians 2:15.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera.
2.
BarakThe military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera.
3.
The SurvivorsRefers to the remnant of Israel who survived oppression and came together to fight against their oppressors.
4.
The NoblesLikely refers to the leaders or influential figures among the Israelites who played a role in the battle.
5.
The MightyRepresents the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, who were considered powerful and formidable.
Teaching Points
God Empowers the RemnantGod often uses a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes. We should not underestimate the power of a small, committed group of believers.
Leadership and ObedienceDeborah and Barak's account emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and obedience to God's call, even when facing overwhelming odds.
Divine InterventionThe victory over the mighty Canaanites was not due to Israel's strength but God's intervention. We should rely on God's power rather than our own abilities.
Unity Among BelieversThe coming together of the survivors and nobles highlights the strength found in unity. The church today should strive for unity in purpose and mission.
Celebrating God's VictoriesLike Deborah's song, we should remember and celebrate the victories God grants us, using them as testimonies of His faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 5:13?
2.How does Judges 5:13 illustrate God's empowerment of His chosen leaders?
3.What lessons can we learn from the "remnant of the nobles" in Judges 5:13?
4.How does Judges 5:13 connect with God's deliverance in Exodus?
5.How can we apply the concept of divine victory in Judges 5:13 today?
6.What role does humility play in God's deliverance as seen in Judges 5:13?
7.What does Judges 5:13 reveal about God's role in battles and leadership?
8.How does Judges 5:13 reflect the theme of divine intervention in human affairs?
9.What historical context supports the events described in Judges 5:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 5?
11.What does the Bible say about Anunnaki and Nephilim?
12.What defines the genre of superhero fiction?
13.Psalm 149:6-9 - How does the command to wield swords and execute vengeance align with a loving God or an ethic of nonviolence?
14.How does God provide deliverance from troubles?What Does Judges 5:13 Mean
Then the survivors came down• “Survivors” points to the remnant left after twenty years of Canaanite oppression (Judges 4:3).
• They refused to stay hidden; they descended to the battlefield when God opened the way (compareJudges 5:2,Psalm 110:3).
• God delights to work through a faithful few—Gideon’s 300 inJudges 7:7 and Jonathan’s words in1 Samuel 14:6 echo the same truth.
to the nobles• The remnant rallied beside their leaders, showing that spiritual courage often stirs civil and military courage (Judges 5:9).
• Partnership between common people and commanders pictures God’s design for unity within His covenant community (Exodus 17:12;Philippians 1:27).
• Even “nobles” needed the fresh zeal of ordinary Israelites; status is secondary when God’s people pursue His deliverance (James 2:1).
the people of the LORD came down to me• Deborah, the prophetess-judge (Judges 4:4-5), speaks personally: “to me.” She saw God’s people answer the call she delivered.
• “People of the LORD” underscores covenant identity (Exodus 19:5-6). Their obedience wasn’t merely patriotic; it was worshipful service (Romans 12:1).
• The phrase “came down” mirrors God’s own condescension to fight for Israel (Judges 5:4;Psalm 18:9). When God moves, His people move.
against the mighty• Israel’s fragile bands faced Sisera’s 900 iron chariots (Judges 4:13). Humanly, the odds were impossible.
• Yet God delights to pit weakness against power so His glory shines (2 Chronicles 14:11;2 Corinthians 12:9).
• Victory flowed from heaven, not from Israel’s strength—thunder, rain, and flood disabled the chariots (Judges 5:20-21).
summaryJudges 5:13 celebrates a remnant that answered God’s call, united with their leaders, rallied around Deborah, and marched into overwhelming odds. The verse reminds us that when the Lord stirs His people, even the weakest become warriors, nobility bows in partnership, and earthly might collapses before divine power.
(13)
Then he made him that remaineth have dominion.--The translation, reading, and punctuation of this verse is uncertain. The MSS. of the LXX. vary, and the Vulgate merely gives a paraphrase. The Alexandrine MS. of the LXX. may be correct: "Then descended a remnant against the mighty." Ewald renders it, "Then descended a remnant of the nobles of the people." They were only "a remnant," because at least six of the tribes--Judah, Simeon, Dan, Asher, Reuben, Gad--held aloof.
The Lord made me have dominion over the mighty.--Rather,Jehovah descended to me among the heroes.The LXX. (Cod. B) and others connect "people" with this clause: "The people of Jehovah descended," &c., and perhaps correctly.
Verse 13. - Then he gave dominion to a mere remnant of Israel over the powerful among the people of Canaan, the Lord gave me dominion over the mighty men of Jabin.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thenאָ֚ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforethe survivorsשָׂרִ֔יד(śā·rîḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8300:A survivorcame downיְרַ֣ד(yə·raḏ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7287:To tread down, subjugate, to crumble offto the nobles;לְאַדִּירִ֖ים(lə·’ad·dî·rîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 117:Wide, large, powerfulthe peopleעָ֑ם(‘ām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockof the LORDיְהוָ֕ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelcame downיְרַד־(yə·raḏ-)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7287:To tread down, subjugate, to crumble offto meלִ֖י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewas warriors.בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃(bag·gib·bō·w·rîm)Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrant
Links
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OT History: Judges 5:13 Then a remnant of the nobles (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
