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Joshua 13:25,31
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer thatis before Rabbah; …

Asher

Joshua 19:24-31
And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families…

sea shore.

Dan, why did you linger by the ships?
The tribe of Dan was originally allocated land in the central coastal region of Israel, but due to pressure from the Philistines, they later migrated northward. The mention of "lingering by the ships" suggests a preoccupation with maritime activities or trade, possibly indicating a reluctance to engage in the inland conflict. This phrase underscores the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan, who struggled to secure their inheritance and often found themselves in conflict with surrounding peoples. The rhetorical question implies a critique of their priorities, as they chose economic pursuits over joining their fellow Israelites in battle. This can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of Israel's struggle to fully possess the land and remain faithful to their covenantal responsibilities.

Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.
The tribe of Asher was located along the northern coast of Israel, an area known for its fertile land and access to the Mediterranean Sea. By "staying at the coast," Asher is depicted as choosing the comfort and security of their established settlements over participating in the conflict. The mention of "harbors" suggests a focus on trade and economic prosperity, similar to Dan. This decision reflects the challenges of tribalism and the temptation to prioritize local interests over national concerns. The coastal location of Asher also made them more susceptible to influence from neighboring Canaanite cities, which may have contributed to their reluctance to engage in the battle. This highlights the ongoing struggle for Israel to maintain its distinct identity amidst surrounding cultures.

“Gilead remained beyond the Jordan.” (Judges 5:17)

• The name “Gilead” evokes the territory east of the Jordan where Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled (Numbers 32:1-5;Joshua 22:1-4). Deborah’s song points out that those brethren, geographically separated, chose comfort over covenant duty.

• Their inheritance was legitimate, yet they allowed distance to dull devotion. While Naphtali and Zebulun “risked their lives on the heights of the battlefield” (Judges 5:18), Gilead watched from across the river.

• The verse underscores the sobering truth that convenience often competes with obedience. Physical borders need not become spiritual barriers, but here they did (compareProverbs 24:10).

“Dan, why did you linger by the ships?” (Judges 5:17)

• Dan’s allotted land touched the Mediterranean (Joshua 19:40-46). Commerce and shipping held appeal, and the tribe chose docks over duty.

• Their hesitation foreshadowed later compromise: unable to secure their coastal inheritance, they migrated northward inJudges 18:1-2. A pattern of passivity began here.

• The rhetorical question exposes misplaced priorities. While God’s people battled oppression (Judges 4:6-7), Dan busied itself with trade. CompareMatthew 6:33—kingdom first, everything else second.

• The song challenges every believer: profitable pursuits are not wrong, but they must never eclipse God’s call (Luke 12:15-21).

“Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.” (Judges 5:17)

• Asher’s rich coastal territory stretched from Carmel to Sidon (Joshua 19:24-31). Fertile plains and safe coves promised prosperity, yet the tribe failed to drive out the Canaanites (Judges 1:31-32).

• Comfort bred complacency. As Sisera’s tyranny threatened Israel (Judges 4:2-3), Asher clung to stability. The word picture of “harbors” illustrates a self-imposed safe zone.

• God never intended His people to anchor in ease while brothers bleed (1 John 3:17). Asher’s example teaches that security outside God’s will is insecurity in disguise (Psalm 20:7).

• Cross-checkDeuteronomy 20:8—fearful hearts can weaken an army. Asher’s absence marked a lost moment to honor the Lord.

Judges 5:17 spotlights three tribes that chose the sidelines. Gilead let geography excuse disengagement, Dan let business blur obligations, and Asher let comfort cancel courage. Their stories caution us against settling, lingering, and staying when God calls us to stand, move, and fight in faith.

Why did Dan remain in ships?--The sudden question is very picturesque. The other rendering, "Why did Dan fear the ships (of the enemy)? "is untenable. The possession of Joppa. one of the few seaports of Palestine, naturally influenced the pursuits of the tribe (Joshua 19:46;2Chronicles 2:16;Ezra 3:7); but whether they are here reproached for absorption in commerce, or for cowardice in taking refuge in their ships, is uncertain. The word rendered "remain" often involves a notion of "alarm" (Deuteronomy 32:27).If the Danite migration (Judges 18) had by this time occurred, it is almost impossible that they should not have rendered some assistance to the revolt of the northern tribes. The fact that it is not here alluded to shows the extremely early date at which this narrative must be placed. . . .