Old Testament
Judges 5:11
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At the watering places, far from the shouts of enemy archers, the people will retell the righteous acts of the LORD — his righteous deeds for the villages of Israel. Then the LORD's people marched down to the gates.
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They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
What Judges 5:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 5:11, the verse highlights a moment of reflection and celebration among the people of Israel after they have been delivered from their enemies. The 'watering places' symbolize a safe space where people gather, away from the dangers posed by enemy archers. Here, they recount the righteous acts of the LORD, remembering how He has intervened and helped them. This act of remembering is crucial as it reinforces their faith and unity. The mention of 'righteous deeds for the villages of Israel' emphasizes God's justice and care for His people, particularly in their communities. The verse concludes with the people of the LORD moving towards the gates, which can symbolize a return to their responsibilities and a readiness to face the world, empowered by their shared history of divine deliverance.
How to apply Judges 5:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to remember and share our experiences of God's faithfulness in our lives. By recounting His deeds, we strengthen our faith and encourage others. It reminds us to find safe spaces for reflection and to support one another in our spiritual journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Deborah's story: The Song of Deborah (Judges 5:1–31)
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Deborah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Judges 5:11
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 5:11 mean?
Judges 5:11 describes a moment when the people of Israel, after being saved from their enemies, gather in a safe place to remember and celebrate the righteous acts of the LORD. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on God's help and the unity it brings to the community.
What is the significance of 'watering places' in Judges 5:11?
In Judges 5:11, 'watering places' symbolize safe spaces where people can gather away from danger. This setting allows the Israelites to reflect on God's deliverance and share their experiences of His righteousness.
What are the 'righteous acts of the LORD' mentioned in Judges 5:11?
The 'righteous acts of the LORD' in Judges 5:11 refer to the ways God has intervened to protect and deliver the people of Israel. These acts are celebrated as a reminder of His justice and care for their communities.
How does Judges 5:11 relate to community remembrance?
Judges 5:11 highlights the practice of community remembrance, where the people recount God's deeds together. This collective reflection strengthens their faith and fosters unity among them.
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