Old Testament
Judges 5:15
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The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; Issachar was also with Barak, who went on foot into the valley. Among the divisions of Reuben, there were great thoughts of heart.
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And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.
What Judges 5:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 5:15, we see the leaders of the tribe of Issachar standing alongside Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, a military leader. This verse highlights the unity and support among the tribes of Israel during a time of conflict. The mention of Reuben's divisions reflects their internal struggle and indecision, as they had thoughts of heart but did not take action. This passage emphasizes the importance of collaboration and decisive action in the face of challenges. The leaders of Issachar recognized the significance of supporting Deborah and Barak, which ultimately contributed to Israel's victory. The contrast with Reuben serves as a reminder that mere contemplation is not enough; one must also act on their convictions to achieve meaningful outcomes.
How to apply Judges 5:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand together in support of leaders and causes that align with our values. It reminds us that while it is good to think deeply about issues, we must also take action. Being part of a community means contributing to collective efforts for positive change.
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 5:15
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Key themes
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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 5:15 mean?
Judges 5:15 highlights the unity of the tribe of Issachar with Deborah and Barak during a critical battle. It shows the importance of collaboration among leaders and the need for decisive action in times of conflict.
What is the significance of Issachar in Judges 5:15?
In Judges 5:15, Issachar's leaders are noted for their support of Deborah and Barak, symbolizing loyalty and commitment to collective goals. Their presence underscores the theme of unity among Israel's tribes.
What does 'great thoughts of heart' mean in Judges 5:15?
The phrase 'great thoughts of heart' in Judges 5:15 refers to the internal struggles and indecision of the divisions of Reuben. It suggests that while they contemplated their feelings, they ultimately failed to take action.
What is the main message of Judges 5:15?
The main message of Judges 5:15 is the importance of standing together in support of leaders during challenges. It contrasts the proactive stance of Issachar with the inaction of Reuben, emphasizing that thoughts alone are not enough without action.
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