Albert Barnes Commentary Judges 5:30

Albert Barnes Commentary

Judges 5:30

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Judges 5:30

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil? A damsel, two damsels to every man; To Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, A spoil of dyed garments embroidered, Of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the spoil?" — Judges 5:30 (ASV)

Translate the latter part of the verse as: “a booty of dyed garments for Sisera, a booty of dyed garments and of party-colored cloth, a dyed garment and two party-colored clothes for the necks of the booty.” In this interpretation, the spoil refers to either captive young women or captive cattle, on whose necks these clothes are to be placed (either as an ornament or as a burden; compare Judges 8:21 and Judges 8:26).

However, it is also possible that the phrase “the necks of the booty” refers to the backs or shoulders (of men or beasts) laden with spoil.