Matthew Henry Commentary Judges 5:12-23

"Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, utter a song: Arise, Barak, and lead away thy captives, thou son of Abinoam. Then came down a remnant of the nobles [and] the people; Jehovah came down for me against the mighty. Out of Ephraim [came down] they whose root is in Amalek; After thee, Benjamin, among thy peoples; Out of Machir came down governors, And out of Zebulun they that handle the marshal`s staff. And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; As was Issachar, so was Barak; Into the valley they rushed forth at his feet. By the watercourses of Reuben There were great resolves of heart. Why sattest thou among the sheepfolds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben There were great searchings of heart. Gilead abode beyond the Jordan: And Dan, why did he remain in ships? Asher sat still at the haven of the sea, And abode by his creeks. Zebulun was a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death, And Naphtali, upon the high places of the field. The kings came and fought; Then fought the kings of Canaan. In Taanach by the waters of Megiddo: They took no gain of money. From heaven fought the stars, From their courses they fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, That ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, march on with strength. Then did the horsehoofs stamp By reason of the prancings, the prancings of their strong ones. Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of Jehovah. Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, Because they came not to the help of Jehovah, To the help of Jehovah against the mighty." — Judges 5:12-23 (ASV)

Deborah called on her own soul to be in earnest. He who will set the hearts of others on fire with the love of Christ, must himself burn with love. Praising God is a work we should awake to, and awake ourselves to. She notices who fought against Israel, who fought for them, and who kept away.

Those who fought against them were obstinate enemies to God's people, and therefore the more dangerous. As for those who fought for them, the several tribes that helped are spoken of here with honor; for though God is above all to be glorified, those who are employed must have their due praise to encourage others. But the whole creation is at war with those to whom God is an enemy.

The river of Kishon fought against their enemies. At most times it was shallow, yet now, probably due to the great rain that fell, it was so swollen, and the stream so deep and strong, that those who attempted to pass were drowned. Deborah's own soul fought against them. When the soul is employed in holy exercises, and these are engaged in from the heart, through the grace of God, the strength of our spiritual enemies will be trodden down and will fall before us.

She observes who kept away and did not side with Israel, as might have been expected. Thus many are kept from doing their duty by the fear of trouble, the love of ease, and undue attachment to their worldly business and advantage. Narrow, selfish spirits do not care what becomes of God's church, as long as they can get, keep, and save money. All seek their own (Philippians 2:21). A little will serve as a pretense for those to stay at home who have no desire to engage in necessary services, because there is difficulty and danger in them.

But we cannot keep away from the contest between the Lord and His enemies; and if we do not actively endeavor to promote His cause in this wicked world, we will fall under the curse against the workers of iniquity. Though He needs no human help, yet He is pleased to accept the services of those who improve their talents to advance His cause. He requires everyone to do so.