Before we dive back into our verse-by-verse study of the Song of Devorah, let’s take a quick breather today and go over some important points you need to have at the front of your mind so you don’t get lost in the weeds.
FIRST, one of the key things I want you to get is that the Book of Judges is setting the stage for Israel’s ungodly desire to want to have a human, gentile-like king rule over them.
Which means, the book of Judges is the historical preparation for the era of the Kings that is to come.
In this sense, Judges gives us all of the spiritual and political hints and signs that led to this happening.
Second, and this is something I’ve already talked about, we’ve got to remind ourself that first and foremost the Song of Devorah is actually a song.
It’s not history, it’s not prophecy and it’s not Laws.
This means the words and phrases used are chosen more for their emotional impact than factual accuracy.
The purpose of a song is NOT to communicate facts in a dry and impartial manner.
It’s a vehicle that allows the writer to bare his soul and pour out his feelings unhindered by formal structure.
In addition, the feelings being expressed always center on the primary events that were happening at the time.
Like wars or natural disasters.
Or if Israel was experiencing a period of peace and prosperity, that was obviously reflected in the lyrics.
My point is if we’re going to properly understand and interpret a song, you’ve got to be aware of the context of the times and the culture and society in which it was composed.
If you try to interpret the words of a Biblical song (or any song for that matter) literally and outside of its context, you’re gonna run into some serious problems.
Which means you’ll end up concocting some weird doctrines the Biblical author never intended in the first place.
So keep this in mind as we continue to plow through the Song of Devorah.
Do NOT take every word at face value and think you’re reading an accurate historical account of what actually went down…because you’re not.
The intention of the author was to communicate to future generations the joy of the great victory the northern tribes of Israel led by Devorah’s righthand man Barak had accomplished over the Canaanite armies led by Sisra who represented King Yavin of Hatzor.
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