How was this victory celebrated, and what precedent was there for it? Ex. 15.
How does Deborah commence the song or ode?
What former displays of divine power and glory does she allude to and compare with that she is now celebrating?
What circumstances does she mention to shew the distress of the country, and to what does she attribute it?
What was the state of the people as to weapons of war, and to what was it probably owing?1 Sam. 13. 19—22.
Towards whom are her warmest commendations and gratitude drawn forth, and whom does she specially call upon to utter the praises of the Most High? N.B. Riding upon white asses in those days, and among a people that made little use of horses, was a mark of honorable distinction, ch. 12. 14.
Which of the tribes are commended for their promptness in offering themselves? N. B. The import of v. 14, 15. seems to be—That the tribe of Ephraim, the root and origin of whose victories and greatness was in the conquest of Amalek under Joshua, followed that of Benjamin who took the lead among the volunteers—that the principal men of Machir or Manasseh, the half tribe on the west of Jordan, came down to join the forces—that "out of Zebulun came those that levied conscripts as if means of the numbering rod"(See note on Levit. 27. 32.)—and that the chief men of Issachar, the flower of the tribe, rallied themselves promptly under the standard of Deborah and Barak, and when he was sent down into the valley (ch. 4. 10.) they accompanied him with as much alacrity as though all their feet had belonged to his body, which is the true meaning of the clause—"he was sent on foot into the valley."
Which of the tribes does she reflect upon for their supineness? N. B. As to Reuben, this tribe was divided from their brethren by the river Jordan ; divided from them also in counsel in regard to the war; and perhaps divided among themselves:—they remained therefore tranquil at home, listening to the shepherd's pipe rather than the martial trumpet, though their failure disappointed expectation,and gave rise to deep conjectures resentments, and criminations among their brethren.—By Gilead is meant the tribe of Gad and the other half-tribe of Manasseh, which also consulted their ease, and remained on the other side of Jordan.—Dan was too much engaged in commerce ; and Asher's excuse was that he must stay at home and repair the breaches which the sea was making upon the coasts of his inheritance,as he inhabited a maritime region.
Which of all the tribes rendered themselves the most conspicuous in the engagement?
Did the elements seem to aid Israel in discomfiting their enemies? v. 20,21.
The inhabitants of what place refused to come up to the help of the Lord, and how was their treachery punished?
What is said of Jael, and how is her heroical act described? v, 24—2S.
What poetical imagery is employed to represent the anxiety of Sisera's mother as to the fate of her son? v. 28—30.
How long had the land rest after this victory?
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