Origins of Israel’s Scriptures — Biblical Composition

The Song of Deborah

Often dated c. 12th-11th century BC
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Judges 5 preserves an early Hebrew victory song celebrating the LORD's deliverance through Deborah, Barak, Jael, and participating Israelite tribes.

Full Account

The Song of Deborah is embedded in Judges as a poetic celebration of the victory narrated in Judges 4. Its archaic language, tribal setting, and vivid details have led interpreters across a wide spectrum to regard it as early Hebrew poetry. The poem interprets Israel's deliverance as the work of the LORD, praises willing faithfulness, and rebukes tribes that refused the call.

Judges 4 and 5 recount the same deliverance in prose and poetry. Their differences of emphasis are appropriate to their literary forms and need not be treated as contradictory or as evidence of an unreliable tradition. Together they show how historical events could be narrated and celebrated in inspired song.

Historical Significance

The song offers important evidence for early Hebrew poetry and Israel's practice of preserving God's acts in worship. It also records the significant leadership of Deborah and the courage of Jael.

People, Places and Sources