CONTENTS This Chapter contains the second triumphant song of the church over her enemies. That at the Red Sea by Moses, is the only one prior to this which the Holy Ghost hath been pleased to have recorded on those memorable events. Probably with a view not only to show the suitableness of praise f... [ Continue Reading ]
It is precious to begin with Hallelujah. It resembles the worship of heaven. Praise is comely for the righteous. And oh! what unceasing cause do the redeemed of the Lord find for it! I have often admired that sweet expression to this purpose, in Psalms 107:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sacred song begins with calling upon the great ones of the earth to attend to it. Let impious princes take warning by the fate of Sisera. Let righteous princes never forget by whom they reign, and under whose authority they act. Psalms 2:10. There is a great beauty in the humbleness of Deborah's... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is a beautiful retrospect to the Lord's former mercies for his people, and to his former manifestations on Mount Sinai. The Holy Ghost taught the Prophet Habakkuk to record similar things. Habakkuk 3:3. It is always profitable to connect in one and the same view, God's past with his present mer... [ Continue Reading ]
Deborah takes a most effectual method to heighten to the view of the people, the deliverance their God had wrought for them, by dwelling more particularly upon their former misery. From their last judge Shamgar, it should seem that their enemies would not allow them any judge or governor; consequent... [ Continue Reading ]
This is an interesting part of the song, in calling upon those whom the Lord had inclined to take a more active part in the service of the day. Psalms 110:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
As she had so pathetically lamented in the former verse, that the soldiery of Israel had been so dispirited, that neither spear nor shield could be found among their armies, she now looks with pleasure upon them whom the Lord had inclined to be his instruments in this battle. Particular note is made... [ Continue Reading ]
Special songs of praise are justly expected from those who by the victory are delivered from their fears. But is there not much of gospel here? Let the poor sinner, who by Jesus' deliverance from sin and death is brought out of all his fears, let him, for he is best qualified to speak of it, let him... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem by this new and repeated call of the Prophetess, that she thought her soul was not as yet sufficiently roused to the service of praising God. And though she had put forth all her strength, yet she fell so far short of what she wished to say, that language failed. It is remarkable, tha... [ Continue Reading ]
There is a great beauty in this verse. It is more than probable that from the long oppression the enemies of Israel had exercised over them, God's people had been reduced in number. Yet, saith Deborah, the remnant were made victorious in this day over the mighty. Yea, such was the Lord's display of... [ Continue Reading ]
If the Reader, after reading all these verses as they stand in their proper places, will attend to the several things contained in them, he wilt find that Deborah takes a view of the whole army both for and against Israel. Praise is given expressly, and with particular mention, to such of the tribes... [ Continue Reading ]
What a very high commendation hath the Holy Ghost been pleased to bestow on Jael? There is but one beside of whom the same is said, and the occasion is yet concerning a much greater deliverance, see Luke 1:28.... [ Continue Reading ]
What an awful contrast to the wife of Heber doth Sisera's mother appear! Little better than a common strumpet, she seems to rejoice in her son ' s supposed debaucheries, and those of his army, over the chastity of Israel's daughters. What a disgrace to the delicacy of her sex! How ripe for ruin! And... [ Continue Reading ]
The song as beautifully ends in prayer as it had opened in praise: to the contents of which every lover of the Lord Jesus and his Church, cannot but say Amen. They who love God's church, must hate the foes of that church, for there is no being neutral in this holy war. The appeal of every heart is l... [ Continue Reading ]