Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

JUDGES 5:2KJV
Know the Bible

Judges 5:2 (KJV)

What does Judges 5:2 mean?

Judges 5:2 is a call to praise the LORD because the people of Israel willingly stepped forward to defend their nation and take action when needed. The verse highlights both God’s role in delivering Israel and the people’s readiness to offer themselves for the cause.

This verse is part of the song of Deborah, spoken after a major victory over Israel’s enemies. Deborah, a judge and prophetess, is celebrating how the people responded with courage and unity when God gave them the chance to fight back. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, focusing on both divine help and the people’s willing participation.

The Hebrew behind Judges 5:2

  • "Praise" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word often means to bless or praise, and here it is a call to speak well of or honor the LORD for what has happened.
  • "Avenging" (פָּרַע, para‘): This word can mean to let loose or to act with energy, and in this context, it points to the idea of Israel breaking free or taking decisive action against their enemies.
  • "Offered" (נָדַב, nadav): This word means to volunteer or to offer oneself willingly, showing that the people were not forced but chose to step forward.

Why Judges 5:2 matters

  • Judges 5:2 makes it clear that both God’s intervention and the people’s willing participation were needed for Israel’s victory, not just one or the other.
  • The verse highlights the importance of voluntary action in times of crisis, showing that Israel’s success depended on people stepping up without being compelled.
  • This opening line frames the entire song of Deborah as both a celebration of God’s work and a tribute to those who responded with courage and willingness.

Where else these words appear

“avenging” Hebrew H6546 · used in 2 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

“avenging” Hebrew H6544 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Leviticus 21:10 And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;
  • Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

“offered” Hebrew H5068 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?
  • 2 Chronicles 17:16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.