So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

JUDGES 5:31KJV
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Judges 5:31 (KJV)

What does Judges 5:31 mean?

Judges 5:31 is a prayer asking that all of God’s enemies be destroyed, while those who love God will shine brightly and strongly like the sun at its peak. The verse ends by noting that after these events, the land enjoyed forty years of peace.

This verse is the conclusion of the song of Deborah and Barak, celebrating Israel’s victory over their oppressors. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, is speaking to God and the people, expressing a hope that God will always defeat those who oppose Him, and that those who are loyal to God will flourish. The mention of forty years of rest shows the lasting impact of this victory for Israel.

The Hebrew behind Judges 5:31

  • "Enemies" (אֹיֵב, ʾoyev): This word refers to those who are actively hostile or opposed, not just casual opponents. It highlights the seriousness of the threat faced by Israel.
  • "Perish" (אָבַד, ʾavad): This verb means to be destroyed or come to ruin, emphasizing a complete and final defeat for God’s enemies.
  • "Love" (אָהֵב, ʾahav): This word is about deep affection or loyalty, not just feelings. In this context, it refers to those who are devoted to God.
  • "Sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) and "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): The sun going out “in its might” paints a picture of overwhelming brightness and power, suggesting that those who love God will stand out and thrive in a way that is obvious and unstoppable.

Why Judges 5:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the peace Israel enjoyed was directly tied to their faithfulness and God’s intervention, not just political or military success.
  • The contrast between the fate of God’s enemies and those who love Him is made vivid with the imagery of destruction versus the shining sun, underscoring the dramatic difference in outcomes.
  • The verse wraps up the story of Deborah and Barak with a reminder of God’s ability to bring lasting rest to His people when they trust and follow Him.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“might” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 26:14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“forty” Hebrew H705 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 5:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
  • Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.