CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 5:16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/5-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/07_Jdg_05_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 5:16 - The Song of Deborah and Barak" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/5-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/5-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/5-15.htm" title="Judges 5:15">◄</a> Judges 5:16 <a href="/judges/5-17.htm" title="Judges 5:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Why did you stay among the sheep pens to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds— to hear the shepherds whistle for their flocks? Yes, in the tribe of Reuben there was great indecision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds, to hear the whistling for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben <i>there were</i> great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? The divisions of Reuben have great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the piping for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben <i>There were</i> great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the piping for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the piping for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben <i>There were</i> great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the whistling for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben <i>There were</i> great probings of <i>the</i> heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Why [Reuben] did you linger among the sheepfolds, To hear the piping for the flocks? Among the divisions of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheep pens listening to the playing of pipes for the flocks? There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds listening to the playing of pipes for the flocks? There was great searching of heart among the clans of Reuben. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Why sattest thou among the sheepfolds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Reuben, why did you stay among your sheep pens? Was it to listen to shepherds whistling for their sheep? No one could figure out why Reuben wouldn't come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Why satest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why did you sit between the saddlebags? Was it to listen to the shepherds playing their flutes? Reuben's divisions of important men had second thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Why did they stay behind with the sheep? To listen to shepherds calling the flocks? Yes, the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Why did you sit down among the sheepfolds? To hear the bleating of the flocks? Among the divisions of the army of Reuben there was great searching of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Why do you remain among the sheepfolds, listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks? As for the clans of Reuben--there was intense searching of heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, to hear the piping for the flocks? At the divisions of Reuben there were Great Searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Why abodest thou among the sheep-folds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Why did you sit among the sheepfolds? To hear the whistling for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben, there were great searchings of heart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Why have you abided between the boundaries, "" To hear lowings of herds? For the divisions of Reuben, "" The searchings of heart [are] great!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Why hast thou abode between the boundaries, To hear lowings of herds? For the divisions of Reuben, Great are the searchings of heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore didst thou dwell in the midst of the folds, To hear the pipings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben, great searching's of heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Why dwellest thou between two borders, that thou mayest hear the bleatings of the flocks? Ruben being divided against himself, there was found a strife of courageous men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Why do you live between two borders, so that you hear the bleating of the flocks? Reuben was divided against himself. Contention was found among great souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why did you stay beside your hearths listening to the lowing of the herds? Among the clans of Reuben great were the searchings of heart! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Why did you tarry among the sheepfolds, to hear the piping for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Why abodest thou on the highways to hear the bleatings of the wild asses? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Why do you dwell in the streets to hear the breathing of wild donkeys, for the divisions of Rubil, great restorers of heart?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Why sattest thou among the sheep-folds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? At the divisions of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Why did they sit between the sheep-folds to hear the bleating of flocks for the divisions of Ruben? <i>there were</i> great searchings of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/5-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=1322" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/5.htm">The Song of Deborah and Barak</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šaḇ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">did you sit</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">among</a> <a href="/hebrew/4942.htm" title="4942: ham·miš·pə·ṯa·yim (Art:: N-md) -- Perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps. From shaphah; a stall for cattle.">the sheepfolds</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: liš·mō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">to hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/8292.htm" title="8292: šə·ri·qō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Hissing, whistling, piping. Or shriyqah; feminine passive participle of sharaq; a whistling; by analogy, a piping.">the whistling</a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: ‘ă·ḏā·rîm (N-mp) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster.">for the flocks?</a> <a href="/hebrew/6391.htm" title="6391: lip̄·lag·gō·wṯ (Prep-l:: N-fpc) -- A division. From palag; a section.">In the clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">of Reuben</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: gə·ḏō·w·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">there was great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2714.htm" title="2714: ḥiq·rê- (N-mpc) -- A searching, a thing (to be) searched out. From chaqar; examination, enumeration, deliberation.">indecision.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Genesis 49:14-15</a></span><br />Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. / He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">Numbers 32:1-5</a></span><br />Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/32-16.htm">Numbers 32:16-19</a></span><br />Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. / But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. / We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-9.htm">Joshua 22:9-10</a></span><br />So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses. / And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-11.htm">Joshua 22:11-12</a></span><br />Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.” / And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-21.htm">Joshua 22:21-25</a></span><br />Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel: / “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. / If we have built for ourselves an altar to turn away from Him and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings on it, or to sacrifice peace offerings on it, may the LORD Himself hold us accountable. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-26.htm">Joshua 22:26-29</a></span><br />That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices. / Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ / Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">1 Chronicles 12:32</a></span><br />From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-13.htm">Psalm 68:13</a></span><br />Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove are covered with silver, and her feathers with shimmering gold.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-11</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-30</a></span><br />Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a></span><br />As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-18.htm">Luke 14:18-20</a></span><br />But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ / Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ / Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why stayed you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.</p><p class="hdg">sheepfolds</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">Numbers 32:1-5,24</a></b></br> Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place <i>was</i> a place for cattle; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/2-21.htm">Philippians 2:21</a></b></br> For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a></b></br> Whose end <i>is</i> destruction, whose God <i>is their</i> belly, and <i>whose</i> glory <i>is</i> in their shame, who mind earthly things.)</p><p class="hdg">for, or in</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Judges 5:15</a></b></br> And the princes of Issachar <i>were</i> with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben <i>there were</i> great thoughts of heart.</p><p class="hdg">great</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Psalm 4:4</a></b></br> Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/77-6.htm">Psalm 77:6</a></b></br> I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Lamentations 3:40,41</a></b></br> Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-9.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/joshua/18-20.htm">Boundaries</a> <a href="/psalms/68-13.htm">Campfires</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Districts</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/judges/5-3.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-18.htm">Piping</a> <a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-41.htm">Sattest</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/numbers/32-36.htm">Sheepfolds</a> <a href="/numbers/32-16.htm">Sheep-Folds</a> <a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Watercourses</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-16.htm">Whistling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/job/38-10.htm">Boundaries</a> <a href="/psalms/68-13.htm">Campfires</a> <a href="/judges/21-24.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Districts</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-40.htm">Piping</a> <a href="/judges/16-2.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-33.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Sattest</a> <a href="/judges/6-29.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/judges/6-4.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">Sheepfolds</a> <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Sheep-Folds</a> <a href="/judges/18-9.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/judges/5-28.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/psalms/126-4.htm">Watercourses</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-8.htm">Whistling</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/5-1.htm">The Song of Deborah and Barak</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Why did you sit among the sheepfolds</b><br>This phrase suggests a setting of pastoral life, where shepherds would typically be found. The imagery of sitting among the sheepfolds implies inactivity or a lack of engagement in the battle that Deborah and Barak were leading against the Canaanite oppressors. In biblical times, sheepfolds were enclosures used to protect sheep, often symbolizing peace and domestic life. The question posed here is rhetorical, highlighting the contrast between the call to action and the choice to remain in a place of comfort and safety. This can be compared to other biblical instances where individuals are called to leave their comfort zones for a greater purpose, such as Abraham leaving Ur or the disciples leaving their nets to follow Jesus.<p><b>to hear the whistling for the flocks?</b><br>The "whistling for the flocks" refers to the sounds shepherds would make to gather or direct their sheep. This detail emphasizes the mundane, everyday activities that the Reubenites prioritized over joining the battle. It suggests a preoccupation with routine and the familiar, rather than responding to the urgent call to arms. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual complacency, where one might focus on worldly concerns instead of heeding God's call. The New Testament echoes this theme in passages like <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>, which urges believers to seek first the kingdom of God.<p><b>In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.</b><br>The tribe of Reuben is singled out for its hesitance and lack of decisive action. Historically, the tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River, which may have contributed to their reluctance to engage in conflicts west of the Jordan. This indecision is a recurring theme in the Bible, where hesitation and doubt often lead to missed opportunities to fulfill God's purposes. The Book of James in the New Testament warns against being double-minded, highlighting the importance of faith and decisiveness in following God's will. The indecision of Reuben serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual lukewarmness, reminiscent of the church of Laodicea in <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15-16</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Known for its pastoral lifestyle, the tribe is criticized in this verse for its inaction during a time of national crisis.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/deborah.htm">Deborah</a></b><br>A prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. <a href="/bsb/judges/5.htm">Judges 5</a> is a song of victory attributed to her.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/barak.htm">Barak</a></b><br>The military leader who, under Deborah's guidance, led the Israelite army against Sisera's forces.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sisera.htm">Sisera</a></b><br>The commander of the Canaanite army defeated by Deborah and Barak.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheepfolds.htm">Sheepfolds</a></b><br>Enclosures for sheep, symbolizing the pastoral and perhaps complacent lifestyle of the Reubenites during a time of war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_complacency.htm">The Danger of Complacency</a></b><br>The Reubenites' choice to remain with their flocks rather than join the battle serves as a warning against complacency in our spiritual lives. We must be vigilant and ready to act when God calls us to service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_unity.htm">The Importance of Unity</a></b><br>The tribes of Israel were called to fight together against a common enemy. This highlights the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>The "great searching of heart" among the Reubenites suggests the need for self-examination. We should regularly assess our priorities and ensure they align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_call.htm">Responding to God's Call</a></b><br>When God calls us to action, we must respond with faith and courage, rather than hesitating or making excuses.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_inaction.htm">The Consequences of Inaction</a></b><br>The Reubenites' inaction serves as a reminder that failing to act when called by God can lead to missed opportunities and spiritual stagnation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/summarize_hannah's_prayer_story..htm">What defines the Delilah spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_reuben's_and_gad's_settlement_sparse.htm">Joshua 13:8–14 – If Reuben’s and Gad’s territories east of the Jordan were truly established, why is tangible evidence of extensive settlement in those regions sparse? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_judges_5_15-17_biased_or_propaganda.htm">Judges 5:15-17: Does the criticism of certain tribes for not joining the battle suggest editorial bias or political propaganda?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Sheepfolds.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">hurdles </span>(<span class= "ital">mishpethaim</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>the dual form being due to some method of their construction. Hence the Vulgate renders, <span class= "ital">inter duos terminos.</span><p><span class= "bld">The bleatings of the flocks.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">the sounds of shepherds' flutes </span>or <span class= "ital">pastoral pipings </span>("Shepherds delighting in syrinx-pipes," Hom., <span class= "ital">Il. xviii.</span> 525). There is a contrast between these peaceful flutings and the battle-horns to which they ought to have been listening. It is as though Deborah would say to Reuben--<p>"Sound, sound the clarion, shrill the fife;<p>To all the sensual world proclaim,<p>One crowded hour of glorious life<p>Is worth an age without a name."<p><span class= "bld">For the divisions.</span>--It should be, as before, "By the streams of Reuben."<p><span class= "bld">Searchings of heart.</span>--Reuben sent magnanimous debates and promises, but they only ended in sloth and vacillation. They decided to go, and--stayed at home.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֣מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did you sit</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשַׁ֗בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šaḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֚ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sheepfolds</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתַ֔יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·pə·ṯa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4942.htm">Strong's 4942: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps fireplaces, ash heaps</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to hear</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the whistling</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁרִק֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ri·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8292.htm">Strong's 8292: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hissing, whistling, piping</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the flocks?</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲדָרִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḏā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5739.htm">Strong's 5739: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, muster</span><br /><br /><span class="word">In the clans</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְלַגּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·lag·gō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6391.htm">Strong's 6391: </a> </span><span class="str2">A division</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Reuben</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאוּבֵ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּדוֹלִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḏō·w·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">indecision.</span><br /><span class="heb">חִקְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥiq·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2714.htm">Strong's 2714: </a> </span><span class="str2">A searching, a thing (to be) searched out</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/5-16.htm">Judges 5:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/5-16.htm">OT History: Judges 5:16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/5-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 5:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 5:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/5-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 5:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 5:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>