Judges 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Judges 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Deborah and Barak sing a song of celebration because leaders in Israel acted (vv. 1-5). They recall a time when Shamgar ruled and there was danger on the roads.

Key verse

“Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, Yahweh!”
Judges 5:2 (WEB)

Outline

Judges 5:1–5 The Song of Celebration Begins
Judges 5:6–11 A Reflection on Israel's State
Judges 5:12–18 Call to Action
Judges 5:19–23 The Battle Against Canaan
Judges 5:24–27 Jael's Heroic Act
Judges 5:28–31 The Aftermath and Reflection

Discussion questions

In v7, why does Deborah refer to herself as 'a mother in Israel'?
What do the 'stars' do in v20 during the battle against Sisera?
The phrase 'Curse Meroz' in v23: what does this tell us about the expectations for Israel's tribes?
Jael's actions in vv. 25-26: what does her method of killing Sisera suggest about her role in the story?
When have you felt compelled to act decisively, similar to Deborah's call to 'awake' in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Judges 5: Judges 4, Psalm 68, Luke 1.

Before next time: read Judges 6.