Judges 5:20
Verse
Context
The Song of Deborah and Barak
19Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. 20From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For not only did the Israelites fight against them, but he powers of heaven also. "From heaven" is more minutely defined by "the stars from their courses." These words explain the statement in Jdg 4:15, "the Lord discomfited Sisera;" though in our opinion not so clearly as to enable us to define more precisely the natural phenomenon by which God threw the enemy into confusion. In all probability we have to think of a terrible storm, with thunder and lightning and hail, or the sudden bursting of a cloud, which is poetically described as though the stars of heaven had left their courses to fight for the Lord and His kingdom upon earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the stars in their courses fought--A fearful tempest burst upon them and threw them into disorder.
John Gill Bible Commentary
They fought from heaven,.... Either the angels of heaven, afterwards called stars; or the heavens, the elements, fought for Israel, and against Sisera; a violent storm of rain and hail falling at this time, which discomfited Sisera's army; See Gill on Jdg 4:15, or this victory was obtained in such a manner as plainly showed it was not of man, but of God from heaven; so the Targum,"from heaven war was made with them;''with the kings before mentioned; God fought against them, and no wonder they were conquered: the stars in their courses fought against Sisera it seems as if it was in the night that this battle was fought, at least that the pursuit lasted till night, when the stars by their brightness and clear shining favoured the Israelites, and were greatly to the disadvantage of the Canaanites; unless it can be thought, as is by some, that the stars had an influence to cause a tempest of rain, hail, thunder, and lightnings, by which the army of Sisera was discomfited in the daytime, as before observed.
Judges 5:20
The Song of Deborah and Barak
19Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they took no plunder of silver. 20From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21The River Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Joshua (Part 8): Victory Over Our Enemies
By Richard Sipley51836:23JOS 10:1JDG 5:20LUK 10:18REV 4:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how Joshua and his army marched up from Gilgal with determination and strength. The speaker then shares his personal experience of occasionally feeling discouraged, but finding strength in the presence of Christ within him. He emphasizes the unwavering support and encouragement that comes from having a deep connection with God. The speaker also mentions the adoption of his son's daughter and the celebration they are having, highlighting the joy and love that comes from such a relationship. Additionally, the speaker references biblical passages, such as the stars fighting against Cicera and the description of the throne room in Revelation 4, to emphasize the power and majesty of God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Satan will always challenge the victories given by God.
The Passing of the Beast
By John Henry Jowett0JDG 5:20PSA 16:11PSA 23:4PSA 46:1PSA 84:11ISA 41:10EZK 34:25MAT 6:33HEB 13:5John Henry Jowett preaches on the promise of restoration and divine protection in Ezekiel 34:23-31. He emphasizes that under the care of the Good Shepherd, beastly passions will be destroyed, and our souls will no longer be ravaged by sin. The forces of nature will be in friendly cooperation with us as we align ourselves with God, receiving blessings even from the sky and field. Jowett highlights the joyful assurance of God's companionship, stating that in knowing the Lord is with us, we find the greatest treasure and can walk as kings and queens.
What Happened?
By K.P. Yohannan0ServanthoodVision and PassionJDG 21:25ACT 5:411CO 1:27PHP 1:29PHP 2:21PHP 3:4K.P. Yohannan addresses the decline of passion and vision in movements over time, illustrating how organizations can shift from being vibrant and radical to becoming rigid and bureaucratic. He reflects on the historical trajectory of movements like the YMCA and the Salvation Army, emphasizing the need for continual renewal and adaptation to avoid stagnation. Yohannan warns against the dangers of prioritizing structure over heart, and external rewards over genuine service, which can lead to a transactional mindset. He encourages a return to servanthood and faithfulness, highlighting that true value lies in a heart willing to serve rather than in titles or recognition. The sermon calls for introspection on how individuals and organizations can maintain their original zeal and purpose.
Hopeless to Fight Against God
By George Kulp0JOS 7:24JDG 5:202CH 15:2MAT 5:8ROM 6:23George Kulp preaches about the consequences of sin and the unwavering stance of God against unrepentant wrongdoers, emphasizing that God's holiness demands purity of heart and obedience to His laws. The sermon delves into various biblical examples, from Sisera's defeat to Achan's sin, illustrating how God's justice and providence are always against sin. It highlights the importance of repentance, surrender, and seeking God's grace for salvation, as there is no escape for those pursued by the justice of God.
Psalms 46:7
By Chuck Smith0Divine AssistanceGod's SovereigntyGEN 2:1EXO 14:14JOS 10:12JDG 5:20PSA 46:1PSA 91:11ISA 41:10LUK 2:13ROM 8:31HEB 13:5Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is our refuge and strength, contrasting the peace and confidence that faith brings with the fear and anxiety that doubt fosters. He explores the concept of 'The Lord of Hosts,' highlighting God's sovereignty over the universe, including the stars, angels, and nations. Smith also reflects on the personal nature of God as the 'God of Jacob,' illustrating that despite our flaws, God is still with us and actively supports us. The sermon reassures believers that God's vastness does not diminish His care for individuals, as He commands His hosts to assist us in our struggles.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For not only did the Israelites fight against them, but he powers of heaven also. "From heaven" is more minutely defined by "the stars from their courses." These words explain the statement in Jdg 4:15, "the Lord discomfited Sisera;" though in our opinion not so clearly as to enable us to define more precisely the natural phenomenon by which God threw the enemy into confusion. In all probability we have to think of a terrible storm, with thunder and lightning and hail, or the sudden bursting of a cloud, which is poetically described as though the stars of heaven had left their courses to fight for the Lord and His kingdom upon earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the stars in their courses fought--A fearful tempest burst upon them and threw them into disorder.
John Gill Bible Commentary
They fought from heaven,.... Either the angels of heaven, afterwards called stars; or the heavens, the elements, fought for Israel, and against Sisera; a violent storm of rain and hail falling at this time, which discomfited Sisera's army; See Gill on Jdg 4:15, or this victory was obtained in such a manner as plainly showed it was not of man, but of God from heaven; so the Targum,"from heaven war was made with them;''with the kings before mentioned; God fought against them, and no wonder they were conquered: the stars in their courses fought against Sisera it seems as if it was in the night that this battle was fought, at least that the pursuit lasted till night, when the stars by their brightness and clear shining favoured the Israelites, and were greatly to the disadvantage of the Canaanites; unless it can be thought, as is by some, that the stars had an influence to cause a tempest of rain, hail, thunder, and lightnings, by which the army of Sisera was discomfited in the daytime, as before observed.