The Song of Deborah (Judges Chapter 5) : studies in the versions and the poetic account of the battle against Sisera

Abstract

A large part of this thesis consists of an examination of Judges ch. 5 in the light of the Versions, Rashi and Kimchi. In addition, the tribal situation, religious cohesiveness of Israel, as well as the historical context and date of the battle against Sisera, are examined. The Song of Deborah presents a unique situation in the period of the Judges in which an alliance of many tribes participated in a concerted action. These tribes are designated by the name 'Israel'. The God of Israel is known as Yahweh, Israel is the people of Yahweh, and the religious unity of Israel is based upon a common religious faith in Yahweh. The Song does not represent Israel as a system of twelve tribes or as having its cohesiveness in an amphictyony. This historical battle against Sisera depicted in the Song probably occurred at a time late in the period of the Judges, at the end of the 12th century B.C. or early in the 11th century B.C.