A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules by Robert H. Stein

Author:Robert H. Stein [Stein, Robert H.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: REL006080, book
ISBN: 9781441235558
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2011-06-01T04:00:00+00:00

Here, in contrast to chapter 4, we read that when God led his people into battle, “the earth trembled” and “the mountains quaked” (cf. Nah. 1:5). In the past some commentaries interpreted this literally and referred to earthquakes having been involved in the defeat of Sisera and his army. But it is interesting to note that no reference to earthquakes is found in the prose description of the battle in chapter 4. In poetry and song, how can the author describe to his readers that the people were led in battle by the Lord? It is by saying that when God led his people against Sisera, “the earth trembled” before them. “The mountains quaked” in fear when God led the people of Israel into battle. This is how the poet has described the victory God gave his people over their enemies. We should not interpret this literalistically, however, for this is the language of poetry. As poetry it seeks to elicit an emotive response of awe and joy rather than to impart information about the technicalities of the battle.

We also find in 5:19–20 the following description:

The kings came, they fought;

then fought the kings of Canaan,

at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;

they got no spoils of silver.

From heaven the stars fought,

from their courses they fought against Sisera.

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