Barak
maleJudgesMeaning: “Lightning”
The commander summoned by Deborah to lead Israel against Sisera; he won the victory but the glory of the kill went to a woman.
Biography
Barak, son of Abinoam of Naphtali, was the military commander whom the prophetess Deborah summoned to deliver Israel from the Canaanite oppression of Jabin and his general Sisera.
Faith with hesitation
Deborah called Barak to lead ten thousand men against Sisera, but he would go only if she came with him: "If thou wilt go with me, then I will go." Deborah agreed, but foretold that "the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman" (Judges 4:8–9).
Victory
At Mount Tabor, Barak's forces routed Sisera's iron chariots, which the LORD threw into confusion (Judges 4:14–16). Sisera fled and was killed by Jael. Barak and Deborah then sang their great victory song (Judges 5). For his faith, Barak is honored among the heroes of Hebrews 11:32.
Life Timeline
Summoned by Deborah to fight Sisera
Routs Sisera’s army at Mount Tabor
On the Bible timeline
Barak belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Themes & lessons from Barak
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Barak appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
13 verses in 2 booksJudges12 verses
Judges 4:6
And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
Judges 4:8
And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
Judges 4:9
And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Judges 4:10
And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
Judges 4:12
And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.
Judges 4:14
And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
Judges 4:15
And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
Judges 4:16
But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left. a man: Heb. unto one
Judges 4:22
And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.
Judges 5:1
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
Judges 5:12
Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
Judges 5:15
And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. foot: Heb. his feet thoughts: Heb. impressions For: or, In
Hebrews1 verse
Hebrews 11:32
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Frequently asked about Barak
Who was Barak in the Bible?
The commander summoned by Deborah to lead Israel against Sisera; he won the victory but the glory of the kill went to a woman.
What does the name Barak mean?
The name Barak means “Lightning”.
What did Barak do in the Bible?
Barak served as military commander, of the tribe of Naphtali.
Where does Barak appear in the Bible?
Barak is mentioned 13 times across 2 books: Judges, Hebrews.
What can we learn from Barak?
The story of Barak touches on themes of mountains, naphtali, the tribe of, armies of israel, the, faith — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Barak's life.
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