Judges 5:12-21
If the song of Barak and Deborah rightly attributes the honour of the victory to the LORD, each tribe which was concerned in it must receive praise or blame as it deserves. Some of these tribes took an active part in the battles. For example, Zebulon and Naphtali risked their lives (v. 18 – cf. Romans 16:4; Philippians 2:30). Some of them, on the other hand, through laziness or cowardice, were not involved. Among them were the two and a half tribes: Reuben, in spite of "great searchings of heart", and hesitations, stayed with the flocks, which had already been a stumbling block to them. They had involved them in taking up their abode beyond Jordan. Likewise Gilead (Gad and Manasseh; v. 17) was beyond Jordan. Dan and Asher, held back by their trade and business interests, left neither their boats nor the ports. The Lord has no use for people who are undecided or too busy. At one time or another we have opportunity to show who has the priority in our lives. Is it the interests of the people of God and the well-being of the Assembly? Or do we resemble those of whom Paul could say with sadness that they sought "their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s" (Philippians 2:21)?
In comparing v. 12 of this chapter with Psalms 68:18, which is quoted in Ephesians 4:8, we see Christ as conqueror, delivering Satan’s prisoners, then going up to heaven in triumph.