8. The Israelites worshippedother gods,and the gates of their townswere then attacked.But they had no shieldsor spears to fight with.
9. I praise you, Lord,and I am gratefulfor those leaders and soldierswho volunteered.
10. Listen, everyone!Whether you ride a donkeywith a padded saddleor have to walk.
11. Even those who carry waterto the animals will tell you,“The Lord has won victories,and so has Israel.”Then the Lord's people marcheddown to the town gates
12. and said, “Deborah, let's go!Let's sing as we march.Barak, capture our enemies.”
13. The Lord's people who were leftjoined with their leadersand fought at my side.
14. Troops came from Ephraim,where Amalekites once lived.Others came from Benjamin;officers and leaders camefrom Machir and Zebulun.
15. The rulers of Issacharcame along with Deborah,and Issachar followed Barakinto the valley.But the tribe of Reubenwas no help at all!
16. Reuben, why did you stayamong your sheep pens?Was it to listen to shepherdswhistling for their sheep?No one could understandwhy Reuben wouldn't come.
17. The people of Gilead stayedacross the Jordan.Why did the tribe of Danremain on their shipsand the tribe of Asherstay along the coastnear the harbours?
18. But soldiers of Zebulunand Naphtalirisked their livesto attack the enemy.
19. Canaanite kings fought usat Taanach by the streamnear Megiddo—but they couldn't rob usof our silver.
20. From their pathways in the skythe stars fought Sisera,
21. and his soldiers were swept awayby the ancient River Kishon.I will march on and be brave.
22. Sisera's horses galloped off,their hoofs thunderingin retreat.