Barak was a military leader in the Old Testament of the Bible. His name means “lightning” in Hebrew. Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, Barak is mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 4-5. He is the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali.
Early Life of Barak
Little is known about Barak’s early life before his military exploits, as the Bible does not provide much detail about his personal background.
Biblical Timeline
The Call of Barak by Deborah
In Judges 4:4-7, the prophetess Deborah summons Barak and informs him of God’s command to gather an army of 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to fight against the Canaanite king, Jabin, and his commander, Sisera. Barak agrees to lead the Israelite forces but requests that Deborah accompany him. She consents, but prophesizes that Sisera will be delivered into the hands of a woman as a result of Barak’s hesitance to act alone.
Victory Over Sisera and the Canaanite Army
In Judges 4:12-16, Barak and his forces engage the Canaanite army led by Sisera, who commands 900 iron chariots. With God’s help, the Israelite forces defeat the Canaanite army, forcing Sisera to flee the battlefield. Sisera seeks refuge in the tent of a Kenite woman named Jael, who kills him while he is asleep, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy. The Israelites then continue to fight against Jabin’s forces until they eventually destroy them.
Song of Deborah and Barak
In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak sing a victory song known as the Song of Deborah, celebrating their triumph over the Canaanite forces. This song is considered one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew literature and is a significant example of ancient Hebrew poetry.
Death of Barak
The Bible does not provide details about Barak’s death, but his victory over the Canaanites marked the beginning of a 40-year period of peace for the Israelites.
Additional Notes
Appearance in Hebrews 11:32-34
Barak is listed among the heroes of faith in the New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 11:32-34. Here, the author of Hebrews refers to Barak as one of the faithful servants who, through faith, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised. This reference serves to highlight the importance of Barak’s story in the broader context of the biblical narrative.