I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel." (Judges 5:3b)
Breaking out in a song of praise - that's what Deborah and Barak did, after delivering Israel from the Canaanites. Why singing? Well yes, it is an appropriate response to seeing God's amazing Work, for He is worthy of praise. But, what is it about singing, that would be different from, say, dancing or celebrating with a meal together? It brings to mind the Palm Sunday passage in Luke 19 when the crowds were joyfully praising God, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And when the Pharisees wanted to silence them, Jesus said "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." So, words are a very important part of praise; and what more beautiful way to express them, but with music.
Later, in Judges 5:11a, it said to consider "the voice of the singers at the watering places. They recite the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his warriors in Israel." This indicates that another aspect of singing God's praises shows the desire of the person to share with others what God has done; and for the listener to learn about God's Works.
Also in the passage, is the depiction of the privilege of being used of God for His Work. While those who followed the leadership of Deborah and Barak, participated in the victory and were blessed; there were those who missed out because they were too complacent in their comfort zone or had other priorities. One city was even cursed for not helping out, despite being in the heart of all that was going on around it. May I not be one of those who get distracted or too comfortable to be used by God for His Work. And may I always be ready to Sing Praises to Him for His Wondrous Works!
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