After the victory, we see Deborah and Barak sing. This is a song that recounts the battle that was just fought, and adds some additional context. This is an important thing for us to see in scripture, singing is a vital part of faith. So often in the Bible, something will happen, and the people will begin to sing. We should follow that pattern. The hymns and songs we sing in worship, we are not the audience in these moments; we are the participants. Even for folks like me who do not like to sing, there is something beautiful and holy about lifting up our voices together in song. It really does matter.

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It’s good to be with you on this Thursday as we continue our journey through the Book of Judges. I hope you’re doing well today. This morning, we’re going to read Judges chapter 5, which contains the Song of Deborah—a song of praise offered after the defeat of Sisera and the subduing of the Canaanites.

This pattern—singing after a victory—is something we see often in the Old Testament. For example, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam sang a song of praise to God. In similar fashion, Deborah sings to celebrate what the Lord has done.

This song is a powerful retelling of the events we’ve just read. But it also adds some fresh insight that wasn’t explicitly spelled out before. For instance, I noticed something about Jael—yesterday, we talked about how she gave Sisera milk instead of water and struck him down in a moment of bold action. Today’s reading adds that she brought the milk “in a lordly bowl.” That detail shows just how clever she was—honoring him before dealing the final blow.

But let me shift the focus to something broader.

Even though I’m not a singer—no one’s ever accused me of being one (some might even question if I can preach, but no one questions that I can’t sing)—I’m always moved by the way music tells our story. Dr. Frank Pollard once said something that stuck with me:

“We get our theology from the Scriptures we read, the prayers we pray, and the songs we sing.”

That’s so true. I love songs and hymns that retell what God has done. That’s why one of my favorite hymns is A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. That hymn is more than music—it’s a retelling of the gospel.

I want us to remember that worship is not a performance. No matter the style—traditional with a choir and hymns, or contemporary with a praise band and choruses—worship is not about watching others perform. It’s about participating in praise. The songs we sing are acts of worship that we offer to God.

When music connects to the Scripture being read, or the theme of the church season, it teaches us. It reminds us. It roots us in what is truly important in our faith. That’s why we see songs throughout Scripture—songs after victory, songs in the face of trouble, songs to remember God’s goodness.

So whether you consider yourself a singer or not—and I know many of us don’t—I encourage you to sing anyway. Sing in worship. Sing at home. Sing the story of what God has done. Tell it. Remember it.

At St. Matthew’s, we’re blessed to have both styles of worship—contemporary and traditional—and no matter where you find yourself, the call is the same: sing.

This Sunday, I hope you’ll sing. Sing with all your heart. Sing your faith. Sing your hope. Sing your joy. Lift your voice, and see what God might stir in your soul.

Thanks for being with me today. Tomorrow, we’ll begin the story of Gideon. We may not get through all of it in one day, but we’ll start.

Have a wonderful day, and may your heart be full of song.