Judges 5:30

“Have they not sped ? etc.] Or “found” f116 the enemy, Barak and his army, or the spoil of them? no doubt they have: have they not divided the prey ? doubtless they have, which being large, and the captives many, has taken up much of their time to look over, and make an equal and proper division of, and that most certainly is the cause of the delay: to every man a damsel or two ? or “a womb or two f117”, using both unchaste and contemptuous language f118, and pleasing themselves with the virgins of Israel being abused by the common soldiers, which was too frequently the case with the Heathens at gaining a victory: to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of…”

“to every man a damsel or two--Young maidens formed always a valued part of Oriental conquerors' war-spoils. But Sisera's mother wished other booty for him; namely, the gold-threaded, richly embroidered, and scarlet-colored cloaks which were held in such high esteem. The ode concludes with a wish in keeping with the pious and patriotic character of the prophetess. Next: Judges Chapter 6”

“Render the latter part of the verse “a booty of dyed garments for Sisera, a booty of dyed garments and of party-colored cloth, a dyed garment and two party-colored clothes for the necks of the booty,” the spoil or booty being either captive damsels, or captive cattle on whose necks these clothes are to be placed (either as ornament or as a burden; compare Judges 8:21, Judges 8:26). But possibly “the necks of the booty” may mean the backs or shoulders (of men or beasts) laden with booty. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Have they not, &e. - That is, it is certain they have got the prey, only they tarry to distribute it, according to every man's quality and merit. Judges 5:31”

“Have they not sped: Exo 15:9; Job 20:5 every man: Heb. the head of a man of divers: Gen 37:3; Sa2 13:18; Psa 45:14 Judges 5:31”