Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
Why did you stay among the sheep pens, listening to the shepherds calling their flocks? The people of Reuben had much soul-searching and inner conflict about what to do.
The writer is questioning why the tribe of Reuben chose to stay with their livestock instead of joining the battle, noting they struggled deeply with this decision.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Deborah's victory song after defeating the Canaanites. When Deborah called the tribes of Israel to unite against their oppressors, some tribes responded while others hesitated. The tribe of Reuben, located east of the Jordan River in pastoral lands, chose to remain with their flocks rather than join the military campaign.
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