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Barak

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What is the meaning of Barak in the Bible?

Barak, the son of Abinoam, commanded an Israelite army of 10,000 men against the Canaanite general Sisera, acting under the direction of the prophetess Deborah. Following the battle at Mount Tabor, he pursued the retreating Canaanite forces, ultimately witnessing Sisera's death at the hands of Jael.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Barak's role clarifies the collaborative leadership structure between military commanders and prophetic figures in the Book of Judges, highlighting how divine intervention and human agency were intertwined in the Israelites' consolidation of power in the central highlands.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Barak reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Barak in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Barak clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Barak." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/barak/
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