Judges 5:1-18, Decrees and Those Who Write Them (3)

Albert Barnes had a somewhat lengthy note on those who write decrees.

Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees - To those who frame statutes that are oppressive and iniquitous. The prophet here refers, doubtless, to the rulers and judges of the land of Judea. A similar description he had before given; Isaiah 1:10, (my note: he likens Israel’s rulers to those of Sodom and Gomorrah) Isaiah 1:23,(my note: the rulers of Israel are thieves, open for bribes) ...

Here, it evidently refers to the judges who declared oppressive and unjust sentences, and caused them to be recorded. It does not refer to the mere scribes, or recorders of the judicial opinions, but to the judges themselves, who pronounced the sentence, and caused it to be recorded. The manner of making Eastern decrees differs from ours: they are first written, and then the magistrate authenticates them, or annuls them. This, I remember, is the Arab manner, according to D'Arvieux. When an Arab wanted a favor of the emir, the way was to apply to the secretary, who drew up a decree according to the request of the party; if the emir granted the favor, he printed his seal upon it; if not, he returned it torn to the petitioner.

So we have an idea about these “lawmakers.”  What in Isaiah 10:1 what might have been their decrees?  The one other use of the noun (decrees) might help us.

·       Judges 5:15: Do you remember the leaders who offered themselves with their people in the fight against the King of Hazor?  In the case of Reuben, the leaders did not offer themselves but stayed with their sheep.  Thus, they had great “resolves” of heart.  Interesting use of the word.  What resolves?  I would assume they decided going to battle was not a good idea, too dangerous, something of that nature.  So, they decreed that their people not go.  In so doing they lost out on the joy of the LORD expressed in this Song.

Isa. 10:2 tells us the unrighteous decrees had the effect of robbing the poor, taking advantage of the widows and the fatherless.  Perhaps these decrees placed an undo burden on the poor and needy.  I think of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 who, in fear for her salvation, was compelled by the decrees of the leadership to give all her money into the offering.  The “corban” issue in Mk. 7:1-13 is another illustration of unrighteous decrees that made the lawmakers rich and the poor fearful.

In Isa. 10:3-4 it appears to me that the LORD responds with His own “decrees” that are meant to strike fear in the unrighteous lawgivers.  What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar?  To whom will you flee for help?  And where will you leave your glory?  And, of course, the decrees of God are both just and true.  His is not a “made up” fear.

 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He (Deut. 32:4). Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty!  Just and true are Your ways, O King of the Saints! (Rev. 15:3).