שופטים, פרק ה׳, פסוק כ״א

The forces of nature mobilized to aid the Israelites in battle, turning a simple riverbank into a deadly trap for the enemy. The waters suddenly overflowed, acting like a broom sweeping away dust or a rake clearing ashes from an oven, completely washing away the opposing army [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג]. This sudden surge drowned most of the enemy forces, striking immense fear into the hearts of the survivors [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג]. Furthermore, the flooding turned the battlefield into thick mud. The heavy enemy chariots became stuck and unable to maneuver. This rendered their riders easy prey for the foot soldiers of Zebulun and Naphtali, who now held a distinct advantage in speed and mobility [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The river itself is described with a term indicating antiquity or precedence, sparking several interpretations. It can be viewed as a title of honor for a historically significant waterway [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or as a reference to its history of sweeping away enemy camps in ancient times [מלבי״ם]. Some even connect it to the Exodus from Egypt, suggesting the river had acted as a guarantor to the Red Sea since that era [רש״י]. Conversely, another approach understands the description as a contrast to the river's previous state. Before the battle, the water was shallow and sparse, making the sudden, miraculous surge during the conflict all the more dramatic [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג].

The conclusion of the battle features a powerful march forward [מצודת ציון]. Commentators debate the exact nature of this march. One perspective suggests that the Israelites were physically treading upon the broken might of the defeated Canaanite soldiers [רש״י]. Others propose that the stepping relates to the natural elements themselves. The Israelite warriors had to muster great courage to march directly into the fierce storm [ביאור שטיינזלץ] and step firmly upon the rushing waters to cross them [מלבי״ם]. This points to a selective miracle reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea. While the raging waters violently washed away the foreign nations, they caused no harm to the Israelites, allowing them to march through the river with safety and authority [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג].