Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)/Barak

by Matthew George Easton

Barak: lightning, the son of Abinoam (Judges 4:6). At the summons of Deborah he made war against Jabin. She accompanied him into the battle, and gave the signal for the little army to make the attack; in which the host of Jabin was completely routed. The battle was fought (Judges 4:16) in the plain of Jezreel (which see). This deliverance of Israel is commemorated in Judges 5. Barak's faith is commended (Hebrews 11:32). "The character of Barak, though pious, does not seem to have been heroic. Like Gideon, and in a sense Samson, he is an illustration of the words in Hebrews 11:34, 'Out of weakness were made strong.'" (See DEBORAH.)