16 Gregory T.K. Wong depiction of YHWH as a warrior nor any clear suggestion that the coming of YHWH is specifically for the purpose of war (39). Yet many think that in the context of the song, the theophany is nonetheless intended to depict YHWH as marching ahead of His people into battle against the enemy (40). After all, the storm imagery in v. 4 does seem to anticipate the rain and the sudden flooding of the Kishon that play such a significant role in the actual battle narrative (41). If so, one can conceivably argue that even this theophany has a specific role to play in the overall polemic against non-participation. For if YHWH is depicted at the outset as leading the way in battle against the enemy, then there is no excuse for any of His people not to be similarly involved. As for vv. 6-8, it is generally agreed that these verses function mainly to provide the setting for the ensuing battle, revealing the harsh conditions Israel had to face prior to battle (42). But here again, one can argue that even such background information contributes to the polemic against non-participation. For if living conditions in the nation were indeed as appalling as what is described, then it almost makes it incumbent upon all in Israel to join in the effort to put an end to the misery brought on by foreign oppression. The refusal of any tribe or city to participate would thus be seen once again as inexcusable in light of the nation’s suffering. Regarding vv. 25-27, it has already been pointed out earlier that this description of how Jael managed to kill Sisera is actually intricately tied to the pronouncement of blessing upon her in v. 24. After all, while the reason for cursing Meroz is explicitly stated in v. (39) Compare with the explicit warrior language found in Exod 15,3.6-10 and especially in Psalm 68, where vv. 7-8 is actually substantially similar to Judg 5,4- 5. A. GLOBE, “The Text and Literary Structure of Judges 5,4-5”, Bib 55 (1974) 178 argues, however, that since axy and d[x are found in military contexts elsewhere in Hebrew scripture, YHWH is clearly envisaged as a warrior. (40) See, for example, BOLING, Judges, 108; HAUSER, “Parataxis”, 29-30; “Two Songs”, 269, 271; BLOCK, Judges, 222. While SOGGIN, Judges, 84, sees the description as essentially confessional rather than referring to a specific battle, he nonetheless sees it as a confession of faith in the God who fights alongside His people whenever that seems necessary. (41) GLOBE, “Literary Structure”, 504, even implies a more direct relationship between the two as he sees v. 4d-e at the formal centre of the strophe as describing the very means of YHWH’s intervention in the battle. Likewise, A.G. AULD, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, (Louisville 1984) 158, sees these early words as directing us to see YHWH’s hand in vv. 20-21. (42) See, for example, BLENKINSOPP, “Ballad Style”, 69; LINDARS, Judges, 234; BLOCK, Judges, 224.