Matthew Poole and continuators on Judges 5:16

16 Why abodest thou among the sheep folds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks ? for the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

Why wast thou so unworthy and cowardly, so void of all Zeal for God, and compassion towards thy Brethren, and care for the recovery of thy own Liberties and Priviledges, that thou wouldst not ingage thy self in so just, so necessary, and so noble a cause, but didst prefer the care of thy Sheep, and thy own present ease and safety, before this generous undertaking? Reuben thought Neutrality their wisest course; being very rich in Cattel, Numb. 32. 1. They were loath to run the hazard of so great a loss, by taking up Arms against so Potent an Enemy as Iabin was: and the bleatings of their Sheep were so loud in their ears, that they could not hear the call of Deborah and Barak to this Expedition.

Marginal references: Or, in.