What does Judges 5:16 mean?

Deborah's song (Judges 5:1) has turned from praising tribes for their willing volunteers to questioning those who refused to join the cause against the Canaanites (Judges 5:13–15). She described the tribe of Reuben as wrestling with the decision, spending much time and energy thinking about what to do.

Her question to them, delivered in song, makes it clear they reached the wrong conclusion. Her question depicts Reuben's tribe sitting in the middle of sheep pens, listening to the shepherd playing music on a pipe or flute. The implication can be taken one of two ways. One is that of men so comfortable where they are that they refuse to help others. The other suggestion is of men committed to protecting their own, with no concern for the flocks of other shepherds.

The repeated reference to Reuben's pondering, dithering attitude likely means they deeply considered the issue before refusing to go. That would correspond to Jacob's deathbed prediction about the tribe (Genesis 49:3–4). Alternatively, the Hebrew could be read to mean Reuben was completely resolved not to send anyone to this battle for any reason. Either way, Deborah's song holds them accountable for making the wrong choice.