Judges 5:17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Gilead abode, &c. Or, why did Gilead abide? Gilead was divided between the children of Machir and the tribe of Gad, Joshua 13:24-31. The children of Machir came down to the battle, and therefore the tribe of Gad can only be meant here, the land of Gilead being put for the inhabitants of it. Beyond Jordan In their own portions, and did not come over Jordan to the help of the Lord, and of his people, as they ought to have done. Why did Dan remain in ships? Their coast being near the sea, they were wholly intent on their merchandise, and therefore did not join in this land expedition. Asher continued on the sea-shore Where their lot lay. Abode in his breaches Either in his creeks and small havens, where vessels lay to go out to sea, or in their broken and craggy rocks and caves.