he summoned all nine hundred of his iron chariots and all the men with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the River Kishon. So Sisera summonedThe name "Sisera" is of uncertain origin, possibly non-Semitic, reflecting the Canaanite culture's diversity. Sisera was the commander of Jabin's army, a formidable adversary of Israel. His summoning indicates a strategic military response, highlighting the organized and oppressive nature of Canaanite rule over Israel. This action sets the stage for a significant confrontation, emphasizing the tension between the oppressors and the oppressed. all his nine hundred chariots of iron
Chariots of iron symbolize military might and technological superiority. In the ancient Near East, chariots were a game-changer in warfare, providing speed and power. The mention of "iron" underscores the advanced metallurgy of the Canaanites, making their chariots formidable. This detail highlights the overwhelming odds against Israel, setting the stage for a miraculous deliverance by God, who often uses the weak to confound the strong. and all the men with him
This phrase indicates the full mobilization of Sisera's forces, suggesting a comprehensive and determined effort to crush the Israelite rebellion. The inclusion of "all the men" underscores the seriousness of the threat and the totality of the Canaanite commitment to maintaining control. It reflects the spiritual battle between the forces of darkness and God's chosen people, reminding believers of the spiritual warfare they face. from Harosheth-hagoyim
Harosheth-hagoyim, meaning "woodland of the nations," was Sisera's base of operations. Its name suggests a place of strategic importance, possibly a hub for various ethnic groups under Canaanite control. This location serves as a reminder of the cultural and religious influences that Israel was to resist, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God amidst a pluralistic society. to the River Kishon
The River Kishon is a significant geographical feature in the Jezreel Valley, often associated with divine intervention in Israel's history. Its mention here foreshadows the impending battle and God's miraculous deliverance. The Kishon becomes a symbol of God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and deliverance in their own lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army under King Jabin of Hazor. Known for his military prowess and the formidable force of iron chariots he commanded. 2. Nine Hundred Iron ChariotsSymbolic of military strength and technological superiority in warfare during that time. The chariots were a significant advantage in battle. 3. Harosheth-hagoyimThe base of operations for Sisera and his army. It is often associated with the Gentiles, indicating a place of foreign influence and power. 4. River KishonA significant geographical feature in the battle account. It becomes a site of divine intervention where God aids Israel in overcoming Sisera's forces. 5. The BattleThis event is a pivotal moment in the account of Judges, showcasing God's deliverance of Israel through unexpected means and leaders. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattleDespite Sisera's military might, God demonstrates His ultimate control over the outcome of battles. Trust in God's power rather than human strength. The Role of Faithful LeadershipDeborah and Barak's leadership exemplifies obedience and faith in God's promises. God often uses willing and faithful leaders to accomplish His purposes. Divine Intervention in Human AffairsThe River Kishon becomes a tool of God's intervention, reminding us that God can use natural elements to fulfill His plans. The Futility of Human PrideSisera's reliance on his chariots reflects human pride and self-reliance, which ultimately leads to downfall. Humility and dependence on God are crucial. God's DeliveranceThe account is a testament to God's deliverance of His people, encouraging believers to trust in His timing and methods for salvation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Sisera and his chariots challenge our understanding of power and security in today's world? 2. In what ways can we see God's hand in the natural events around us, similar to the River Kishon's role in this account? 3. How can the leadership of Deborah and Barak inspire us to step into roles of influence and responsibility in our communities? 4. What are some modern-day "chariots" that people might trust in instead of God, and how can we shift our focus to rely on Him? 5. How does this passage encourage us to respond when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in our personal lives or communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea parallels the miraculous victory over Sisera's chariots, emphasizing God's power over seemingly insurmountable odds. 1 Samuel 17David's victory over Goliath echoes the theme of God using unlikely individuals to achieve victory, similar to Deborah and Barak's leadership against Sisera. Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, highlighting the futility of relying solely on human strength. People Abinoam, Barak, Deborah, Ehud, Heber, Hobab, Israelites, Jabin, Jael, Kenites, Lapidoth, Naphtali, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Bethel, Canaan, Harosheth-hagoyim, Hazor, Kedesh, Kedesh-naphtali, Kishon River, Moab, Mount Tabor, Ramah, ZaanannimTopics Brook, Calleth, Chariots, Collected, Gathered, Gentiles, Got, Goyim, Haggoyim, Harosheth, Harosheth-goiim, Haro'sheth-ha-goiim, Harosheth-hagoyim, Hundred, Iron, Kishon, Nine, River, Sisera, Sis'era, War-carriagesDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 4:13 4260 rivers and streams
5252 chariots Judges 4:12-13 4336 iron Judges 4:12-16 4254 mountains Library Sin Slain
I want to picture to you to-night, if I can, three acts in a great history--three different pictures illustrating one subject. I trust we have passed through all three of them, many of us; and as we shall look upon them, whilst I paint them upon the wall, I think there will be many here who will be able to say, I was in that state once;" and when we come to the last, I hope we shall be able to clap our hands, and rejoice to feel that the last is our case also, and that we are in the plight of the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Whether the Grace of the Word of Wisdom and Knowledge is Becoming to Women?
Objection 1: It would seem that the grace of the word of wisdom and knowledge is becoming even to women. For teaching is pertinent to this grace, as stated in the foregoing Article. Now it is becoming to a woman to teach; for it is written (Prov. 4:3,4): "I was an only son in the sight of my mother, and she taught me [*Vulg.: 'I was my father's son, tender, and as an only son in the sight of my mother. And he taught me.']." Therefore this grace is becoming to women. Objection 2: Further, the grace …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction …
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation Gamala. Chorazin.
These things determine the situation of Gamala:--1. It was "in lower Gaulon," in which, as we have seen, Bethsaida was. 2. It was "upon the lake [of Gennesaret]." 3. It was "over-against Tarichee." Compare the maps, whether in their placing of it they agree with these passages. Here was Judas born, commonly called 'Gaulanites,' and as commonly also, the 'Galilean.' So Peter and Andrew and Philip were Gaulanites; of Bethsaida, John 1:44; and yet they were called 'Galileans.' While we are speaking …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Miscellaneous Subjects.
Woman's Freedom. The Scriptural right for women to labor in the gospel as exhorters, teachers, preachers, etc., is questioned by many. To deny women such a privilege is contrary to the Christian spirit of equality, and a serious obstruction to pure gospel light. We (male and female) are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28. In the kingdom of grace man and woman are on an equal footing so far as concerns the work of God. To explain some texts that seem to prohibit women from laboring in the gospel …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 4:13 NIVJudges 4:13 NLTJudges 4:13 ESVJudges 4:13 NASBJudges 4:13 KJV
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