Background and Context:
The account of Israel's victory over Jabin, king of Canaan, is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. This victory is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The narrative highlights the leadership of Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, the military commander, as well as the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.

Jabin, King of Canaan:
Jabin was the king of Hazor, a prominent Canaanite city-state in northern Israel. He oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, wielding considerable military power, including 900 iron chariots, which were a formidable force in ancient warfare. The Israelites, suffering under his harsh rule, cried out to the LORD for deliverance.

Deborah and Barak:
Deborah, a prophetess and judge, was a respected leader in Israel. She held court under the Palm of Deborah, where the Israelites came to her for judgment. In response to the people's cries, Deborah summoned Barak, son of Abinoam, from Kedesh in Naphtali. She conveyed God's command to him: "Go, deploy the troops at Mount Tabor, taking ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and troops to the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand" (Judges 4:6-7).

Barak agreed to go but insisted that Deborah accompany him, to which she consented, prophesying that the honor of victory would go to a woman.

The Battle:
Barak gathered his forces at Mount Tabor, and Sisera, Jabin's commander, mobilized his chariots and troops to the Kishon River. The LORD intervened, causing confusion among Sisera's forces. Judges 4:15 states, "And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army with the edge of the sword before Barak, and Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot."

Jael's Role:
As Sisera fled, he sought refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Jael welcomed him, offering milk to drink and a place to rest. While Sisera slept, Jael took a tent peg and hammer and drove the peg through his temple, killing him. When Barak arrived in pursuit, Jael showed him the dead body of Sisera, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that a woman would claim the honor of victory.

The Song of Deborah and Barak:
Judges 5 records the Song of Deborah and Barak, a poetic retelling of the victory. The song praises the LORD for His deliverance, recounts the bravery of the tribes that joined the battle, and curses those who did not. It celebrates Jael's decisive act and concludes with a prayer for the LORD's enemies to perish and for His friends to shine like the sun.

Significance:
Israel's victory over Jabin and Sisera is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of women in His plans. The narrative also highlights the theme of divine justice, as God delivers His people from oppression and punishes the wicked. This victory brought peace to the land for forty years, demonstrating God's mercy and the blessings of following His ways.