Topical Encyclopedia Sisera was a prominent military commander of the Canaanite forces under King Jabin of Hazor, as recorded in the Book of Judges. His narrative is primarily found in Judges chapters 4 and 5, where he plays a central role in the conflict between the Israelites and the Canaanites during the time of the judges.Historical Context The period of the judges was marked by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and subsequent deliverance by judges raised by God. Sisera's account unfolds during one such cycle, where the Israelites had fallen into idolatry and were oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, for twenty years (Judges 4:2-3). Military Role and Defeat Sisera commanded a formidable army equipped with nine hundred iron chariots, a significant military advantage at the time (Judges 4:3). His forces were stationed at Harosheth-hagoyim, a strategic location that allowed him to exert control over the region. The prophetess Deborah, who was judging Israel at the time, summoned Barak son of Abinoam and instructed him to lead an Israelite force against Sisera. Deborah conveyed God's promise of victory, saying, "I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the Kishon River, and I will deliver him into your hand" (Judges 4:7). Barak, with Deborah accompanying him, gathered ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and went to Mount Tabor. In a divinely orchestrated battle, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot (Judges 4:14-15). Death at the Hands of Jael Sisera's flight led him to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. The Kenites were at peace with Jabin, which may have led Sisera to believe he would find refuge there. Jael welcomed him into her tent, offering him milk and covering him with a blanket. Exhausted, Sisera fell asleep, trusting in Jael's hospitality. However, Jael seized the opportunity to act against Sisera. She took a tent peg and a hammer and drove the peg through his temple, killing him while he slept (Judges 4:21). When Barak arrived in pursuit, Jael showed him the dead body of Sisera, thus fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that the honor of Sisera's defeat would go to a woman (Judges 4:9). Legacy and Significance The defeat of Sisera marked a turning point in the struggle against Canaanite oppression. Judges 5 records the Song of Deborah, a victory hymn celebrating the triumph over Sisera and the deliverance of Israel. The song highlights the role of divine intervention and the courage of those who rose to fight against the oppressors. Sisera's account serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the unexpected means by which He delivers His people. The narrative underscores themes of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises, as well as the significant roles played by women in God's redemptive history. Nave's Topical Index Judges 4:1And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. Nave's Topical Index Judges 5:20-31 1 Samuel 12:9 Psalm 83:9 Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the story of Deborah and Barak? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Kenites? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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