This verse, Judges 4:24, is a summary statement and a culmination of the events described in Judges chapter 4. It means the following:
"The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan..." This indicates that the Israelites, under the leadership of Deborah (a prophetess and judge) and Barak (a military commander), were progressively gaining the upper hand in their conflict with Jabin, the king of Canaan, who had been oppressing them for twenty years. The word "prevailed" suggests that they were increasingly successful in battles and skirmishes against his forces.
"...until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan." This signifies that the Israelites' efforts ultimately led to the complete defeat and destruction of Jabin and his kingdom. The word "destroyed" implies not just his military defeat but also the dismantling of his power and influence, potentially even his death (though the verse doesn't explicitly state how Jabin was destroyed). It marks the end of Canaanite oppression of Israel in that particular region.
In essence, the verse is stating that through perseverance and divine assistance, the Israelites were able to overcome a powerful oppressor and achieve victory. It's a testament to their faith and courage, as well as a reminder of God's promise to deliver them from their enemies when they turned to Him. The "hand" of the children of Israel refers to their collective strength, action, and power in warfare.
This verse, Judges 4:24, is a summary statement and a culmination of the events described in Judges chapter 4. It means the following:
"The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan..." This indicates that the Israelites, under the leadership of Deborah (a prophetess and judge) and Barak (a military commander), were progressively gaining the upper hand in their conflict with Jabin, the king of Canaan, who had been oppressing them for twenty years. The word "prevailed" suggests that they were increasingly successful in battles and skirmishes against his forces.
"...until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan." This signifies that the Israelites' efforts ultimately led to the complete defeat and destruction of Jabin and his kingdom. The word "destroyed" implies not just his military defeat but also the dismantling of his power and influence, potentially even his death (though the verse doesn't explicitly state how Jabin was destroyed). It marks the end of Canaanite oppression of Israel in that particular region.
In essence, the verse is stating that through perseverance and divine assistance, the Israelites were able to overcome a powerful oppressor and achieve victory. It's a testament to their faith and courage, as well as a reminder of God's promise to deliver them from their enemies when they turned to Him. The "hand" of the children of Israel refers to their collective strength, action, and power in warfare.