Judges 4:7 - I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.’”

Generated Verse: Judges 4:7

What does "Judges 4:7" mean?


This verse from Judges 4:7 is a key promise within the story of Deborah and Barak's battle against the Canaanite king Jabin and his army, led by Sisera. Let's break down its meaning:

"I will draw to you..." This is God speaking, promising to orchestrate events. The "you" refers to Barak, whom Deborah has commanded to lead the Israelite army.

"...to the river Kishon..." God will specifically lead Sisera and his forces to the river Kishon. This location is significant. The Kishon is a seasonal riverbed that could become a raging torrent after heavy rain. It's a strategic vulnerability for a chariot-heavy army.

"...Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude..." This identifies the enemy that God is promising to deliver. Sisera is the general, and the emphasis on "chariots" highlights the Canaanites' military advantage, chariots were powerful war machines at the time and the Israelite army was not equipped with them. "Multitude" underscores the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Canaanite forces.

"...and I will deliver him into your hand." This is the core promise. God will ensure that Sisera, and by extension his entire army, will be defeated and captured (or killed) by Barak and the Israelites. God will ensure victory. The phrase "into your hand" emphasizes that Barak and the Israelites will be the direct instruments of God's victory.

In essence, the verse means:

God is assuring Barak that he will orchestrate events so that Sisera and his powerful army will be drawn to the river Kishon. There, God will deliver Sisera and his army into the hands of Barak and the Israelites, guaranteeing their victory.

Significance of the Verse:

Divine Initiative: The verse emphasizes that the victory is not due to the Israelites' strength or skill, but to God's intervention.
Strategic Foresight: God's choice of the Kishon River as the battlefield reveals a strategic advantage that may not have been obvious to the Israelites at first. This shows God's plan.
Encouragement and Empowerment: The promise serves as a source of encouragement for Barak, who was hesitant to go to battle without Deborah. It empowers him with the assurance of God's support and guarantees the victory. It serves as a reminder that God can overcome overwhelming odds.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: It sets the stage for the events that follow, in which the Kishon River indeed plays a crucial role in the defeat of Sisera's army, as the ground becomes muddy and impassable for the chariots.

In short, the verse is a promise of divine intervention and victory in the face of overwhelming odds, highlighting God's power and faithfulness.