Judges 4:12-16 – Sisera Defeated
As God has revealed through Deborah, when Barak gathers Israel’s army at Mount Tabor, God draws Sisera out to battle at the river Kishon. Recall from Judges 4:3 that Sisera had 900 chariots of iron. Verse 13 tells us that Sisera brings his entire force, including all his chariots, to fight Israel. They travel from Harosheth-hagoyim (the forest of the Gentiles) to the river Kishon to meet Barak’s forces in battle.
Though Barak was reluctant before, he now obeys the LORD when Deborah tells him to attack, “For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hand.” The Israelites charge down Mount Tabor and put Sisera’s army to flight. They chase down the chariots and destroy the entire army. Only Sisera escapes, as he dismounts his chariot and flees away on foot.
Notice what we are told in verse 15. It was not Barak who routed the Canaanite army. It was not the ten thousand men of Israel. It was the LORD who defeated Sisera. Only by God’s strength did Barak and the Israelites gain victory and pursue their enemies all the way back to Harosheth-hagoyim.
Apart from God, there can be no victory for His people. By His grace, all His and our enemies are conquered.
Questions
- Who defeated Sisera and his army?
- Can we have any victory apart from God?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will give us the strength to do His will.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.