MPV Commentary

1. After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in God's sight.

The removal of this zealous judge left his countrymen without the restraint of religion.

2-3. Jabin, king of Canaan, was a powerful ruler who had built a new capital on the ruins of the old one. The northern Canaanites had recovered from their defeat at Joshua's hands and were now oppressing Israel with great severity. This oppression lasted for twenty years, affecting mainly the tribes in the north.

4. Deborah, a prophetess, was a woman of extraordinary knowledge, wisdom, and piety. She was instructed by God's Spirit and interpreted His will. As a judge, she acquired an extensive influence and universal respect, becoming the animating spirit of the government. She discharged all special duties except that of military leader.

5. Deborah resided under a palm tree in a collective grove. It was common for judges to administer justice outdoors or under a shaded tree.

6. Deborah sent for Barak, instructing him to gather his troops at Mount Tabor and prepare for battle against Jabin's army.

7. Kedesh-naphtali is situated on an elevation north of the Sea of Galilee. The Lord God of Israel commanded Barak to go and draw toward Mount Tabor.

8. Barak requested Deborah's presence, saying that if she would accompany him, he would lead the troops into battle. This request was not a sign of weakness but rather a strategic move to boost troop morale and legitimize their uprising against Jabin.

9. The Lord declared that Sisera would be sold into the hand of a woman. This prediction conveyed a rebuke to Barak's unmanly fears, as he could not understand its meaning at the time.

10-11. Heber the Kenite pitched his tent in the plain of Zaanaim (or "the oaks of the wanderers"). The site was under a grove of terebinths in the upland valley of Kedesh.

12. Deborah told Barak that God would hand Sisera over to him, but he refused to go without her presence.

13. The river of Kishon was chosen as the battlefield by Sisera himself, who was unaware that it would be his downfall.

14-15. Barak and his troops descended from Mount Tabor and engaged in battle with Jabin's army. The Lord discomfited Sisera's forces, causing them to flee in wild confusion.

16. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot, pursued by Barak until he reached Harosheth.

17-18. Sisera sought refuge in the tent of Jael, who received him as a guest. According to nomadic customs, it was her duty to receive strangers in her husband's absence.

19. Jael offered Sisera refreshments and covered him, which he took as a pledge of his safety.

20-21. Sisera asked Jael to conceal his presence from any approaching men, but she secretly took a tent pin and drove it into his temple, killing him. This act was considered murder in the eyes of pastoral people, who valued honor and friendship above all else.