Judges 4:14

KJV

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Deborah {H1683} said {H559} unto Barak {H1301}, Up {H6965}; for this is the day {H3117} in which the LORD {H3068} hath delivered {H5414} Sisera {H5516} into thine hand {H3027}: is not the LORD {H3068} gone out {H3318} before {H6440} thee? So Barak {H1301} went down {H3381} from mount {H2022} Tabor {H8396}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} men {H376} after {H310} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

D'vorah said to Barak: "Get going! This is the day when ADONAI will hand Sisra over to you! ADONAI has gone out ahead of you!" So Barak went down from Mount Tavor with 10,000 men following him;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Deborah said to Barak, “Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you?” So Barak came down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.

American Standard Version

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which Jehovah hath delivered Sisera into thy hand; is not Jehovah gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:14 captures the decisive moment when Deborah, acting as God's prophetess, issues the final, divinely inspired command to Barak to engage Sisera's formidable army. This verse is a powerful declaration of divine assurance and perfect timing, asserting that the Lord has already delivered Sisera into Barak's hand. Barak's immediate and obedient descent from Mount Tabor with his ten thousand men exemplifies faith in action, setting the stage for Israel's miraculous victory and underscoring God's active presence as the true leader of the battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 4:14 is the climax of the preparatory narrative in Judges 4. Prior to this verse, Israel has suffered twenty years under Canaanite oppression led by King Jabin and his general Sisera, who commanded 900 chariots of iron. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, had summoned Barak, relaying God's command for him to gather ten thousand men on Mount Tabor to confront Sisera. Barak's initial reluctance, stating he would only go if Deborah accompanied him, led to Deborah's prophecy that the glory of the victory would go to a woman ([Judges 4:9](/judges/4-9 "Judges 4:9 - Deborah's Prophecy to Barak")). Sisera, lured by God's providence, had gathered his forces at the Kishon River ([Judges 4:7](/judges/4-7 "Judges 4:7 - God's Plan to Draw Sisera")). Thus, Judges 4:14 serves as the divine "go signal," transitioning the narrative from preparation and prophecy to immediate, decisive action, directly preceding the detailed account of the battle and Sisera's defeat in [Judges 4:15-16](/judges/4-15 "Judges 4:15-16 - The Defeat of Sisera's Army").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th centuries BC) was a time of cyclical apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance for Israel. Without a centralized monarchy, leadership was often charismatic and localized, raised up by God to address specific crises. The Canaanites, indigenous to the land, frequently posed military threats, particularly with their superior iron chariots, which were a significant technological advantage against Israel's infantry. The setting of Mount Tabor, a prominent landmark, and the Kishon River, prone to flash floods, are geographically significant. The cultural expectation was for male military leadership, making Deborah's prominent role as a prophetess and judge, and her accompanying Barak into battle, highly unusual and a testament to God's unconventional methods and Barak's lack of full faith.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human events and His perfect timing, as declared by Deborah: "this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand." It underscores the critical importance of **Faith and Obedience**, as Barak's immediate action in response to Deborah's command illustrates the necessary human response to divine revelation, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Furthermore, the rhetorical question, "is not the LORD gone out before thee?", emphasizes the theme of **God as the Divine Warrior**, actively leading and fighting for His people, a concept echoed in passages describing the Exodus ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")) and subsequent conquests. Finally, the verse subtly touches on **Courage and Leadership**, with Deborah's bold proclamation inspiring Barak to overcome his earlier hesitation and embrace his role.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Up (קוּם, _qum_):** This Hebrew imperative means "arise," "stand up," or "get up." In this context, it functions as a sharp, urgent command for immediate action. It's not merely a suggestion but a divine summons to move from a state of readiness to active engagement, signaling the precise moment for the battle to commence. It conveys a sense of urgency and divine authorization for the impending conflict.
* **delivered (נָתַן, _natan_):** This verb means "to give," "to place," or "to deliver." Crucially, it is in the perfect tense in Hebrew, indicating a completed action from God's perspective. Deborah's declaration is not a prediction of a future possibility but an assertion of a divine certainty—Sisera *has already been* delivered into Barak's hand in God's eternal plan. This grammatical nuance provides profound assurance and underscores God's sovereign control over the outcome before the first blow is struck.
* **gone out before thee (יָצָא, _yatsa_):** The verb _yatsa_ means "to go out" or "to proceed." When combined with "before thee," especially in a military context, it powerfully depicts God as the vanguard, the one leading the charge. It signifies God's active, personal presence at the forefront of the battle, clearing the way and ensuring victory. This imagery reinforces the idea that the battle is not Barak's alone but the Lord's, with God Himself ensuring the success of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Deborah said unto Barak, Up;":** This opening clause presents Deborah as the authoritative voice of God. Her command "Up" (קוּם) is a direct, urgent, and divinely sanctioned imperative, signaling the precise moment for Barak to initiate the battle. It is the spiritual catalyst for the military action.
* **"for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand:":** This is the core of Deborah's prophetic assurance. The phrase "this is the day" emphasizes divine timing and destiny. The use of the perfect tense for "hath delivered" (נָתַן) is critical; it signifies that from God's perspective, the victory is not merely foretold but already accomplished and secured. Sisera's defeat is a pre-ordained certainty, a gift from the Lord to Barak.
* **"is not the LORD gone out before thee?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful affirmation and a source of profound encouragement. It is not seeking information but asserting an undeniable truth: God Himself, as the divine warrior (יָצָא), has already taken the lead, marching ahead of Barak and his army. This ensures that the battle is not fought by human strength alone but by the irresistible power and presence of God.
* **"So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.":** This final clause describes Barak's immediate and decisive response. His descent from Mount Tabor signifies an act of faith and obedience to Deborah's divinely inspired command. The swift action of both Barak and his ten thousand men demonstrates their trust in the prophetic word, indicating that the divine assurance had the desired effect of galvanizing them into courageous action.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 4:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "is not the LORD gone out before thee?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to emphatically affirm God's active, leading presence in the battle, thereby instilling confidence and eliminating doubt. It serves as a powerful theological statement, reminding both Barak and the reader that divine intervention is the true source of victory. The verse also utilizes **Divine Command**, with Deborah's urgent "Up," which acts as a direct imperative from God, demanding immediate and unwavering obedience. This command propels the narrative forward from preparation to engagement. Furthermore, the declaration "this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand" functions as a form of **Prophetic Proclamation**, where the future event is spoken of as if it has already occurred, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plan. The swift narrative progression from Deborah's words to Barak's immediate action also highlights the theme of **Obedience as Action**, demonstrating the tangible outcome of faith in God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:14 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in times of oppression and conflict. It underscores the theological truth that victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength or strategy alone. Deborah's declaration of Sisera's pre-ordained defeat highlights God's sovereign control over history and His perfect timing, assuring His people that He is always at work to fulfill His promises. The verse also powerfully illustrates the critical link between divine command and human obedience, demonstrating that faith is not passive belief but active response. Barak's immediate descent from Mount Tabor, despite the formidable enemy, exemplifies the kind of courageous obedience God calls His people to, trusting that He has already gone before them. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that when God's word is clear, the appropriate response is swift and decisive action, confident in His leading.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes with You to Fight for You")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord Your God Is with You Wherever You Go")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword Did They Win the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:14 offers a compelling blueprint for navigating life's challenges, especially when faced with daunting circumstances. It calls us to cultivate a profound trust in God's sovereign timing and His pre-ordained victories. Just as Deborah declared "this is the day," we are encouraged to discern God's kairos moments—His appointed times for action—and respond with courageous obedience, even when the odds seem stacked against us. The rhetorical question, "is not the LORD gone out before thee?", serves as a perpetual reminder that we do not face our battles alone; the Almighty God, the Divine Warrior, actively leads and fights on our behalf. This should inspire us to step out in faith, knowing that He has already prepared the way and secured the outcome. Our role is not to generate victory, but to align ourselves with His will and participate in His pre-ordained triumph, acting decisively when His command is clear. This verse challenges us to move beyond hesitation and embrace the active, obedient faith that trusts God's presence and power to overcome any obstacle.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Mount Tabor" moments in your life are you currently facing, where God might be calling you to "Up" and act in faith?**
* **How does the assurance that "the LORD hath delivered" impact your perspective on current struggles or future uncertainties?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to remember that "the LORD [is] gone out before thee," and how might that encourage you to move forward?**
* **What specific steps of obedience might God be asking you to take today, even if they seem daunting?**

### FAQ
**What does Deborah mean by "this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand"?**
Answer: Deborah's statement is a powerful prophetic declaration, not merely a prediction. By saying "this is the day," she emphasizes the divine timing and certainty of the event. The phrase "hath delivered" uses the Hebrew perfect tense, indicating that from God's perspective, the victory is already a completed and assured fact, even before the battle physically begins. It means that God has already decreed and set in motion the events that will lead to Sisera's defeat, effectively handing him over to Barak. This declaration served to instill absolute confidence in Barak, assuring him that the outcome was divinely guaranteed.

**Why is the rhetorical question "is not the LORD gone out before thee?" significant?**
Answer: This rhetorical question is highly significant because it serves as a strong affirmation of God's active, leading presence in the battle. It's not asking for information but rather asserting an undeniable truth. The imagery of the Lord "going out before" Barak evokes the concept of God as the divine vanguard or commander, leading the charge and clearing the way for His people. It reassures Barak that he is not fighting alone, nor is the victory dependent on his own military prowess. Instead, God Himself is at the forefront, ensuring success and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This echoes the promise given to Israel that the Lord would fight for them ([Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes with You to Fight for You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 4:14, with its declaration of divine assurance and pre-ordained victory, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Deborah's prophecy that "the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand" foreshadows the definitive and completed victory achieved by Christ on the cross. Just as Sisera was delivered into Barak's hand, so too were sin, death, and the powers of darkness definitively "delivered" into Christ's conquering hand through His atoning work ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). The rhetorical question, "is not the LORD gone out before thee?", points forward to Jesus as the true Divine Warrior who goes before His people, not merely in battle, but in every aspect of life and salvation. He is the Good Shepherd who "goes before" His sheep ([John 10:4](/john/10-4 "John 10:4 - The Shepherd Goes Before His Sheep")), leading them to abundant life. His resurrection is the ultimate "this is the day" moment, signifying that the decisive victory over all spiritual enemies has already been secured ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Believers are called to respond to His finished work with the same immediate obedience as Barak, trusting that Christ has already overcome the world and empowers them to live victoriously in Him ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Has Overcome the World")). In Christ, the promise of God's leading presence and assured victory is not just for a physical battle, but for the entire spiritual journey of redemption and sanctification.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 5:24

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

Deuteronomy 9:3

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

Isaiah 52:12

For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.

Psalms 68:7

¶ O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Micah 2:13

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.

Judges 19:28

And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her [up] upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.