Judges 4:15

KJV

And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all [his] chariots, and all [his] host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off [his] chariot, and fled away on his feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} discomfited {H2000} Sisera {H5516}, and all his chariots {H7393}, and all his host {H4264}, with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719} before {H6440} Barak {H1301}; so that Sisera {H5516} lighted down {H3381} off his chariot {H4818}, and fled away {H5127} on his feet {H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and ADONAI threw Sisra, all his chariots and his entire army into a panic before Barak's sword; so that Sisra got down from his chariot and fled on foot.

Berean Standard Bible

And in front of him the LORD routed with the sword Sisera, all his charioteers, and all his army. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:15 vividly portrays the decisive and miraculous intervention of the LORD in the battle between Israel and the Canaanites, marking the turning point of the conflict. Through a divinely orchestrated panic, God utterly routed Sisera's formidable army and his feared iron chariots, compelling the proud general to abandon his symbol of power and flee ignominiously on foot. This verse powerfully underscores God's sovereign control over human events, His ability to overcome overwhelming odds, and His unwavering faithfulness in delivering His people from oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 4:15 serves as the dramatic climax of the battle narrative that commenced in [Judges 4:1-14](/judges/4-1-14 "Judges 4:1-14 - Deborah and Barak's Call to Battle"). Following two decades of severe oppression under King Jabin of Hazor and his formidable general Sisera, the prophetess Deborah called Barak to lead Israel's forces, assuring him of a divine victory against the technologically superior Canaanite army ([Judges 4:6-7](/judges/4-6-7 "Judges 4:6-7 - Deborah's Prophecy to Barak")). Barak's reluctance to go without Deborah's presence led to the prophecy that the ultimate glory of the victory would be given to a woman ([Judges 4:9](/judges/4-9 "Judges 4:9 - The Prophecy of Jael's Victory")). This verse describes the immediate and overwhelming fulfillment of God's promise, as the divine hand directly causes the enemy's collapse. It immediately precedes Sisera's desperate flight and his eventual, ignominious death at the hands of Jael, detailed in [Judges 4:16-22](/judges/4-16-22 "Judges 4:16-22 - Sisera's Flight and Death"), thus establishing the pivotal moment where God's power decisively shatters the enemy's might.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1375-1050 BC) was a turbulent era in Israel's history, characterized by a recurring cycle of disobedience, foreign oppression as divine judgment, the Israelites' cry for deliverance, and God raising up a "judge" (a military and spiritual leader) to save them. The Canaanites, particularly under King Jabin and his general Sisera, posed a significant military threat, primarily due to their "nine hundred chariots of iron" ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Jabin's Oppression and Iron Chariots")). These chariots were the ancient world's equivalent of modern armored vehicles, providing a decisive advantage in open warfare. The battle itself took place near the Kishon River in the Jezreel Valley, a strategic location. While often a modest stream, the Kishon is notoriously prone to sudden, torrential flooding during heavy rains. Such conditions would have transformed the flat, chariot-friendly terrain into a treacherous, muddy quagmire, rendering Sisera's chariots ineffective and potentially trapping them, as vividly described in [Judges 5:21](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Kishon River in Deborah's Song"). This natural phenomenon was unequivocally interpreted by the Israelites as a direct and miraculous act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's control over creation to fulfill His purposes.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 4:15 profoundly illustrates several foundational themes central to the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, emphasizing that the LORD Himself actively fights for His people, not merely assisting human efforts but directly "discomfiting" the enemy. This echoes earlier narratives where God fought for Israel, such as against Pharaoh's chariots at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Fights for Israel")). Another critical theme is **Overcoming Superior Odds**, as the militarily inferior Israelites triumph over a technologically advanced and numerically superior foe. This highlights that human strength, military might, or advanced weaponry are no match for God's power ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")). The **Humiliation of the Enemy** is also prominently displayed, as Sisera, the proud general, is reduced to abandoning his symbol of power and fleeing on foot, foreshadowing his ignominious death at the hands of a woman ([Judges 4:21](/judges/4-21 "Judges 4:21 - Sisera's Death by Jael")). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His people, delivering Israel despite their repeated cycles of disobedience and apostasy, whenever they cry out to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Discomfited (Hebrew, _hâmam'_):** The Hebrew verb הָמַם (_hâmam_) signifies "to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy; break, consume, crush, destroy, discomfit, trouble, vex." In this context, it denotes a divinely induced terror, panic, and utter confusion that seized Sisera's forces. This was not simply a military defeat but a supernatural act of God, causing the enemy to lose cohesion, become disoriented, and flee in disarray. This same powerful verb is used in [Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Throws Egyptian Army into Confusion") to describe how the LORD "confused" the Egyptian army before their destruction in the Red Sea, establishing a consistent pattern of divine intervention against overwhelming odds.
* **Chariots (Hebrew, _rekeb'_):** The Hebrew term רֶכֶב (_rekeb_) refers specifically to "a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry." Here, it denotes the formidable iron chariots that constituted the backbone of Sisera's military might and the primary symbol of Canaanite technological superiority ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Jabin's Iron Chariots")). In the ancient world, chariots represented speed, overwhelming power, and military invincibility. The text's explicit mention of these chariots being "discomfited" highlights the miraculous nature of the victory: the very symbol of Sisera's strength became a liability, likely bogged down by the divinely influenced weather and terrain, turning their decisive advantage into an overwhelming hindrance.
* **Lighted down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** The Hebrew verb יָרַד (_yârad_) means "to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region... or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to bring down... to light (down), put down (off)." Sisera's act of "lighting down off his chariot" is a profoundly symbolic and humiliating action. For a general to abandon his chariot, the most prestigious and effective mode of transport and combat, and resort to fleeing on foot, was the ultimate sign of desperation and complete defeat. It signifies the total collapse of his authority and military prowess, reducing him from a fearsome commander to a vulnerable, fleeing individual. This ignominious descent sets the stage for his ultimate demise at the hands of Jael, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all [his] chariots, and all [his] host, with the edge of the sword before Barak;":** This opening clause unequivocally attributes the victory to the direct and sovereign action of the LORD. It was not Barak's military genius or Israel's strength, but God Himself who initiated the rout. The "discomfiture" was comprehensive, affecting Sisera personally, his elite chariots (the pride of his army), and his entire military force ("all his host"). The phrase "with the edge of the sword before Barak" indicates that while God caused the supernatural panic and chaos, the Israelite forces, under Barak's leadership, were the instruments of God's judgment, carrying out the physical defeat. This suggests a divinely empowered and effective pursuit, capitalizing on the chaos God had sown.
* **"so that Sisera lighted down off [his] chariot, and fled away on his feet."**: This clause describes the immediate, profound, and humiliating consequence of God's decisive action. Sisera's forced descent from his chariot is a powerful visual representation of his utter defeat and loss of status. The chariot, once his symbol of power and an instrument of terror, became a burden or an impediment in the divinely-induced chaos, compelling him to abandon it. His subsequent flight on foot underscores his vulnerability, desperation, and the completeness of God's victory, highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortunes for the once-mighty Canaanite general.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 4:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and narrative impact. **Divine Intervention** is the paramount theme, with the LORD explicitly named as the sole agent of Sisera's defeat, underscoring God's active and direct role in human history and warfare. **Irony** is powerfully employed, as Sisera's formidable iron chariots, the very symbol of his military superiority and invincibility, become a hindrance and a cause of his downfall, likely bogged down by the divinely orchestrated weather and terrain. This creates a stark **Contrast** between Sisera's initial position of power and his subsequent ignominious flight on foot. The vivid image of Sisera abandoning his chariot and fleeing "on his feet" serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, hinting at his ultimate undignified death at the hands of Jael, a woman, further compounding his humiliation. The phrase "edge of the sword" can be seen as **Metonymy**, representing the totality of the Israelite rout and the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment, rather than merely literal sword combat, encompassing the entire destructive force unleashed upon Sisera's army.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:15 stands as a profound testament to the absolute sovereignty and limitless power of God, particularly in the face of human weakness and seemingly insurmountable odds. It teaches that true victory belongs solely to the Lord, and His methods often defy human expectation, military logic, and conventional strength. The miraculous defeat of Sisera's iron chariots, which were symbols of invincibility in that era, powerfully illustrates that no human power, technological advancement, or military might can withstand the direct and intentional intervention of the Almighty. This pivotal event reinforces the covenantal faithfulness of God, who, despite Israel's recurring cycles of disobedience and spiritual decline, consistently responds to their cries for deliverance and acts decisively on their behalf. It serves as a timeless reminder that God delights in using the weak, the unexpected, and even natural phenomena to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone, rather than to human ingenuity or strength.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:15 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in their own lives. Just as God "discomfited" Sisera's formidable chariots and army, He is capable of dismantling the most entrenched and imposing obstacles that stand in our way, whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal injustices. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the apparent strength of our adversaries or the inadequacy of our own resources to the limitless power and unwavering faithfulness of God. It reminds us that our ultimate victory does not depend on our strategic brilliance, physical might, or accumulated wisdom, but on the Lord's willingness and ability to fight on our behalf. When we encounter situations that seem hopeless, we are invited to trust that God can, and often does, work in unexpected and miraculous ways, turning the enemy's perceived strengths into weaknesses and bringing about deliverance through means we could never anticipate. Our response should be one of humble reliance, confident expectation, and joyful praise, giving God all the glory for His mighty acts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chariots of iron" (overwhelming challenges, persistent fears, or seemingly invincible obstacles) are you facing in your life today, and how might you be tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's?**
* **How does the concept of God "discomfiting" your adversaries encourage you to trust Him completely in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to step back from striving in your own power and instead allow the Lord to fight for you?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, as powerfully demonstrated in Judges 4:15, strengthen your faith and provide hope for present and future trials?**

### FAQ
**What does "discomfited" mean in this context, and how did God achieve it?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "discomfited" is _hāmām_ (הָמַם), which means "to throw into confusion, rout, panic, or destroy." In Judges 4:15, it signifies a divinely induced panic and chaos that seized Sisera's army, rendering their superior military organization and weaponry utterly ineffective. While the text in this specific verse attributes the action directly to the LORD without detailing the mechanism, the Song of Deborah in [Judges 5:20-21](/judges/5-20-21 "Judges 5:20-21 - The Stars Fought from Heaven") provides further insight, stating that "the stars fought from heaven; from their courses they fought against Sisera. The torrent of Kishon swept them away." This strongly suggests that God achieved this "discomfiture" through a combination of celestial phenomena (likely a torrential downpour) and the resulting flash flood of the Kishon River, which would have turned the battlefield into a muddy swamp, immobilizing Sisera's iron chariots and throwing his forces into disarray and panic. God used natural elements, interpreted as direct divine intervention, to achieve this supernatural rout.

**Why is Sisera's act of "lighting down off his chariot and fleeing away on his feet" significant?**

Answer: This act is profoundly significant because it symbolizes Sisera's complete and utter defeat, humiliation, and loss of status. In the ancient world, chariots were the epitome of military power, speed, and prestige; a general riding in a chariot was a formidable and imposing figure, a symbol of authority and invincibility. To abandon one's chariot and resort to fleeing on foot was the ultimate act of desperation and ignominy, signifying that the battle was irrevocably lost and that personal survival was the only remaining objective. It stripped Sisera of his military status and dignity, reducing him from a mighty commander to a vulnerable, fleeing fugitive. This dramatic reversal of fortune also powerfully foreshadows his ultimate ignominious death, not in battle, but at the hands of Jael, a woman, further compounding the humiliation of the once-proud general ([Judges 4:21](/judges/4-21 "Judges 4:21 - Jael Kills Sisera")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 4:15, with its powerful portrayal of divine intervention against overwhelming odds, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD "discomfited" Sisera's formidable army and rendered his iron chariots impotent, so too did Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, utterly discomfit and decisively triumph over the spiritual forces of darkness that held humanity captive. The "chariots of iron" that symbolized Sisera's earthly power and terror pale in comparison to the spiritual principalities and powers, the oppressive weight of sin, and the ultimate enemy of death that enslaved humanity. Yet, on the cross, Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). He did not merely defeat them; He exposed their impotence and rendered them powerless. Furthermore, just as Sisera was forced to abandon his symbol of power and flee in humiliation, so too was the devil, who held the power of death, defeated and rendered ineffective by Christ's victory over the grave ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Through Christ, believers are given the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the forces of evil, allowing us to declare with unwavering confidence, "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ")). The victory at the Kishon River was a historical shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate, eternal, and cosmic triumph secured by the Lamb of God.

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

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

Psalms 83:9

¶ Do unto them as [unto] the Midianites; as [to] Sisera, as [to] Jabin, at the brook of Kison:

Psalms 83:10

[Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

Hebrews 11:32

¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and [of] Barak, and [of] Samson, and [of] Jephthae; [of] David also, and Samuel, and [of] the prophets:

2 Chronicles 13:15

Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2 Chronicles 13:17

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.