Judges 4:16

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; [and] there was not a man left.

But Barak {H1301} pursued {H7291} after {H310} the chariots {H7393}, and after the host {H4264}, unto Harosheth {H2800} of the Gentiles {H1471}: and all the host {H4264} of Sisera {H5516} fell {H5307} upon the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}; and there was not a man {H259} left {H7604}.

But Barak pursued the chariots and the army all the way to Haroshet-HaGoyim. Sisra's entire army was put to the sword; not one man was left.

Then Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth-hagoyim, and the whole army of Sisera fell by the sword; not a single man was left.

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; there was not a man left.

Commentary

Context

Judges 4 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history under the oppressive rule of Jabin, King of Canaan, whose formidable army was commanded by Sisera. For twenty years, Sisera's 900 iron chariots had brutally suppressed the Israelites, causing great distress. This verse details the decisive aftermath of the miraculous battle where God intervened through the prophetess Deborah and the military leader Barak. The initial rout of Sisera's forces was divinely orchestrated, with a sudden, heavy rain turning the battlefield into a quagmire, rendering Sisera's iron chariots useless and causing panic among his troops.

Key Themes

  • Complete Divine Victory: This verse emphasizes the absolute nature of God's victory over Israel's enemies. The phrase "not a man left" signifies a total, unmitigated triumph, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people fully from oppression.
  • Barak's Relentless Pursuit: After the initial rout, Barak did not rest but relentlessly pursued the fleeing enemy to their stronghold. This highlights the importance of completing the task God sets before us, ensuring the enemy's full defeat and preventing future threats.
  • End of Oppression: The annihilation of Sisera's army at "Harosheth of the Gentiles" marked the definitive end of Jabin's tyranny. This victory brought about forty years of peace for Israel, a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His people when they turn to Him.
  • God's Judgment on the Wicked: The complete destruction of Sisera's host serves as a powerful illustration of God's righteous judgment against those who oppress His people and defy His will.

Linguistic Insights

The location "Harosheth of the Gentiles" (Hebrew: Harosheth ha-Goyim) is significant. Harosheth means "workmanship" or "forest," possibly referring to a fortified industrial center or a heavily wooded area. The term "Gentiles" (Goyim) here refers to the non-Israelite inhabitants of the region, specifically Sisera's Canaanite forces. This implies that the decisive battle and subsequent slaughter took place not just on open ground, but extended to the very heart of the enemy's stronghold, indicating a comprehensive and devastating defeat of Sisera's power base.

Related Scriptures

The magnitude of this victory is further celebrated in the Song of Deborah and Barak in Judges chapter 5, which vividly recounts the Lord's mighty hand in battle. This echoes a recurring theme throughout scripture that the Lord fights for His people, providing victory over seemingly insurmountable foes, as seen in other instances of divine intervention and deliverance.

Practical Application

Judges 4:16 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that when God leads, He ensures complete victory over our spiritual enemies. Just as Barak pursued Sisera's army to their stronghold, we are called to be diligent and persevering in our faith, not resting until the spiritual battles in our lives are fully won through Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power to overcome every obstacle and oppression, knowing that when He fights for us, "there was not a man left" of the enemy's strength.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 11:8

    And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

  • Psalms 104:35

    Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Leviticus 26:7

    And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

  • Leviticus 26:8

    And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

  • Joshua 10:19

    And stay ye not, [but] pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand.

  • Joshua 10:20

    And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest [which] remained of them entered into fenced cities.

  • Romans 2:12

    For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
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