Judges 4:2

KJV

And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host [was] Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} sold {H4376} them into the hand {H3027} of Jabin {H2985} king {H4428} of Canaan {H3667}, that reigned {H4427} in Hazor {H2674}; the captain {H8269} of whose host {H6635} was Sisera {H5516}, which dwelt {H3427} in Harosheth {H2800} of the Gentiles {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So ADONAI handed them over to Yavin king of Kena'an. He ruled from Hatzor; and the commander of his army was Sisra, who lived in Haroshet-HaGoyim.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:2 introduces the next cycle of Israel's apostasy and divine discipline, revealing that "the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan." This verse identifies Jabin, who reigned in Hazor, and his formidable military commander, Sisera, dwelling in Harosheth of the Gentiles, as the instruments of God's judgment. It marks the beginning of a new period of oppression, a direct consequence of Israel's recurring disobedience and spiritual decline following a period of peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of forty years of rest and peace for Israel, ushered in by the deliverance through Ehud ([Judges 3:30](/judges/3-30 "Judges 3:30 - Forty Years of Rest")). However, the narrative of Judges consistently portrays a cyclical pattern: Israel "did evil in the sight of the LORD" ([Judges 2:11](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11 - Israel's Disobedience")), leading to divine judgment in the form of foreign oppression. Judges 4:2 signals the initiation of this oppressive phase, setting the stage for the emergence of Deborah and Barak as deliverers in the subsequent verses ([Judges 4:4-7](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4-7 - Deborah and Barak Called to Deliver Israel")). The phrase "the LORD sold them" directly links this oppression to God's sovereign hand in response to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hazor was a historically significant and powerful Canaanite city-state in northern Galilee, previously conquered and burned by Joshua during the initial conquest of Canaan ([Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-11 - Joshua's Conquest of Hazor")). Its resurgence under Jabin indicates Israel's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites, as commanded by God ([Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Failure to Dispossess Remaining Inhabitants")). This failure allowed Canaanite power to re-establish itself, becoming a snare and instrument of divine discipline. Sisera, Jabin's military commander, was renowned for his formidable army, particularly his nine hundred chariots of iron ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Sisera's Iron Chariots")), which represented a significant technological and tactical advantage over Israel's infantry-based forces. Harosheth of the Gentiles (meaning "Harosheth of the Nations") was likely a strategic military base, possibly located near the Kishon River, from which Sisera could effectively launch operations against Israelite territories.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 4:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Discipline**, where God, in His sovereignty, uses foreign nations as instruments to chastise His disobedient people, aiming to bring them to repentance and restoration. The phrase "the LORD sold them" underscores God's active role in this process, not as abandonment, but as a just and purposeful consequence of Israel's covenant breaking. This highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that Israel's persistent idolatry and moral decline directly led to their subjugation. Furthermore, the introduction of Jabin and Sisera establishes the **Rise of the Oppressor**, setting the stage for the dramatic conflict and subsequent divine deliverance that will unfold, reinforcing the cyclical pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation that defines the book of Judges ([Judges 2:16-19](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16-19 - The Cycle of Judges")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sold (Hebrew, _makar_):** The Hebrew verb מָכַר (_makar_), typically meaning "to sell," carries a profound theological weight in this context. It is not merely a commercial transaction but signifies God's deliberate act of delivering or handing over His people to their enemies. This implies a withdrawal of divine protection and an allowance for Israel to fall into servitude, much like a master might sell a slave into bondage. It emphasizes God's active, sovereign role in their judgment, not as an arbitrary punishment, but as a disciplinary measure designed to bring about repentance and a return to Him. This concept is seen elsewhere when God "sells" His people due to their sin ([Deuteronomy 32:30](/deuteronomy/32-30 "Deuteronomy 32:30 - God Selling His People")).
* **Hazor (Hebrew, _Hatsor_):** Hazor was a major Canaanite city-state, strategically located in northern Galilee, controlling key trade routes. Its mention here is significant because it was previously conquered and burned by Joshua, symbolizing a decisive victory for Israel ([Joshua 11:10-11](/joshua/11-10 "Joshua 11:10-11 - Joshua Destroys Hazor")). Its resurgence under Jabin indicates a failure of Israel to fully dispossess the Canaanites, a direct violation of God's command and a source of ongoing spiritual compromise and military threat.
* **Harosheth of the Gentiles (Hebrew, _Haroshet ha-Goyim_):** This phrase refers to Sisera's military base, likely a fortified stronghold. The addition of "of the Gentiles" (_ha-Goyim_) suggests it was a place where foreign mercenaries or non-Israelite populations resided, or perhaps a strategic location that controlled access to the "nations" or surrounding non-Israelite territories. Its identification here highlights the specific geographical and military threat posed by Sisera's forces, particularly his iron chariots, which would have been deployed from such a strategic location.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD sold them":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God's sovereign initiative in the unfolding events. It is not merely that Israel fell into oppression, but that the LORD actively withdrew His protective hand and delivered them over. This "selling" is a metaphor for divine judgment and discipline, signifying that Israel's suffering was a direct, covenantal consequence of their disobedience and idolatry.
* **"into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor;":** This clause identifies the specific human instrument through whom God's judgment would be executed. Jabin, as the king of Hazor, represents a powerful and re-emergent Canaanite threat, reminding the reader of Israel's incomplete conquest and ongoing spiritual compromise. The mention of Hazor, a previously defeated city, underscores the cyclical nature of Israel's apostasy and the consequences of their failure to fully obey God's commands.
* **"the captain of whose host [was] Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.":** This final clause introduces Sisera, Jabin's formidable military commander, who will be the primary antagonist in the coming conflict. His dwelling in "Harosheth of the Gentiles" emphasizes his strategic military positioning and the foreign, oppressive nature of the threat. This detail sets the stage for the military confrontation that will define the narrative of Judges 4, highlighting the specific and powerful adversary Israel would face.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 4:2 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the LORD sold them," attributing a human action (selling) to God. This device emphasizes God's active and intentional role in Israel's suffering, underscoring that their oppression was not random but a direct, sovereign act of divine discipline. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing** by introducing Jabin and Sisera as the primary antagonists. Their identification immediately signals the impending conflict and sets the stage for the dramatic events involving Deborah and Barak. Furthermore, this verse serves as a crucial point in the **Cyclical Narrative** structure of the book of Judges, marking the beginning of a new "servitude" phase following a period of peace, thereby reinforcing the recurring pattern of Israel's apostasy, divine judgment, and subsequent cry for deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:2 is a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it involves severe discipline for His people's unfaithfulness. The concept of God "selling" Israel into the hand of their enemies highlights His absolute sovereignty over history and nations, using even pagan rulers as instruments of His righteous purposes. This is not abandonment, but a purposeful act of judgment designed to humble Israel, expose their sin, and drive them back to Him in repentance. It underscores the profound consequences of spiritual apostasy and the breaking of covenant promises, demonstrating that God's love includes corrective discipline. This verse thus serves as a powerful theological statement about divine justice, the seriousness of sin, and God's ultimate desire for His people's restoration and faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 32:30](/deuteronomy/32-30 "God Selling His People to Enemies")
* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 106:40-42](/psalm/106-40 "God's Anger and Deliverance into Enemy Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:2 offers timeless lessons for believers today. The narrative of Israel's repeated cycles of disobedience and oppression serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and compromise. Just as Israel's turning away from God led to their being "sold" into hardship, our own spiritual drift, unconfessed sin, or neglect of God's Word can lead to periods of difficulty, a sense of spiritual barrenness, or a loss of God's manifest blessing and protection in our lives. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for areas of unfaithfulness or idolatry, reminding us that God's discipline, though painful, is always redemptive and designed to draw us closer to Him. It encourages us to understand that even in challenging circumstances, God remains sovereign, often using trials to refine our faith and bring us to deeper repentance and reliance on Him. Our response should be one of humility, repentance, and renewed commitment to living in obedience to His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "consequences of disobedience" that God is using to draw me back to Him?**
* **How does understanding God's "selling" of Israel as discipline, rather than abandonment, shape my view of suffering or hardship in my own life?**
* **What idols or compromises in my life might be preventing me from experiencing God's full blessing and protection?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's warnings and promptings to avoid spiritual complacency?**

### FAQ

**Why did the LORD "sell" Israel into the hand of Jabin?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD sold them" signifies God's active, sovereign judgment and discipline upon Israel for their persistent disobedience and idolatry. It's a theological statement, not a literal commercial transaction. Throughout the book of Judges, Israel repeatedly "did evil in the sight of the LORD" ([Judges 2:11](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11 - Israel's Disobedience")), breaking their covenant with Him. God, in His righteousness, withdrew His protective hand and allowed them to fall under the dominion of their enemies as a consequence. This discipline was intended to humble them, expose their sin, and lead them to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him, as seen in the broader pattern of the Judges cycle ([Judges 2:16-19](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16-19 - The Cycle of Judges")).

**Who were Jabin and Sisera, and what was their significance?**

Answer: Jabin was the king of Canaan, reigning in Hazor, a powerful city-state in northern Galilee. His significance lies in the fact that Hazor had been decisively conquered and burned by Joshua centuries earlier ([Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-11 - Joshua's Conquest of Hazor")). His resurgence highlights Israel's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites, which became a continuous source of trouble and a means of divine discipline. Sisera was Jabin's formidable military commander, known for his nine hundred chariots of iron ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Sisera's Iron Chariots")), which gave the Canaanites a significant military advantage over Israel. Together, Jabin and Sisera represent the specific, powerful instruments of God's judgment in this cycle of oppression, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with Deborah and Barak.

**What is the significance of Hazor and Harosheth of the Gentiles?**

Answer: Hazor's significance lies in its historical context as a once-conquered Canaanite stronghold. Its re-emergence under Jabin underscores Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land, demonstrating how their compromise led to their oppression. Harosheth of the Gentiles (meaning "Harosheth of the Nations") was Sisera's strategic military base. Its name suggests it was a place of mixed populations or a key location for controlling access to surrounding non-Israelite territories. Both locations emphasize the geographical and military threat posed by the Canaanites, highlighting the strategic advantage they held over Israel due to their superior military technology and fortified positions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Israel being "sold" into bondage in Judges 4:2 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate "selling" of humanity into the bondage of sin and death, and Christ's glorious deliverance. Just as Israel's disobedience led to their servitude, so too did humanity's rebellion against God lead to our being "sold" under the power of sin ([Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Sold Under Sin")). Yet, God, in His infinite love, did not abandon us. Instead, He "did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gave Up His Son")), allowing Him to be "sold" for thirty pieces of silver ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")) and delivered over to death on the cross. Through this ultimate act of sacrifice, Jesus Christ became the true Deliverer, far surpassing any judge in Israel. He paid the ultimate price, not to "sell" us into bondage, but to purchase our freedom from the dominion of sin and Satan ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). He triumphed over the spiritual "Jabin" and "Sisera"—the powers of darkness and death—securing eternal redemption for all who believe, ushering in a new covenant of grace where true freedom and peace are found in Him ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Judges 4:13

And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, [even] nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that [were] with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.

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.

1 Samuel 12:9

And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

Psalms 83:9

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

Joshua 11:10

¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.

Joshua 11:11

And they smote all the souls that [were] therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying [them]: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.