Judges 4:7

KJV

And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will draw {H4900} unto thee to the river {H5158} Kishon {H7028} Sisera {H5516}, the captain {H8269} of Jabin's {H2985} army {H6635}, with his chariots {H7393} and his multitude {H1995}; and I will deliver {H5414} him into thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will cause Sisra, the commander of Yavin's army, to encounter you at the Kishon River with his chariots and troops; and I will hand him over to you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand.’”

American Standard Version

And I will draw unto thee, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 4:7 records God's explicit and strategic promise to Barak, delivered through the prophetess Deborah, outlining the divine orchestration of victory against Sisera, the formidable commander of Jabin's Canaanite army. This verse assures Barak that God Himself will compel Sisera, with all his chariots and vast forces, to the River Kishon, where he will be supernaturally delivered into Israel's hands, thereby guaranteeing a decisive and divinely engineered triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 4:7 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Israel's oppression under Jabin, king of Canaan, and his military commander, Sisera. Following Israel's apostasy and subsequent twenty-year subjugation ([Judges 4:1-3](/judges/4-1 "Judges 4:1-3 - Israel's Oppression Under Jabin")), God raises Deborah, a prophetess and judge, to deliver His people ([Judges 4:4-5](/judges/4-4 "Judges 4:4-5 - Deborah, Judge and Prophetess")). Deborah summons Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and assuring him of God's direct intervention against Sisera ([Judges 4:6](/judges/4-6 "Judges 4:6 - Deborah's Call to Barak")). Verse 7 is the very heart of this divine strategy, providing the specific details of Sisera's defeat: the location (River Kishon) and the certainty of his capture. This promise directly precedes Barak's hesitant response and Deborah's subsequent assurance that the glory of the victory will fall to a woman ([Judges 4:8-9](/judges/4-8 "Judges 4:8-9 - Barak's Hesitation and Deborah's Prophecy")), setting the stage for the dramatic fulfillment in the subsequent verses ([Judges 4:12-16](/judges/4-12 "Judges 4:12-16 - Sisera's Defeat")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by cyclical apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Jabin, king of Hazor, was a powerful Canaanite ruler, and his army, led by Sisera, was particularly formidable due to its "nine hundred chariots of iron" ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Sisera's Chariots of Iron")). Iron chariots represented cutting-edge military technology of the Late Bronze/Early Iron Age, providing a significant advantage on open terrain and making direct confrontation with an infantry-based Israelite army seem suicidal. The River Kishon, located in the Jezreel Valley (or Plain of Esdraelon), was a crucial strategic location. While often a dry wadi, it could become a raging torrent during heavy rains, transforming the flat, chariot-friendly plain into a muddy quagmire. This geographical feature becomes central to God's plan, turning Sisera's strength (chariots) into his greatest vulnerability.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Orchestration**. God explicitly declares, "I will draw unto thee," demonstrating His active and decisive role in history, not merely observing but directly intervening to bring about His purposes. This underscores that the battle is the Lord's, and He is the one who determines the outcome, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Promise of Deliverance**. Despite Israel's weakness and Sisera's overwhelming military might, God guarantees victory, instilling courage and faith. This promise serves as a reminder that God's power is not limited by human capabilities or enemy strength, echoing earlier deliverances like the exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")). Finally, Judges 4:7 functions as a direct **Prophecy and Fulfillment**. The specific details provided—the enemy, the location, and the outcome—set the stage for a dramatic and undeniable demonstration of God's faithfulness to His word, which is vividly recounted in the subsequent verses and celebrated in the [Song of Deborah and Barak](/judges/5 "The Song of Deborah and Barak").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Draw (Hebrew, _māšak'_):** The verb מָשַׁךְ (_mashak_) means "to draw," "to drag," "to pull," or "to prolong." In this context, it conveys a powerful, compelling, and irresistible drawing or luring. It's not merely a passive movement but an active, strategic enticement by God. God is not waiting for Sisera to appear but is actively orchestrating events to bring him to the specified location, like a hunter drawing prey into a trap. This emphasizes God's initiative and control over the enemy's movements.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The verb נָתַן (_natan_) is a very common Hebrew word meaning "to give," "to put," "to place," or "to deliver." Here, it signifies the act of handing over or surrendering. The phrase "I will deliver him into thine hand" is a common biblical idiom for guaranteeing victory and complete subjugation of an enemy. It implies a transfer of power and authority, where the previously dominant foe is now rendered powerless and subject to the victor's will. This highlights the certainty and completeness of the promised triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the primary actor and orchestrator of events. The explicit "I will" signifies divine initiative and sovereignty. God promises to actively lure or compel Sisera, the formidable Canaanite general, to a specific geographical location—the River Kishon. This choice of location is strategic, as the Kishon, though often dry, could become a deadly obstacle for chariots during heavy rains, turning Sisera's strength into a weakness.
* **"the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude":** This segment identifies the enemy and highlights his formidable military power. Sisera is not just a general but "the captain of Jabin's army," indicating his high rank and the vast forces under his command. The mention of "his chariots and his multitude" underscores the overwhelming numerical and technological superiority of the Canaanite forces, particularly the dreaded iron chariots, which were the cutting edge of ancient warfare. This detail serves to magnify the miraculous nature of God's promised victory.
* **"and I will deliver him into thine hand":** This concluding clause reiterates God's direct involvement and guarantees the outcome: complete victory for Israel. "Into thine hand" is an idiomatic expression signifying total defeat and capture of the enemy. It assures Barak that Sisera, despite his might, will be utterly subdued and handed over, powerless, to Israel. This promise is the ultimate assurance of divine intervention and a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 4:7 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Command/Promise**, where God directly declares His intention and assures its fulfillment. The repeated "I will" underscores God's active agency and sovereign control over the unfolding events, establishing Him as the true protagonist of the narrative. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** in this verse, as it precisely outlines the details of Sisera's eventual defeat, which is then dramatically fulfilled in [Judges 4:15](/judges/4-15 "Judges 4:15 - Sisera's Rout") and elaborated upon in the [Song of Deborah](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"). The mention of "the river Kishon" introduces **Symbolism**; what appears to be a mere geographical detail becomes a symbol of divine judgment and the turning of the tide, as the river itself, swollen by rain, will become an instrument of Sisera's destruction. Finally, there is an element of **Irony**, as Sisera's strength—his chariots—will prove to be his undoing on the rain-soaked plains near the Kishon, highlighting that human might is ultimately impotent against divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 4:7 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. It demonstrates that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign orchestrator of history, capable of turning the tide against overwhelming odds. This verse underscores the theme of divine initiative in salvation, where God takes the lead in delivering His people from oppression. It also highlights the principle that God often uses seemingly weak or unlikely instruments (like Barak, and later Jael) to accomplish His mighty purposes, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. The specific, detailed prophecy of Sisera's defeat at the Kishon emphasizes God's perfect knowledge and control over all events, affirming His faithfulness to His word.

* [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 4:7 serves as a profound reminder that our battles are ultimately God's battles, and He is the one who provides the strategy, the strength, and the ultimate victory. In moments of overwhelming opposition, whether personal or corporate, this verse calls us to look beyond the visible might of our adversaries—be they spiritual forces, societal pressures, or personal struggles—and fix our gaze on the sovereign power of God. It encourages us to trust in His specific promises and to step out in faith, even when the odds seem insurmountable, knowing that He is actively working to "draw" our enemies into positions where He can "deliver" them into our hands. This passage cultivates a spirit of courageous dependence, reminding us that when God gives a command or a promise, He also provides the means and the power for its fulfillment, demonstrating His faithfulness and power to deliver us from any oppression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sisera" (overwhelming challenge or opposition) are you facing in your life right now, and how might this verse encourage you to see God's active involvement in it?**
* **How does the detail of God "drawing" Sisera to a specific location (the Kishon) inform your understanding of God's strategic and sovereign control over circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to step out in faith, like Barak, even when the path to victory isn't entirely clear, trusting in His promise of deliverance?**
* **How does the certainty of God's promise in Judges 4:7 influence your prayers and expectations for breakthrough in difficult situations?**

### FAQ

**Why was the River Kishon so significant for this battle?**

Answer: The River Kishon was strategically significant because, while often a dry wadi, it was prone to flash floods during heavy rains. The Jezreel Valley, where the Kishon flows, was ideal for Sisera's chariots in dry conditions. However, God's plan involved a supernatural downpour ([Judges 5:21](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Torrent of Kishon Swept Them Away")), which turned the plain into a muddy quagmire. This rendered Sisera's 900 iron chariots—his greatest military asset—useless, as they became bogged down and immobile. Thus, the Kishon, under God's orchestration, transformed from a neutral geographical feature into an instrument of divine judgment, turning the enemy's strength into their fatal weakness.

**What does "I will draw unto thee" imply about God's method of intervention?**

Answer: The phrase "I will draw unto thee" (Hebrew: וּמָשַׁכְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ, _u'mashakti eleicha_) implies a strong, compelling, and even irresistible divine influence. It suggests that God would actively lure or entice Sisera and his forces to the River Kishon, rather than merely waiting for them to arrive. This isn't a passive observation but an active, strategic initiative on God's part. It demonstrates God's sovereign ability to manipulate circumstances, even the decisions and movements of His enemies, to fulfill His purposes. This divine "drawing" ensured that Sisera would be positioned precisely where God intended to deliver him into Israel's hands, highlighting God's meticulous and powerful control over all events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 4:7, with its declaration of God's sovereign power to "draw" the enemy into a place of defeat and "deliver" him into the hands of His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as God orchestrated Sisera's downfall at the River Kishon, He strategically sent His Son, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), into the world to confront the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The seemingly weak instrument of a crucified Messiah, much like the unexpected floodwaters of the Kishon, became the very means by which the formidable foe was utterly defeated. Through Christ, God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, Judges 4:7 points to the greater divine strategy that culminated in Christ's decisive victory, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling God's promise to crush the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")).

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

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.

1 Kings 18:40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

Ezekiel 38:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Judges 5:21

The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

Exodus 21:13

And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver [him] into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.