### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Çîyçᵉrâʼ**, represented by `{{H5516}}`, is primarily known as the name of a Canaanitish commander. Appearing **21 times** across **19 unique verses**, the name is central to a significant narrative of oppression and deliverance in Israel's history. While its derivation is uncertain, it is also listed as the name of one of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Sisera** is the **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **host** `{{H6635}}` of **Jabin** `{{H2985}}`, **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Canaan** `{{H3667}}`, who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` in **Hazor** `{{H2674}}` [[Judges 4:2]]. When Israel **forgat** `{{H7911}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, He **sold** `{{H4376}}` them into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Sisera** [[1 Samuel 12:9]]. Commanding **nine** `{{H8672}}` **hundred** `{{H3967}}` **chariots** `{{H7393}}` of **iron** `{{H1270}}`, **Sisera** was a formidable oppressor [[Judges 4:13]]. The prophetess **Deborah** `{{H1683}}` declared that the **LORD** would **discomfit** `{{H2000}}` **Sisera's** army and **deliver** `{{H5414}}` him into the **hand** of a **woman** `{{H802}}` ([[Judges 4:9]], [[Judges 4:15]]). After his army was routed, **Sisera** **fled away** `{{H5127}}` and sought refuge in the **tent** `{{H168}}` of **Jael** `{{H3278}}`, who killed him by driving a **nail** `{{H3489}}` into his **temples** `{{H7541}}` ([[Judges 4:22]], [[Judges 5:26]]). The name also appears in post-exilic lists as the ancestor of a family of Nethinim, "the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Sisera**" ([[Ezra 2:53]]; [[Nehemiah 7:55]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several figures are intrinsically linked to the story of **Sisera**:
* `{{H2985}}` **Jâbîyn** (intelligent): The Canaanitish **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Hazor** `{{H2674}}` under whom **Sisera** served as **captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **army** `{{H6635}}` [[Judges 4:7]].
* `{{H1683}}` **Dᵉbôwrâh** (Deborah): The prophetess who judged Israel. She delivered God's command to **Barak** `{{H1301}}` to confront **Sisera's** forces and prophesied **Sisera's** humiliating downfall ([[Judges 4:9]], [[Judges 4:14]]).
* `{{H1301}}` **Bârâq** (Barak): The Israelite general, **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Abinoam** `{{H42}}`, who led the charge against **Sisera** at **Mount** `{{H2022}}` **Tabor** `{{H8396}}` after being summoned by **Deborah** ([[Judges 4:12]], [[Judges 4:16]]).
* `{{H3278}}` **Yâʻêl** (Jael): The **wife** `{{H802}}` of **Heber** `{{H2268}}` the Kenite. She gave **Sisera** refuge in her **tent** `{{H168}}` only to kill him with a **workmen's** `{{H6001}}` **hammer** `{{H1989}}` and a **nail** `{{H3489}}`, fulfilling Deborah's prophecy ([[Judges 4:17]], [[Judges 5:26]]).
### Theological Significance
The account of **Sisera** carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes.
* **Divine Judgment and Deliverance:** **Sisera's** rise is tied to Israel's unfaithfulness, as the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **sold** `{{H4376}}` them into his **hand** `{{H3027}}` [[1 Samuel 12:9]]. Conversely, his defeat is a direct act of God, who **discomfited** `{{H2000}}` the mighty Canaanite **host** `{{H4264}}` to deliver His people [[Judges 4:15]].
* **Overthrow of Human Pride:** As the commander of **nine** `{{H8672}}` **hundred** `{{H3967}}` **chariots** `{{H7393}}` of **iron** `{{H1270}}`, **Sisera** was the embodiment of human military power [[Judges 4:13]]. His death at the hands of a **woman** `{{H802}}` in a **tent** `{{H168}}` demonstrates God's method of subverting worldly strength to achieve His purposes [[Judges 4:9]].
* **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** The victory song in Judges 5 portrays the battle in cosmic terms. It declares that "the **stars** `{{H3556}}` in their courses **fought** `{{H3898}}` against **Sisera**" and that the **river** `{{H5158}}` **Kishon** `{{H7028}}` swept his forces away, showing that nature itself aligns with God's will [[Judges 5:20-21]].
* **The Folly of Arrogance:** The narrative powerfully contrasts the brutal reality of **Sisera's** death with his mother's vain expectations. She **looked** `{{H8259}}` through the **lattice** `{{H822}}`, anticipating his triumphant return with the **prey** `{{H7998}}` of a **damsel** `{{H7356}}` or two for every **man** `{{H1397}}` ([[Judges 5:28]], [[Judges 5:30]]). This scene serves as a final, ironic commentary on the futility of defying God.
### Summary
In summary, **Sisera** `{{H5516}}` is far more than a historical footnote. As a Canaanitish commander, he stands as a symbol of the oppressive forces that confronted Israel. His story, however, is primarily one of divine intervention, where the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` uses a prophetess, a reluctant general, and a resourceful woman to bring down a powerful enemy. The narrative of **Sisera's** defeat serves as a timeless illustration of God's sovereignty over nations, His judgment against pride, and His power to bring salvation to His people through the most unexpected means.
TRV