Judges 4:17
Judges 4:17 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
But Sisera went in flight on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin, king of Hazor, and the family of Heber the Kenite.
In the meantime Sisera had run away to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was a peace treaty between Jabin, king of Hazor, and the family of Heber the Kenite.
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feete to the tent of Iael the wife of Heber the Kenite: (for peace was betweene Iabin the king of Hazor, and betweene the house of Heber the Kenite)
And Sisera hath fled on his feet unto the tent of Jael wife of Heber the Kenite, for peace [is] between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite;
However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
Howbeit, Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
But Sisara fleeing came to the tent of Jahel the wife of Haber the Cinite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Asor, and the house of Haber the Cinite.
But Sisera ran to Jael’s tent. He did that because his boss, King Jabin of Hazor city, was a good friend of Jael’s husband Heber.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 4:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/סִֽיסְרָא֙
נָ֣ס
בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו
אֶל
אֹ֣הֶל
יָעֵ֔ל
אֵ֖שֶּׁת
חֶ֣בֶר
הַ/קֵּינִ֑י
כִּ֣י
שָׁל֗וֹם
בֵּ֚ין
יָבִ֣ין
מֶֽלֶךְ
חָצ֔וֹר
וּ/בֵ֕ין
בֵּ֖ית
חֶ֥בֶר
הַ/קֵּינִֽי
וְ/סִֽיסְרָא֙
Çîyçᵉrâʼ
H5516
Sisera
Conj | N-proper
נָ֣ס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
יָעֵ֔ל
Yâʻêl
H3278
Jael
N-proper
אֵ֖שֶּׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
חֶ֣בֶר
Cheber
H2268
Heber
N-proper
הַ/קֵּינִ֑י
Qêynîy
H7017
Kenite
Art | Ngmsa
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
יָבִ֣ין
Yâbîyn
H2985
Jabin
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
חָצ֔וֹר
Châtsôwr
H2674
Hazor
N-proper
וּ/בֵ֕ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
חֶ֥בֶר
Cheber
H2268
Heber
N-proper
הַ/קֵּינִֽי
Qêynîy
H7017
Kenite
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 4:17
וְ/סִֽיסְרָא֙
Çîyçᵉrâʼ
H5516
"Sisera"
Conj | N-proper
Sisera was a Canaanite king and general who was slain by Jael. His name means battle array and he is mentioned in the Bible as a conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.53 § Sisera = "battle array" 1) the conquering general under king Jabin of Hazor and slain by Jael 2) ancestor of a family of temple slaves who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Sisera. See also: Judges 4:2; Judges 4:18; Psalms 83:10.
נָ֣ס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֔י/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
יָעֵ֔ל
Yâʻêl
H3278
"Jael"
N-proper
Jael was a brave Canaanite woman who lived before Israel's monarchy, known for killing the general Sisera while he slept. She was married to Heber the Kenite. Her name means 'mountain goat'.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.17; married to Heber (H2268H) § Jael = "mountain goat" the wife of Heber the Kenite who killed the general Sisera as he slept by driving a peg through his temples into the ground
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jael. See also: Judges 4:17; Judges 4:22; Judges 5:24.
אֵ֖שֶּׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֶ֣בֶר
Cheber
H2268
"Heber"
N-proper
Heber was a man in the Bible, including a Kenite and three Israelites, with the name meaning 'comrade'. One Heber was the husband of Jael, who killed Sisera, and is mentioned in the book of Judges. Heber is also the name of several other biblical figures.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.17; son of: Elpaal (H0508); brother of: Eber (H5677I), Misham (H4936), Shemed (H8106B), Beriah (H1283I), Shema (H8087I), Zebadiah (H2069H), Meshullam (H4918J), Hizki (H2395), Ishmerai (H3461), Izliah (H3152) and Jobab (H3103K) § Heber = "comrade" 1) the Kenite, husband of Jael, who slew Sisera by driving a nail into his temple 2) grandson of Asher from whom came the Heberites 3) father of Socho, a Judahite 4) a Benjamite 5) another Benjamite 6) a Gadite
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Heber. See also: Genesis 46:17; Judges 5:24; 1 Chronicles 8:17.
הַ/קֵּינִ֑י
Qêynîy
H7017
"Kenite"
Art | Ngmsa
The Kenite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 15:19, was a group of people who lived between southern Palestine and the Sinai mountains, known for their skill as smiths, and were related to Moses' father-in-law. They were descended from Heber or Hobab. The name Kenite means smiths.
Definition: Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19 Also named: qa.yin (קַ֫יִן "Kenite" H7014) § Kenite = "smiths" the tribe from which the father-in-law of Moses was a member and which lived in the area between southern Palestine and the mountains of Sinai
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kenite. See also: Genesis 15:19; Judges 5:24; 1 Chronicles 2:55.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
בֵּ֚ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
יָבִ֣ין
Yâbîyn
H2985
"Jabin"
N-proper
Jabin was the name of two Canaanite kings who lived before Israel's monarchy. One of them organized a confederacy against Joshua, while the other's general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak. The KJV translates it as 'Jabin'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.2 § Jabin = "whom God observes" 1) a king of Hazor who organised a confederacy of the northern princes against Joshua; confederacy routed by the waters of Merom 2) another king of Hazor whose general, Sisera, was defeated by Barak
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Jabin. See also: Joshua 11:1; Judges 4:17; Psalms 83:10.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חָצ֔וֹר
Châtsôwr
H2674
"Hazor"
N-proper
Hazor was a significant city in ancient Palestine, mentioned in the book of Joshua as a major Canaanite stronghold. It was later conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.
Definition: § Hazor = "castle" a site in Arabia
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Hazor. See also: Joshua 11:1; Judges 4:2; Jeremiah 49:28.
וּ/בֵ֕ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
חֶ֥בֶר
Cheber
H2268
"Heber"
N-proper
Heber was a man in the Bible, including a Kenite and three Israelites, with the name meaning 'comrade'. One Heber was the husband of Jael, who killed Sisera, and is mentioned in the book of Judges. Heber is also the name of several other biblical figures.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.17; son of: Elpaal (H0508); brother of: Eber (H5677I), Misham (H4936), Shemed (H8106B), Beriah (H1283I), Shema (H8087I), Zebadiah (H2069H), Meshullam (H4918J), Hizki (H2395), Ishmerai (H3461), Izliah (H3152) and Jobab (H3103K) § Heber = "comrade" 1) the Kenite, husband of Jael, who slew Sisera by driving a nail into his temple 2) grandson of Asher from whom came the Heberites 3) father of Socho, a Judahite 4) a Benjamite 5) another Benjamite 6) a Gadite
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Heber. See also: Genesis 46:17; Judges 5:24; 1 Chronicles 8:17.
הַ/קֵּינִֽי
Qêynîy
H7017
"Kenite"
Art | Ngmsa
The Kenite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 15:19, was a group of people who lived between southern Palestine and the Sinai mountains, known for their skill as smiths, and were related to Moses' father-in-law. They were descended from Heber or Hobab. The name Kenite means smiths.
Definition: Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19 Also named: qa.yin (קַ֫יִן "Kenite" H7014) § Kenite = "smiths" the tribe from which the father-in-law of Moses was a member and which lived in the area between southern Palestine and the mountains of Sinai
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kenite. See also: Genesis 15:19; Judges 5:24; 1 Chronicles 2:55.
Study Notes — Judges 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 4:17
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 4:17
- Sermons on Judges 4:17
Context — Jael Kills Sisera
15And 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.
16Then 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.
17Meanwhile, Sisera had fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.
18Jael went out to greet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, my lord. Come in with me. Do not be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19Sisera said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a container of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:22 | May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:21 | “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” |
| 3 | Amos 5:19–20 | It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it? |
| 4 | Job 18:7–12 | His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him. A noose is hidden in the ground, and a trap lies in his path. Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step. His strength is depleted, and calamity is ready at his side. |
| 5 | Judges 5:24 | Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. |
| 6 | Job 12:19–21 | He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established. He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. |
| 7 | Job 40:11–12 | Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. |
| 8 | Judges 5:6 | In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 10 | Psalms 107:40 | He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. |
Judges 4:17 Summary
This verse tells us that Sisera, the enemy commander, ran away from the battle on foot and went to the tent of Jael, hoping to find safety there because her husband, Heber, had a peace treaty with Sisera's king, Jabin. But as we see in the next verses, Jael had other plans. This shows us that even when we think we have found a safe place to hide, God can still use unexpected people and events to bring about His plans, as we see in Esther 4:14, where Mordecai tells Esther that she has been placed in her position for such a time as this. We can trust that God is always in control, even when things seem uncertain or scary, and that He will use all things for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sisera flee to the tent of Jael?
Sisera fled to the tent of Jael because there was peace between Jabin king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite, as stated in Judges 4:17, indicating a prior relationship or alliance that Sisera hoped would provide him safety.
Who was Heber the Kenite and what was his relationship with Jabin king of Hazor?
Heber the Kenite was Jael's husband, and his household had a peace treaty with Jabin king of Hazor, as mentioned in Judges 4:17, which suggests a level of cooperation or non-aggression between them, possibly for mutual benefit or protection.
What can we learn from Sisera's decision to flee to Jael's tent?
Sisera's decision to flee to Jael's tent teaches us about the consequences of trusting in human alliances for safety, rather than in God, as seen in Psalm 20:7, where it is written that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Judges?
This verse is part of the story of Deborah and Barak's victory over the Canaanites, as told in Judges 4, and it highlights the role of human decisions and alliances in the outcome of battles, as well as God's sovereignty over all events, as stated in Proverbs 21:31, which says that the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have sought refuge in the wrong places or people, and what can I learn from Sisera's mistake?
- How can I discern when to trust in human relationships or alliances, and when to trust solely in God's provision and protection?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Sisera's failed attempt to find safety in human alliances to my own life and relationships?
- What role does God's sovereignty play in the outcome of battles and conflicts, and how can I trust in His goodness and wisdom in the midst of uncertainty?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 4:17
Howbeit, Sisera fled away on his feet,.... Got off, and made his escape to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; before spoken of, Jude 4:11; and he made to that, because he might think
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 4:17
Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. Sisera fled ... to the tent of Jael - i:e.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 4:17
To the tent of Jael; for women had their tents apart from their husbands, 31:33. And here he thought to lurk more securely than in her husband’ s tent. There was peace; not a league or covenant of friendship, which they were forbidden to make with that cursed people, but only a cessation of hostilities, which he afforded them because they were a peaceable people, abhorring war, and wholly minding pasturage, and were not Israelites, with whom his principal quarrel was; and especially by God’ s overruling disposal of his heart to favour them who were careful to keep themselves uncorrupted with Israel’ s sins, and therefore are preserved from their plagues.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 4:17
Judges 4:17 Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for [there was] peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.Ver. 17. For there was peace,] i.e., Non erant simultates aut bella inter illos, there was no open hostility: or if there were a league, the Emperor of the world, saith Ferus, had now disannulled it, as having proscribed Sisera, and declared that he should be destroyed, and that by a woman. Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 4:17
(17) Fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael.—In a different direction from that taken by his army, which fled towards Harosheth (Kimchi). The expression is probably used by anticipation. He could hardly have meant to fly to Jael rather than to Heber, until Jael came to meet him, unless there are circumstances unknown to us. Women had separate tents (Genesis 18:6), and these were regarded as inviolably secure. He thought that there he would lie unsuspected till the pursuers passed (comp. Genesis 24:67). The name Jael means “gazelle” (like Tabitha, Dorcas), “a fit name for a Bedouin’s wife—especially for one whose family had come from the rocks of Engedi, the spring of the wild goat or chamois” (Stanley). For there was peace.—This enabled Sisera boldly to appeal to these nomads for dakheel—the sacred duty of protection. A poor strolling Bedouin tribe might well be left by Jabin to its natural independence; tribute can only be secured from Fellahîn—i.e., from settled tribes. Three days must have elapsed since the battle before it would be possible for Sisera to fly on foot from the Kishon to “the nomad’s terebinth.” It may well be conceived that the unfortunate general arrived there in miserable plight—a starving and ruined fugitive.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 4:17
17. Clause a taken with Judges 4:22 implies that Sisera, as he fled from the battle, found a place of refuge close by; but according to clause b taken with Judges 4:11 Jael’s tent was in the north, near Kedesh-naphtali, 40 or 50 miles from the Kishon valley. The inconsistencies of the narrative can only be explained by supposing that the two stories of Jabin and Sisera have been combined by a sentence designed to harmonize them, 17b. Jael certainly belongs to the story of Sisera; it has been suggested that Heber belongs to that of Jabin. But we cannot separate Jael from Heber; it would be irregular to name a prominent Bedouin woman, living in an encampment with her family, without mentioning her husband. Probably we must separate Heber from Jabin, and suppose that the connexion between them is merely editorial; see above on Judges 4:11. The composite character of Jdg 4:17 is responsible for another difficulty. In Judges 4:17 Sisera aims for Jael’s tent because of the friendly relations between Heber and Jabin; but in Judges 4:18 he comes upon it while he is flying, and is persuaded by Jael to turn aside. By inserting after fled away on his feet a verb and came we gain some relief, but it is better to regard clause b as not belonging to the original form of the narrative. ‘Jael’s tent’ is mentioned because as the wife of a Bedouin chief she would have a tent of her own.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 4:17
Sisera went, not to Heber’s tent, but to Joel’s, as more secure from pursuit. Women occupied a separate tent. Genesis 18:6, Genesis 18:10; Genesis 24:67.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 4:17
17. Tent of Jael — According to Dr. Thomson, Heber had removed for the time from his home near Kedesh, and pitched his tent for winter quarters at the border of the Plain of Esdraelon.
Sermons on Judges 4:17
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The Devil in Your Tent by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to all women in the church to rise up and fight the spiritual battles of this time, drawing inspiration from the stories of Deborah and Jael in the b |
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Choosing to Obey! by David Daniel | In this sermon, the pastor begins by sharing a personal story about a horseback riding trip with Pastor Dave and Rose Whittington. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and the |
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Doctrine of the Lamb - Part 2 by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of Isaiah 53 and the role of the Lamb in the redemption of humanity. He highlights seven key points from the scripture: the |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape |
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Blessed Are the Peacemaker by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the body of believers. He refers to a parable in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus speaks of a shepher |
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The Centrality of the Lamb - Part 2 by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sinful nature of humanity and the need for a savior. He notes that there is a growing interest in the Bibl |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 10 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last three verses of Isaiah chapter 52. He begins by discussing the image of beautiful feet upon a mountain, representing the remnant co |