Judges 4
1645EABJudges 4:2
SOld them] See Chap. 2. 5: 14.
Jabin] There was another Jabin slain by Joshua. Joshua 11:1; Joshua 11:10. whom this succeeded.
of Canaan] Not the whole land of promise, but the north borders of that countrey.
Hazor] See Josh. 11. 10, 11. and 19. 36. Which Hazor was burnt by Joshua, but now reedified by the Canaanites.
Harsheth of the Gentiles] That is, a woody strong place, whither the reliques of the conquered nations resorted to inhabit there, as being most safe and defensible against the Israelites.
Judges 4:4
judged Israel] Not governing onely as a judge, but also as a propheresse, counselling, and directing them by revealing unto them the will of God, by the spirit of prophecy. So vers. 6.
Judges 4:5
palm-tree of Deborah] So called, because she dwelt there.
for judgement] i. e. To learn of her, as a prophetesse, the will of God, concerning things which themselves knew not, and also for judgement otherwise.
Judges 4:6
Kedesh-naphtali] A City in Naphtali, between the waters of Merom, and the lake Genesareth. Josh. 19. 32, 37. and 20. 7. and 21. 32.
Hath not the Lord] An Hebraism, that is, the LORD hath assuredly commanded. For such questioning doth strongly affirm. So v. 14. and 6. 14. Genesis 13:9.
mount Tabor] Neer the west border of the tribe of Zebulon by the river Kishon. See Chap. 5. 21. Psalms 83:9.
Judges 4:8
go with me] To give me assurance that God hath spoken by thee, and as a prophetesse to direct me by acquainting me with Gods will, as there shall be any occasion.
Judges 4:9
for thine honour] i. e. Thou shalt not have the chief honour of the day, nor the praise of the victory, which is due to a Generall, because of thy fear and diffidence; but it shall be principally ascribed to women, to wit, Deborah and Jael.
sell Sisera] i. e. Shall deliver him into the power of a woman to be slain by her, seeing thou darest not execute the LORDS commands, without having the presence of a woman.
Judges 4:10
at his feet] i. e. Who marched after him (as it were) treading in their leaders steps: The like Hebraism we have, Exodus 11:8. 1 Kings 20:10.
Judges 4:11
Heber] The husband of Jael. Vers. 17.
from the Kenites] That is, his countrey-men and allies, which dwelled in the tribe of Juda. Chap. 1. 16.
Judges 4:12
Tabor] See vers. 6.
Judges 4:13
Kishon] Which first riseth out of the hills of Tabor, Hermon, and Gilboa, and afterwards dividing it self into two parts, one of them runneth into the Mediterranean, the other into the lake Genesareth.
Judges 4:14
is not the Lord] i. e. Most certainly the LORD is gone out before thee, as Generall of the army, to sight for thee, and give thee victory. See vers. 6. Chap. 5. 20. 2 Samuel 5:24.
Judges 4:15
discomfited] i. e. Took away his heart and courage, and so overthrew him, and all his power in an extraordinary manner. So Joshua 10:10. Judg. 5. 20. 1 Samuel 7:10.
Judges 4:16
not a man left] i. e. In the field, to make any resistance. See Psalms 14:3. 53. 3. Romans 3:12.
Judges 4:17
there was peace] No open hostility, Heber standing in a neutrality, between Jabin and the Israelites, and so enjoyed peace with both, but not by oath and covenant, for then Jaels act had been faulty.
Judges 4:19
a bottle of milk] i. e. To make him the more sleepy, that she might have the better opportunity to effect her intended act, and the lesse suspicious upon the experience of her kinde entertainment. See Chap. 5. 25.
Judges 4:20
shalt say, No] This he requireth, but she prudently givth him no promise to do it.
Judges 4:21
a nail of the tent] i. e. Used to fasten coards of the tent to the ground, to keep it firm against the windes, and therefore long and strong enough for her intended use.
and smote the nail] This act proceeded from a singular zeal to Gods glory, and his peoples weal, inspired in an extraordinary manner and measure, by his spirit; seeing she is so highly commended for it by the holy Ghost. Chap. 5. 24.