Chapter 4:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Joshua Ruth
Judges 4
Concise Complete
Israel again revolts, and is oppressed by Jabin. (1-3)
Deborah concerts their deliverance with Barak. (4-9) Sisera defeated. (10-16)
Sisera put to death by Jael. (17-24)
1-3. The land had rest for eighty years, which should have
confirmed them in their religion; but it made them secure, and indulge their
lusts. Thus the prosperity of fools destroys them. Jabin and his general Sisera,
mightily oppressed Israel. This enemy was nearer than any of the former. Israel
cried unto the Lord, when distress drove them to him, and they saw no other way
of relief. Those who slight God in prosperity, will find themselves under a
necessity of seeking him in trouble.
Verses 4-9 Deborah
was a prophetess; one instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the
Spirit of God. She judged Israel as God's mouth to them; correcting abuses, and
redressing grievances. By God's direction, she ordered Barak to raise an army,
and engage Jabin's forces. Barak insisted much upon her presence. Deborah
promised to go with him. She would not send him where she would not go herself.
Those who in God's name call others to their duty, should be ready to assist
them in it. Barak values the satisfaction of his mind, and the good success of
his enterprise, more than mere honour.
10-16. Siser's confidence was chiefly in his chariots. But if we have ground
to hope that God goes before us, we may go on with courage and cheerfulness. Be
not dismayed at the difficulties thou meetest with in resisting Satan, in
serving God, or suffering for him; for is not the Lord gone before thee? Follow
him then fully. Barak went down, though upon the plain the iron chariots would
have advantage against him: he quitted the mountain in dependence on the Divine
power; for in the Lord alone is the salvation of his people,
jeremiah 3:23. He was
not deceived in his confidence. When God goes before us in our spiritual
conflicts, we must bestir ourselves; and when, by his grace, he gives us some
success against the enemies of our souls, we must improve it by watchfulness and
resolution.
Verses 17-24
Sisera's chariots had been his pride and his confidence. Thus are those
disappointed who rest on the creature; like a broken reed, it not only breaks
under them, but pierces them with many sorrows. The idol may quickly become a
burden, Isa 46:1; what we were sick for, God can make us sick of. It is probable
that Jael really intended kindness to Sisera; but by a Divine impulse she was
afterwards led to consider him as the determined enemy of the Lord and of his
people, and to destroy him. All our connexions with God's enemies must be broken
off, if we would have the Lord for our God, and his people for our people. He
that had thought to have destroyed Israel with his many iron chariots, is
himself destroyed with one iron nail. Thus the weak things of the world confound
the mighty. The Israelites would have prevented much mischief, if they had
sooner destroyed the Canaanites, as God commanded and enabled them: but better
be wise late, and buy wisdom by experience, than never be wise.
Chapter 4:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Joshua Ruth
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
