Sisera
Summary
The powerful Canaanite general under King Jabin who oppressed Israel for twenty years until his defeat by Deborah and Barak and his death at the hands of Jael.
☩Oppressor of Israel
Sisera was the military commander of Jabin, king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Uniquely for that period, Sisera led the army rather than the king himself, suggesting exceptional military ability. He resided at Harosheth of the Gentiles, controlling the strategic pass to the sea. For twenty years, Israel groaned under his oppression, for he commanded 900 iron chariots—formidable weapons the Israelites could not match.
☩The Battle
The prophetess Deborah summoned Barak to muster 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. She prophesied that the Lord would draw Sisera to the Kishon valley and deliver him into Israel's hands—though the honor would go to a woman. When Sisera's chariots assembled at the river Kishon, the Lord threw them into confusion, possibly through a sudden storm that turned the plain to mud. Barak pursued, destroying the entire army, while Sisera fled on foot.
☩Death at Jael's Hands
Sisera fled to the tent of Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, whose clan was at peace with Jabin. She welcomed him, gave him milk, and covered him with a rug. When he slept exhausted, she took a tent peg and mallet and drove it through his temple into the ground, killing him. When Barak arrived pursuing Sisera, Jael showed him the dead general—fulfilling Deborah's prophecy that a woman would receive the honor of the victory.
☩Significance
The Song of Deborah celebrates this victory as a divine deliverance, with the stars and the river Kishon fighting against Sisera. The poignant scene of Sisera's mother awaiting her son's return—imagining him dividing plunder—contrasts tragically with Israel's triumph. This victory broke Canaanite power in the north and gave Israel peace for forty years. Sisera's defeat demonstrated that the Lord of Israel was mightier than iron chariots and professional armies.
Related Verses20 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sisera," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sisera," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sisera," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).