Judges 4:16

Translations

Modern

Then 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.

Traditional

But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.

Literal

And Barak pursued after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the mouth of the sword; not even one remained.

Latin

…et Barac persequeretur fugientes currus, et exercitum usque ad Haroseth gentium, et omnis hostium multitudo usque ad internecionem caderet.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then 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.

Notes

Judges 4:14–16

Mount Tabor, covered in forest, was a strategic location. The sudden charge down the hill likely surprised the unsuspecting Canaanites. The battle was won because it was the Lord's war, not due to human strategy or tactics.
The text does not explain why the chariots were ineffective; this is detailed in the poetic version of the account (Judges 5:21).

Judges 4:1–5:31

The story of Deborah and Barak, found in both prose (Judges 4) and poetry (Judges 5), describes a major military operation against a significant Canaanite enemy after the initial conquest. Another king named Jabin, who also ruled in Hazor, was defeated earlier by Joshua along with a large northern alliance, and Hazor was burned (see Joshua 11:1–15). Although Joshua 11 and Judges 4–5 are often compared, they have too many differences to be considered accounts of the same battle. Instead, Jabin is likely a dynastic name; it appears in the Mari texts for an even earlier king of Hazor, around 1800 BC.

Theme notes and profiles

Deborah

Events

Deliverance by Barak And Deborah

Related verses

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Romans 2:12
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
Psalm 83:9
Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon,
Isaiah 43:17
…who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
Joshua 11:8
…and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them down and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. They struck them down, leaving no survivors.
Leviticus 26:7–8
You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you.
Joshua 10:19–20
But you, do not stop there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Do not let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.”
Psalm 104:35
May sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah!

People

Barak: An Israelite commander who defeated Canaanite forces with Deborah Sisera: Canaanite commander defeated by Deborah and Barak

Places

Harosheth-hagoyim: Canaanite city ruled by Sisera

Glossary

Armageddon Asher (Tribe) Barak Deborah Family Life and Relations Harosheth-Haggoyim Hazor Heber Holy War Holy War Jabin Judges, Book of Kishon Mount Tabor Sisera Song of Deborah Tribe of Naphtali Valley of Jezreel Woman Zaanannim

Topics

Canaanites: Defeated by the Israelites Deborah: The Prophetess, a Judge of Israel: Inspires Barak to Defeat Sisera Harosheth: The Home of Sisera Hypocrisy: Jael

Judges 4:16

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?