And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor.

JUDGES 4:12KJV
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Judges 4:12 (KJV)

What does Judges 4:12 mean?

Judges 4:12 reports that someone informed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, that Barak, the son of Abinoam, had gone up to Mount Tabor. This sets the stage for the upcoming battle between Barak’s Israelite forces and Sisera’s army.

The verse is part of the story where Deborah, a prophetess and judge, has called Barak to lead an attack against Sisera. The information reaching Sisera is a turning point, alerting him to Barak’s movement and prompting Sisera to respond. The verse highlights the tension and anticipation before the confrontation, showing how news of Barak’s actions quickly reached his enemy.

The Hebrew behind Judges 4:12

  • "shewed" (נָגַד, nagad): This word means to make known or report. In this context, it emphasizes that Sisera is not caught off guard; he receives a deliberate report about Barak’s movement.
  • "up" (עָלָה, ‘alah): This word often means to ascend or go up, which fits the geography since Mount Tabor is an elevated place. It underlines the strategic move Barak makes by positioning his forces on higher ground.
  • "mount" (הַר, har) and "Tabor" (תָּבוֹר, Tavor): These words specify the exact location, which was a well-known landmark in northern Israel. The mention of Mount Tabor signals a significant military position in the story.

Why Judges 4:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Sisera was not taken by surprise; he was informed about Barak’s actions, which shapes how the battle unfolds.
  • The detail about Mount Tabor connects to earlier instructions from Deborah and shows Barak’s obedience and strategy.
  • The verse builds suspense in the narrative, marking the moment when the two opposing leaders become aware of each other’s movements, setting up the dramatic events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Abinoam” Hebrew H42 · used in 4 verses

  • Judges 4:6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
  • Judges 5:1 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
  • Judges 5:12 Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.

“Tabor” Hebrew H8396 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 19:22 And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
  • Judges 8:18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
  • Psalms 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

“Barak” Hebrew H1301 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 4:6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
  • Judges 4:10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
  • Judges 4:22 And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.

“Sisera” Hebrew H5516 · used in 19 verses

  • Judges 4:2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.
  • Judges 4:16 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.
  • Judges 5:28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?