And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

JUDGES 4:15KJV
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Judges 4:15 (KJV)

What does Judges 4:15 mean?

Judges 4:15 describes how the LORD caused confusion and defeat among Sisera, his chariots, and his army, leading them to be overcome by Barak’s forces. Sisera, the enemy commander, was forced to abandon his chariot and escape on foot.

This verse takes place during a battle between the Israelites, led by Barak, and the Canaanite army under Sisera. The text emphasizes that it was the LORD (God) who brought about the chaos and downfall of the enemy, not just Israel’s military strength. The scene shows the turning point in the battle, with Sisera’s flight marking the collapse of Canaanite resistance.

The Hebrew behind Judges 4:15

  • The word “discomfited” comes from הָמַם (hamam), which means to throw into confusion or panic. This suggests that God caused disorder and fear among Sisera’s troops, making them vulnerable.
  • “Edge” is from פֶּה (peh), literally meaning “mouth,” but here it refers to the “edge of the sword,” a Hebrew way of describing being struck down in battle.
  • “Before” is from פָּנִים (panim), meaning “in the presence of” or “in front of.” The verse stresses that the defeat happened right in front of Barak, highlighting his role as the leader witnessing God’s intervention.

Why Judges 4:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victory was not just a military achievement but was directly caused by divine intervention, shifting the credit from human effort to God’s action.
  • The detail about Sisera fleeing on foot shows the total collapse of his forces and sets up the next part of the story, where he meets his end away from the battlefield.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Judges of God delivering Israel through unexpected means, reinforcing the idea that Israel’s success depends on God’s help, not superior weapons or numbers.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“discomfited” Hebrew H2000 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
  • 1 Samuel 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
  • Psalms 18:14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

“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?

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.