Judges:4

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mhcc @Judges:4:1-3 . @ Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . mhcc @Judges:4:10-16 . @ Verse 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 strkjv @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 . * Verse 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 , Isaiah strkjv @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 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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