The Pulpit Commentary — Judges — Section 43

Vers. 12-17.-The battle of the brook Kuhon, or material force versus spiritual. The armies are a contrast in respect of resources, numbers, strategic position, pres- tige, and skilled leadership. In all these respects the army of Sisera had the advan- tage of that of Israel. But the Canaanite force was a mercenary one, probably of mixed nationality (hence term" Gentiles"), and enervated with luxury and domin- ance; whereas Israel was represented by men desperate through long suffering, familiar with the strategic possibilities of their country, and fired with new-found repentance, patriotism, and Divine inspiration. Instances of the impotence of inequalities like these when so compensated for on the spiritual side, to decide results, have been frequent in the history of the world, especially so in that of Israel. Here we see that- I. HE WHO DEPENDS UPON MATERIAL RESOURCES WILL BE SUBJECT-1. To sudden alarms. It reads like a surprise. They were at ease, relying upon military strength and prestige, when the news of Barak's march upon Mount Tabor came to their ears. But how disproportionate the force Sisera so suddenly summons to arms I . It is ignorance trying to cope with experience and skill; scanty equipment confrontmg all that a great e.nd powerful nation could invent and provide for military defence and offence. Yet already it w:.e a point in favour of Israel that it had aroused such apprehension for so slight a cause. The conscience of the wicked is never easy." The least sign of danger is sufficient to rouse it, and to occasion the most dispropor- tionate exertions. 2. To rash exposure of his resources. "All th_e chariots. of iron,." the military power and glory of the oppressor, are at once called mto exercise. This was unwise. A little more consideration would have suggested a better and more prudent disposal of his forces. It is evidently feeling, and not far-seeing military prescience, that dictates the pompous demonstration. How often do the oppressors of God's "little ones" drive their tyranny too far, and defeat their own end by over- eagerness and domineering imperiousness I The heart that God has inspired will look upon such things-the threats, &c.-as of little moment. 3. To utter collapse. The suddenness of. the levy was adverse to its efficiency. Subject as Eastern troops are to panics, and difficult as it must have been for such cumbrous vehicles _to deploy upon such varying levels, it was only necessary for _the handf_ul of ~sraehtes t_o be led by a skilful general for them to produce confusion and dismay 1n the lL"lW!eldy Cll. IV. 1-22.] THE BOOK OF JUDGES. 43