Judges 5:28

Sisera's mother looked through the window; she peered through the lattice and lamented: 'Why is his chariot so long in coming? What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?'

Study Bible

Sisera’s mother looked through the window;
In ancient times, women often observed the world from the confines of their homes, symbolizing a limited perspective. The act of looking through a window suggests anticipation and concern. Sisera's mother, a figure of authority in her household, is portrayed in a moment of vulnerability. This scene contrasts with the earlier victory of Deborah and Barak, highlighting the personal cost of war. The window can also symbolize a barrier between her expectations and reality, reflecting the broader theme of divine intervention disrupting human plans.

she peered through the lattice and lamented:
The lattice, a common architectural feature in ancient Near Eastern homes, allowed for privacy while providing a view outside. Her peering indicates a deep longing and anxiety, as she awaits news of her son. Lamentation in the Bible often signifies mourning or distress, and here it foreshadows the tragic news she is about to receive. This moment of lament connects to the broader biblical theme of the futility of opposing God's will, as seen in the downfall of those who stand against Israel.

‘Why is his chariot so long in coming?
Chariots were symbols of military power and speed in the ancient world. Sisera's mother expected a swift return, indicative of confidence in his military prowess. Her question reveals her ignorance of the divine intervention that led to Sisera's defeat. This phrase echoes the biblical motif of misplaced trust in human strength, as seen in Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trust in chariots with trust in the Lord.

What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?’
The clatter of chariots signifies the expected sound of victory and triumph. The delay suggests an unexpected turn of events, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs. This delay is a direct result of God's intervention through Deborah and Barak, emphasizing the futility of relying on human might against divine purpose. The silence of the chariots serves as a metaphor for the ultimate silence of those who oppose God's chosen people, as seen in the prophetic imagery of Isaiah 31:1-3, where reliance on chariots is condemned.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sisera's Mother
A figure of maternal concern, she represents the anticipation and anxiety of those who await the return of warriors from battle. Her perspective provides a poignant contrast to the victory of Israel.

2. Sisera
The commander of the Canaanite army defeated by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak. His absence and ultimate demise are the source of his mother's concern.

3. The Window and Lattice
Symbolic of waiting and watching, these elements highlight the separation between Sisera's mother and the reality of the battlefield.

4. The Chariots
Representing military power and might, the delay of Sisera's chariots signifies the unexpected defeat and the futility of relying solely on human strength.

5. The Battle
The context of this verse is the aftermath of the battle between the Israelites and the Canaanites, where God delivered Israel through Deborah and Barak.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Human Strength
Trusting in human power and military might, as Sisera's mother did, ultimately leads to disappointment. True security is found in God alone.

The Perspective of Waiting
Sisera's mother's anxious waiting serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, rather than our own expectations.

The Role of Women in Scripture
This passage highlights the diverse roles of women in the Bible, from warriors like Deborah to those who wait at home, each with their own unique perspective and contribution.

The Reversal of Expectations
God's deliverance often comes in unexpected ways, overturning human expectations and plans, as seen in the defeat of Sisera.

The Sovereignty of God
The outcome of the battle underscores God's control over history and events, reminding believers to trust in His sovereign will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the perspective of Sisera's mother challenge our understanding of where we place our trust and hope?

2. In what ways can we relate to the experience of waiting and watching, as depicted in this verse, in our own spiritual lives?

3. How does the defeat of Sisera and the delay of his chariots illustrate the biblical theme of the futility of relying on human strength?

4. What lessons can we learn from the contrasting roles of women in Judges 5, such as Deborah and Sisera's mother, regarding faith and action?

5. How can we apply the understanding of God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in this passage, to our current life situations and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 31
The contrast between the virtuous woman who fears the Lord and Sisera's mother, who places her hope in human strength and military might.

Psalm 20
Highlights the futility of trusting in chariots and horses, emphasizing trust in the name of the Lord.

Isaiah 31
Warns against relying on Egypt's chariots and horsemen, paralleling the misplaced trust of Sisera's mother.

1 Samuel 2
Hannah's prayer contrasts with Sisera's mother's lament, showcasing the reversal of fortunes through divine intervention.