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 inPsalm 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 ofIsaiah 31:1-3, where reliance on chariots is condemned.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Sisera's MotherA 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.
SiseraThe 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 LatticeSymbolic of waiting and watching, these elements highlight the separation between Sisera's mother and the reality of the battlefield.
4.
The ChariotsRepresenting 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 BattleThe 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 StrengthTrusting 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 WaitingSisera'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 ScriptureThis 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 ExpectationsGod's deliverance often comes in unexpected ways, overturning human expectations and plans, as seen in the defeat of Sisera.
The Sovereignty of GodThe outcome of the battle underscores God's control over history and events, reminding believers to trust in His sovereign will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 5:28?
2.How does Judges 5:28 illustrate the consequences of opposing God's chosen leaders?
3.What emotions are expressed by Sisera's mother in Judges 5:28?
4.How can we trust God's timing when facing uncertainty, as seen in Judges 5:28?
5.Compare Sisera's mother's waiting to Psalm 27:14's call to "wait for the LORD."
6.How can we avoid misplaced hope, as demonstrated in Judges 5:28?
7.What historical context surrounds Judges 5:28 and its depiction of Sisera's mother?
8.How does Judges 5:28 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Israelite society?
9.What theological message is conveyed through the imagery in Judges 5:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 5?
11.Who were Deborah and Barak in biblical history?
12.Who exemplifies faith and strength among biblical women?
13.Judges 4:14-15 credits God with routing Sisera's army--does this imply mythological embellishment rather than a purely historical account?
14.In Judges 16, why would God continue to work through Samson despite his moral failings?What Does Judges 5:28 Mean
Sisera’s mother looked through the window“Sisera’s mother looked through the window” (Judges 5:28) paints a vivid domestic scene: an aging woman stands inside her home, physically safe yet emotionally exposed.
• A window often serves in Scripture as the place where one watches life unfold—Rahab shielding the spies (Joshua 2:15) or Michal looking out at David (2 Samuel 6:16).
• Here it highlights expectation: she fully believes her son, the feared Canaanite commander (Judges 4:3), will ride back victorious.
• God, however, has already ordained a different outcome (Judges 4:14-16). The window becomes a stage where human confidence confronts divine decree.
She peered through the latticeThe lattice suggests a decorative screen that both reveals and conceals.
• Her intensified gaze—“peered”—signals mounting anxiety.
• Similar urgency is seen when the Shulammite watches for her beloved “through the lattice” (Song of Songs 2:9).
• The image exposes the fragile line between perceived security and coming judgment (Psalm 33:10-11). What she hopes to glimpse is, in reality, gone forever.
And lamentedThe word “lamented” moves us from silent watching to audible grief.
• Such sudden transition echoes Rachel “weeping for her children” (Jeremiah 31:15) and David mourning Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33).
• God allows us to overhear this enemy grief, underscoring that no one—even powerful oppressors—escapes the consequences of opposing the LORD (Proverbs 21:30).
• Her lament fulfills the prophetic reversal Deborah sang earlier: “May all Your enemies perish, O LORD” (Judges 5:31).
‘Why is his chariot so long in coming?Her first question reveals confidence in iron chariots—symbols of invincibility to the Canaanites (Judges 4:3).
• Israel once trembled at those same chariots (Joshua 17:16-18), but God proved again that He “delights in those who hope in His mercy, not in horses or man’s strength” (Psalm 147:10-11).
• The delay is not random; it is divine intervention. The LORD routed Sisera before Barak’s smaller force (Judges 4:14-15).
What has delayed the clatter of his chariots?She expects the familiar roar of wheels and horses, yet hears only silence.
• At the Red Sea the LORD “jammed the wheels of their chariots” (Exodus 14:24-25); now He silences Sisera’s.
• The irony: Barak’s men heard those wheels stall in the Kishon floodplain (Judges 5:20-21), but Sisera’s mother never will.
• God’s sovereignty shuts down the prideful noise of human power (1 Samuel 2:3-10).
summaryIn one verse God turns a proud mother’s anticipation into bewildered grief. Through her window we see:
• Human might—iron chariots, military reputation—crumbles when God acts.
• The LORD writes the final chapter for both His people and their enemies.
• Waiting hearts should place hope not in worldly strength but in the unbreakable promises of God (Isaiah 40:31).
(28)
The mother of Sisera.--With a bold poetic impetuosity the scene is changed, and the prophetess, with a few broad touches, sets before us the last scene of the strange eventful history. The mother of Sisera and her attendant princesses had looked for the triumph and return of the host as confidently as the ladies of Spain expected the return of the Armada, or as the ladies of Aberdeen sat, "with their fans into their hand," looking out for the sails of Sir Patrick Spens. We have a similar scene in the
Persiansof 'schylus, where the great Atossa wails over the miserable flight of her defeated son Xerxes. In that, however, there is more of pity and less of derision, though, no doubt, the spectacle was meant to be pleasing to the victorious Athenians. This exulting description of the cruel but blighted hopes of the
womenof Sisera's family is an inimitable touch of genuineness; it shows a woman's authorship (Ewald).
Looked out at a window.--Watching for the first glimpse of her son's return. In Eastern courts the queen-mother is a more important person than the wife.
And cried.--Rather,wailed(Vulgate,ululavit,an onomatop?ia, like the Hebrewyabhabh).It is the wail of impatience passing into anxiety.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Sisera’sסִֽיסְרָ֖א(sî·sə·rā)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5516:Sisera -- a general of the king of Hazor, also the father of some returning exilesmotherאֵ֥ם(’êm)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 517:A mother, )lookedנִשְׁקְפָ֧ה(niš·qə·p̄āh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8259:To overhang, look out or downthroughבְּעַד֩(bə·‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 1157:In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, forthe window;הַחַלּ֨וֹן(ha·ḥal·lō·wn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 2474:A windowshe peered throughבְּעַ֣ד(bə·‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 1157:In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, forthe latticeהָֽאֶשְׁנָ֑ב(hā·’eš·nāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 822:A latticed windowand lamented:וַתְּיַבֵּ֛ב(wat·tə·yab·bêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2980:To cry in a shrill voice‘Whyמַדּ֗וּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?is his chariotרִכְבּוֹ֙(riḵ·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7393:A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstoneso longבֹּשֵׁ֤שׁ(bō·šêš)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 954:To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayedin coming?לָב֔וֹא(lā·ḇō·w)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goWhatמַדּ֣וּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?has delayedאֶֽחֱר֔וּ(’e·ḥĕ·rū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 309:To loiter, to procrastinatethe clatterפַּעֲמֵ֖י(pa·‘ă·mê)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrenceof his chariots?’מַרְכְּבוֹתָֽיו׃(mar·kə·ḇō·w·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4818:A chariot
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OT History: Judges 5:28 Through the window she looked out (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
