The Church Fathers on this verse

Judges 4:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And Barac pursued after the fleeing chariots, and the army, unto Haroseth of the Gentiles; and all the multitude of the enemies was utterly destroyed.

Douay-Rheims

וּבָרָ֗ק רָדַ֞ף אַחֲרֵ֤י הָרֶ֙כֶב֙ וְאַחֲרֵ֣י הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה עַ֖ד חֲרֹ֣שֶׁת הַגּוֹיִ֑ם וַיִּפֹּ֞ל כָּל־מַחֲנֵ֤ה סִֽיסְרָא֙ לְפִי־חֶ֔רֶב לֹ֥א נִשְׁאַ֖ר עַד־אֶחָֽד׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

Jael, representing the foundational Church, struck down Sisera, yet it was the ancient Israelites, led by the esteemed commander, whom this interpretation identifies as Barak, that compelled him to flee. Throughout history, divine assistance was often provided to the ancestors through the intercessions and righteous deeds of the prophets, as scripture recounts. However, due to their spiritual weaknesses, triumph was granted to those of whom it is stated in the Gospel, “Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Therefore, the origins of victory lie with the forebears, while its fulfillment resides in the Church. Regarding widows

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.