Definition: And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 4:9. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a desperate plan by a powerful woman. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Sisera is in Trouble: The story begins with Sisera, a leader of the Philistine army, trapped in a battlefield position. He's been tricked into a trap and is facing imminent defeat. Deborah Takes Action: Deborah, a strong and wise woman, recognizes that simply fighting Sisera might not work. She decides to take a risky plan: she will sell him into the hand of another woman – a man who will be loyal to God. The Woman’s Offer: She says, “I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” She's essentially offering to help him escape. Barak and Deborah Join Her: Deborah and Barak (a leader of the Israelites) agree to follow her. They set off on a journey to Kedesh, a city where they believe there’s a safe place for Sisera. What it Means – A Layered Explanation: This verse is rich with symbolism and suggests several things: A Test of Faith & Wisdom: Deborah demonstrates incredible courage and strategic thinking by considering a desperate solution. It shows that she's not just relying on brute force; she’s using her intelligence to find a way out. The Power of God: The verse highlights the power of God in action. God is actively intervening, manipulating events, and taking control of the situation. He’s using a seemingly terrible plan to achieve a greater good – freeing Sisera from certain death. A Shift in Strategy: It’s not just about fighting; it’s about changing the game. Deborah's plan is a deliberate move to protect someone and potentially alter the outcome of the battle. Divine Providence: The verse points toward a larger, divine plan at work. God is orchestrating events, even in seemingly hopeless situations. Important Note: This passage is intensely unsettling because it involves violence and a significant loss of life. It’s a stark reminder that evil can be cunning and that sometimes, the most unexpected solutions can bring about positive change. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its symbolism)? Discuss the context of Judges 4? Answer any further questions you have about it?