Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?
Haven't they succeeded? Haven't they divided up what they captured? Each man gets a girl or two; for Sisera there are colorful fabrics, beautifully embroidered cloth with colors on both sides, perfect for the necks of those who take the prizes of war.
This verse sarcastically imagines what Sisera's mother might be telling herself - that her son is simply delayed because he's busy dividing up the spoils of what she assumes was his victory.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Deborah's victory song after the Israelites defeated the Canaanite army led by Sisera. The verse mockingly portrays what Sisera's mother and her attendants might be saying to comfort themselves while waiting for Sisera to return, not knowing he has already been killed. In ancient warfare, victorious armies would typically divide captured goods, including textiles and prisoners.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.