Who was Hath?

The name Hath does not explicitly refer to a known individual or place in Judges 4 or anywhere else in Scripture under that exact name in widely accepted English Bible translations. However, it is possible that “Hath” is either a transliteration misunderstanding or a shortened reference to a longer phrase within Judges 4, such as from the statement “the Lord hath delivered…” (e.g., Judges 4:14, KJV: “Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand”). In this context, “hath” is not a name but an archaic English verb meaning “has.” If this is the intended meaning, then the request for a Bible Dictionary article on “Hath” would actually pertain to a theological and biblical reflection on God‘s actions, specifically on the verb “hath delivered.”

With this understanding, this article will explore the theological and narrative significance of the Lord’s actions, particularly as stated in Judges 4:14, and how His deliverance is central both to the story of Deborah and Barak and to the broader message of redemption found in Jesus Christ.

Where is “Hath” Found in the Bible?

In Judges 4, we encounter the phrase:

“Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?” — Judges 4:14 (KJV)

This verse is spoken by the prophetess Deborah to Barak, commanding him to go into battle because God has already given the victory. The phrase “the Lord hath delivered” is key to understanding the passage—it emphasizes God‘s sovereign action and preordained intervention on behalf of His people.

Cross-References:

• Exodus 14:13-14 – “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord…”

• Deuteronomy 20:4 – “For the Lord your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you…”

• 1 Samuel 17:47 – “The battle is the Lord’s…”

• Psalm 44:3 – “They did not gain possession of the land by their own sword…”

• 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

What Happened in Judges 4?

Judges 4 recounts a time when Israel was under oppression from Jabin, king of Canaan, and his military commander Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots. Israel cried out to God, and He raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge, who summoned Barak to lead 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun to Mount Tabor.

Deborah assured Barak that “the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand” (Judges 4:14). Encouraged by this declaration, Barak obeyed, and the Lord threw Sisera’s army into confusion. Eventually, Sisera was killed by Jael, a woman, fulfilling Deborah’s earlier prophecy that a woman would gain the honor of victory (Judges 4:9).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The phrase “the Lord hath delivered” is a powerful reminder that God is the true warrior on behalf of His people. Believers today can rest in the confidence that God is not absent in times of trouble but is actively working to bring about victory—even if His methods may seem unexpected (as through Deborah or Jael).

When Christians face spiritual battles, moral decisions, or overwhelming circumstances, they can recall that God has already accomplished the victory through Christ. Just as Deborah assured Barak of a battle already won, the gospel tells believers that Christ has already conquered sin, death, and the enemy of their souls.

How This Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The declaration that “the LORD hath delivered” anticipates the greater deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s physical deliverance of Israel points forward to His spiritual deliverance through the cross and resurrection.

• Christ is the Deliverer (Romans 11:26) who saves His people from the bondage of sin.

• As Barak could not claim victory without God‘s intervention, so humanity cannot be saved by works but only through God‘s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Like Jael’s unexpected victory over Sisera, God often chooses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27).

In Jesus, the phrase “the Lord hath delivered” reaches its ultimate fulfillment, as He declares on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30)—the work of redemption is complete.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty

God orchestrates events and uses both men and women to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His authority over history and human affairs.

2. Divine Deliverance

Deliverance is central to God‘s identity—He is the Savior and Redeemer of His people.

3. Faith and Obedience

Deborah’s faith and Barak’s eventual obedience show how trust in God leads to action. Faith is not passive but moves when God speaks.

4. God’s Use of the Unexpected

Jael’s role in Sisera’s death highlights how God uses unlikely instruments to fulfill His plans, reminding believers to be faithful, regardless of social status or expectations.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean to trust that “the Lord has delivered” you even before you see the outcome?

2. How can Deborah’s faith and leadership inspire your own walk with Christ?

3. In what ways does the story of Judges 4 challenge you to obey God even when the path ahead is intimidating?

4. How do you see God working deliverance in your own life today?

5. Are there battles you’re fighting that you need to surrender to God’s power and victory in Christ?

While “Hath” itself is not a biblical character, the phrase “the Lord hath delivered” in Judges 4 carries profound theological meaning. It reminds us that God acts on behalf of His people, and in Christ, He has fully delivered us from sin and death. Victory belongs to the Lord—and because of that, His people can walk forward in faith.