“Out from the window, she gazed from above, and the mother of Sisera lamented from behind the lattice, ‘What is the reason for his chariot being so long in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots delay?’ Her wise noblewomen answered — she likewise returned her answer to herself: ‘Maybe they haven’t found and divided up the booty — two slave-women for every man, a booty of dyed cloth for Sisera — a booty of dyed and embroidered cloth; dyed cloth that is embroidered around the neck as booty!’”

(Judges 5:28-30)

The indignity of Sisera’s death is not complete with the account of Jael, but Baraq and Deborah now mock Sisera’s mother as she laments the absence of her son. As we mentioned above, it is often uncomfortable for us to mock like this in today’s world where we are taught to be polite rather than true, but God is not concerned about the ways of men. And thus, the Spirit inspired our singers with these words that celebrate the lament of the wicked.

So, how do we reconcile these words with Jesus’ statement that we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44)? The key word, of course, is “your.” There comes a point of discernment to determine whether this enemy is your personal enemy or he or she is an enemy of God. The former group, we are to love and pray for — one day we may call them brother or sister in Christ even! But those who are enemies of God not only may be mocked, but should be. Could we be wrong in that point of discernment? Yes, but perhaps God will use your mocking words to shake up those who are acting wickedly. So, if one who seemed an enemy of God comes to faith, you seek forgiveness for the mockery and celebrate the mighty power of God, for that which is impossible for man (the conversion of a sinner) is possible for God (Matthew 19:26).