Title: Harosheth Haggoyim
Sis Bala Samson 

Part 1- Harosheth Haggoyim
Part 2- COME WITH ME LORD
Part 3: JAEL
Part 4: BARAK - Draw me nearer….nearer ..
5. DON’T QUIT – PURSUE UNTIL YOU WIN
BARAK PURSUED – JAEL NAILED IT! HA…HA!

Judges 4:2"So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, was based in Harosheth Haggoyim."
What captured my attention was the name of the city where Sisera the commander lived. "Harosheth Haggoyim! I'm going to start from here....

Part 1 - Meaning of Harosheth Haggoyim:

Harosheth comes from a Hebrew root meaning:

•    workshop
•    craftsmanship
•    manufacturing place

Haggoyim means:

•    the nations
•    the Gentiles
•    foreign peoples

👉 Harosheth Haggo yim literally means:

“The workshop of the nations” or “The manufacturing center of the Gentiles.”  So, it is just not an ordinary city, it was like a military base. Harosheth Haggoyim was likely:

•    A weapons manufacturing centre
•    A command headquarters

A place where oppression was designed and produced. Are you listening? There is a Sisera the commander designed by the devil to destroy you, caution!!!!! The Bible says: Judges 4:3 "Because he had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help." This city was from where the oppression, aggression and destruction were planned.  Harosheth was the source of sustained pressure, it supplied the tools that kept Israel subdued.

FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF VAGUELY BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, ASK GOD FOR DISCERNMENT.  WHEN THE CHILDREN IN THE SUNDAY CLASS ARE ACTING CRAZY, LOOK FOR THE SOURCE.  SELECT THE TEACHERS CAREFULLY WITH DISCERNMENT. KNEEL DOWN AND PRAY BEFORE YOU START THE SUNDAY CLASS, SO THAT IRON CHARIOTS CAN BE DESTROYED.  AMEN

When the enemy wants to destroy you, he meticulously follows your facebook, Instagram, your secret avenues, all your apps are noted by him, he notices your friends circle, he observes your passion, your desires and vision.  All these observations are filed and closely circulated among his agents who now plan a strategy to destroy you.  Nothing is done haphazardly but in unity the devils plan methodically and precisely to attack you.  Harosheth was supplying tools to attack the victims, the supply source has to be identified and destroyed.

In order to curb/punish the activities of Iran, United States actively targeted Iran’s weapon manufacturing industry, particularly its drone and ballistic missile programs, through a combination of sweeping sanctions and, as of June 2025, direct military actions. This strategy aimed to disrupt the procurement of components and destroy production facilities. I hope you remember the June 2025 Military Action ("Operation Midnight Hammer"): Following a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, the U.S. Air Force and Navy conducted direct strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 22, 2025. These strikes, using GBU-57A/B "bunker buster" bombs, targeted the Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, causing severe damage.
Likewise, we need to look for Harosheth Haggoyim that is supplying tools for war in our family and take appropriate actions. What is the action? “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”2 Corinthians 10:4

The tools that we use are: prayer,  fasting, faith, hope, love, the Word of God, intercession and the Holy Spirit.

Illustration: When the devil wants to destroy a family, he looks for weak points in the family.  One of my colleague, mother of a 6 years old son,  who joined my luncheon prayer during my ministry in the multinational bank where I worked had a serious problem in her marriage. Her husband was in a deep relationship with another woman and was demanding divorce.  Now this kind of extra marital affairs issue cannot be warded off with 5 minutes cute prayer, this requires diligent prayer.  She joined our Friday fasting prayer, midnight prayers, weekly prayers, started personal prayers, diligently started reading the Word also I taught her to tithe.   Once she got her life aligned with God and His ways, her husband who left her, came back to her.  Did you see that???

"The Lord said Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always." Deuteronomy 11:1

"In order to grow, we need to know ourselves. To understand what triggers certain behaviour, we need to identify the root cause and destroy it rather than blaming everyone except you. "

Part 2 - COME WITH ME LORD

 
Judges 4:8” "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go,"
I am excited to write this portion, simply thrilled, I only hope I would be able to put all that God revealed to me in this devotion and let the anointing permeate through this:

Barak faced Sisera, who commanded 900 iron chariots, a massive technological advantage over Israel’s foot soldiers. Barak did not tell Deborah, ‘give me iron chariots and increase my army to face this mighty force’, no…no….he did not say that, all he said was, ‘ YOU COME WITH ME’, PERIOD.  He depended on God’s favour, which Deborah—as a prophetess—represented, rather than his own military might. Hallelujah! People talk of lack of faith on the part of Barak but I look at his focus on being surrounded by godly people around him. Amen. Clap hands for God! Attend midweek Bible study, be regular to Church, attend all the prayer meetings organised by your pastor, connect with godly friends rather than worldly successful people. What are you surrounded with today? Are you trusting your swanky car, your duplex villa that you purchased with EMIs, your bank balance, your educational degrees, your zero figure, your six pack muscles( all these are iron chariots) or are you trusting God to give you victory? Tell me. Examine your heart today friend!

Choose Divine Presence Over worldly materials!

I compare this to Moses, who refused to lead Israel without God's manifest presence (Exodus 33:15). "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'" Glory! His presence is more important than all the perishing presents and treasures of this world!
When Deborah warned that he would lose the honour of the victory to a woman, Barak did not withdraw his request. This indicates he valued the assurance of God’s presence more than his personal reputation as a commander.

INCONVENIENCE & CHALLENGES SHOULD NOT DETER YOUR FAITH, TRUST GOD TO TAKE YOU THROUGH HIGH WATERS! He led 10,000 men down from Mount Tabor—high ground where chariots were useless—to a flat plain where the chariots had every advantage. This was trusting God 100%!

Right now today in Abide School, (I write this portion in January , 2026) our free school that we run for underprivileged children of Hyderabad: has no water ( even though it is winter here) the ground is dry, we don’t have modern amenities, our building is old, workers leave, teachers suddenly vanish but you know what, “GOD IS WITH US, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU”, this is enough to face the challenges. 

After I preached the above portion in the early morning 5am Booster Group zoom prayer, I was all beans and was preparing to cook food for our Abide School students, with only our cleaner to help me.  I had already promised the students that I would make food so they had not brought their lunch. I had already soaked the rice in the water to be cooked and when I went to light the gas stove, I was shocked to find that the regulator of the stove was not working. Along with my husband, we tried everything but nothing worked, we spent the next hour in calling technicians online. The technician came when we just had one hour to cook the food for the students. By then I felt exhausted both emotionally, physically and mentally, because I was facing various other problems as well. However, I cooked the food and served the students, therefore, we are promised God’s presence, His strength and wisdom to cross the crisis but not absence of problems.  Hope you understand!

JAEL -Part 3

Jael 4:18 “Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come, my lord, come right in. Don’t be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.”
“Arise to meet challenges!" This requires a strong mindset focused on proactively facing difficulties, fostering resilience, and turning obstacles into opportunities.

Jael (or Yael) is a heroine in Judges 4 and 5 who killed Sisera, the commander of King Jabin's army.  She was not an Israelite but a Kenite, belonging to a group related to the Midianites. Her actions are highlighted in the Song of Deborah, where she is called "most blessed among women". God can use unexpected people from the enemy’s camp to help you when you wholeheartedly surrender to follow the plans of God in your life.  Anybody listening? God can give victory even through the hands of a woman like Jael who did not belong to church family and a very ordinary woman; however, what she had that day when the enemy walked into her tent was COURAGE.  Where are you? Hey wake up Christians, God is looking for men like Barak who will enter into the enemy territory and challenge 900 iron chariots, God is looking for brave and praying Deborahs and gutsy, wise women like Jael.
Sunetra Pawar, 62, took the oath of office as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, India on Saturday, January 31, 2026, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the history of the state, though in tragic circumstances. She succeeds her husband Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash on January 28. This happened 3 days after husband Ajit's death.  I am not here to talk politics but look at a 62 year old woman who arose to take up two important portfolios: she will oversee three portfolios—Excise, Minority Affairs and Sports and Youth Welfare and also Sunetra was elected as the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. Imagine!  

There are many Christians sitting and mourning for unwanted stuff but look at a 60+ woman taking up high responsibilities in the midst of grief and tears. Way to go!

Friend, we should not duck responsibilities, not be threatened and be intimidated but arise during challenging situations and ask God to give you wisdom to handle tough situations. James 1:5 promises that if you lack wisdom, you can ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. He provides the insight needed to navigate difficult decisions and peace that surpasses understanding. God is a refuge and a present help, offering strength when you feel overwhelmed.  Ask for the courage to face challenges, the resilience to endure, and the insight to make right decisions.

Do not allow anyone or anything underestimate you and belittle you, you are created in the image of Christ and you are a child of God. Remember that! Never allow someone else to decide your value. Your value comes from God! Align yourself with the right people who walk with confidence and courage rather than knee-shakers.  Anybody listening?

MY TESTIMONY:
After serving the Lord’s vineyard in various fields, God commanded us to go to a different State TELANGANA in India to serve Him.  The language, culture and much more were completely different, college admission, school admission were great challenges for us; however, with strength from God, we were able to overcome barriers. In the year 2011, the Lord stirred my heart to start Abide School, free school for the underprivileged children of Hyderabad.  I obeyed the Lord and started the School with 7 rag picker kids, today as of January 2026 Abide School has got Telangana Government Recognition and it is a Free, English Medium School serving the downtrodden in the community.  We need to be a JAEL for our community! Bravo!

Click our website to read about us:
 https://worshipjesusministriestrust.org/ministries.php

Part 4:BARAK - Draw me nearer….nearer ..

Judges 4:9 “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” 
I was singing this song, ' Draw me nearer nearer...with tears today, the lyrics that captured me was ' LET MY WILL BE LOST IN THINE'.  AMEN.  This song was written by Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) was a prolific American mission worker, poet, and lyricist who wrote over 8,000 to 9,000 hymns and gospel songs, including "Blessed Assurance". Blinded by a medical error at six weeks old, due to an infection treated with incorrect medical advice, though she considered her blindness a blessing rather than a hindrance.

Despite all the above, she did not fall into depression and needed no Therapist like modern people need today, she arose from the ash heap, attended the New York Institution for the Blind from 1835 to 1843..  She worked as a teacher of English and history for 11 years at the same institution. Yes, she blessed the institution that educated her, she did not run away to make money. Listen carefully today, especially young people! What is your goal today? Make lot of money, get 1000 certificates,  buy a car...tell me...what? Live a life with purpose! Purpose to be a blessing to others...
Barak was totally in the will of God after he stepped into the war field though he hesitated initially.  He was 100% sold out!

Even after Prophetess Deborah said 'the honor will not be yours" , he did not back out but was more concerned about being in the will of God. A commander in the Lord's army needed no accolades except that from God. You know what, God knows your heart, He knows your motives and your intentions. Amen. God honoured Barak by including him in the "Hall of Faith"  in the Bible, found in Hebrews 11:32,  Read-"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms.."
Don't run around for pizzas and burgers, invest in much heavier stuff that adds value to your life.

5. DON’T QUIT – PURSUE UNTIL YOU WIN
BARAK PURSUED – JAEL NAILED IT! HA…HA!

Judges 4:16 Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim, and all Sisera’s troops fell by the sword; not a man was left. 

Pursue means to follow, chase, or hunt someone, an animal, or a goal with the specific intention of catching, capturing, or attaining it. Well, pursuing a goal or target is not going to be comfortable, smooth, cozy, easy or safe.  Sometimes, it would be hazardous, strenuous and exhausting; nevertheless, we need to push ourselves and move on.  Remember always – God is with you! He has not moved an inch away from you!

When we were conducting 3 days fire camp titled ‘Making Soldiers for God’ up to 2019, that is up to the time COVID invaded the world, I would be preaching on all 3 days very vigorously. Besides the preaching there were lot of other challenges to face as well. I sometimes felt, ‘even if my very close friends or relatives do not want to attend the meetings but they can come to help me.’ Such was the pressure on our family! We handled them, though it was extremely tough and now those experiences are helping us handle the pressure of Abide School and various other projects. The armour of faith was given to you by God not to wear it as a show-piece but it is for you to boldly go and claim victory!

Imagine Barak going inside Harosheth Haggoyim the home town of Sisera, where there were gentiles who did not know of the true Living God, idol worshippers who were oppressing the people of God.  Entering a zone of God-haters must have been really gutsy; however, Barak did not want to return with half-victory, he wanted now to destroy the source.  Say Amen.  Barak took a great risk, he did not depend on muscle strength but totally depended on God for victory and the prayers of Deborah.  Hallelujah! Stay connected with godly people!

Illustration: Praying mothers are a great influence in the life of their children.  Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, was known for her strict discipline and commitment to prayer while raising her children.

The "Apron-Over-the-Head" Signal: Because she had no private room or quiet place to pray, Susanna would sit in her chair and pull her apron up over her head. This served as a "Do Not Disturb" sign to her children, signalling that she was in direct, focused prayer with God and was not to be interrupted except in dire emergencies.
Daily Prayer Routine: Despite having 19 children (of whom 10 survived to adulthood) and managing a household, she faithfully scheduled two hours every day for prayer and Bible study.
One-on-One Time: In addition to her personal prayer time, she scheduled specific time each week to sit down with each child individually to discuss their spiritual lives. 

HELP AND DIVINE ENCOUNTERS HAPPEN WHEN YOU OBEY GOD.
When Barak entered Harosheth Haggoyim  God stepped in too! Ah, I am thrilled to write this portion, God stirred the heart of a gentile woman Jael, the Bible says:” verse 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera!” Hallelujah!

BARAK PURSUED – JAEL NAILED IT! HA…HA!

Sisera asked for water but she gave him milk. I’m thirsty,” he said. “Please give me some water.” She opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him up.(verse 19) Why did she give him milk? Observe people of God, you can have PhD degrees, medals and trophies but if you have no wisdom to tackle crisis situation then everything is vain. 

The Smart/Strategic Move: Jael did not just offer him water; she gave him warm milk, likely to soothe and make him drowsy. She then covered him with a blanket to encourage sleep, securing his trust. Would a commander allow a woman to cover his head, totally insane, crazy guy lost his senses after drinking warm milk.  I think he was flattered by the glass of milk that he let his guard down, he was tired and was fast asleep.  Jael moved strategically, boy, this is awesome! 

Faith and passion for God is so fragile these days that youngsters would give up Sunday fellowship just for a biriyani packet or a glass of juice.  We have such ''Siseras' all over the church, drinking milk and falling fast sleep on Sundays.

– JAEL NAILED IT : Jael picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died. Glory to Jesus!
God formed a great team: Deborah, Barak, Jael who fulfilled the purposes of God! Amen. All three were purpose-driven and not ego-driven. GOD BLESS YOU!