The narrative in Judges 4:21 used only one verb to describe the death blow. The poem here uses four synonyms, emphasizing the deadly force of the blow and forcing us to replay it in our minds.
1 Deborah and Barak relished every detail of this event. Judges 5:27 keeps repeating the joyful news that the enemy died over and over again. God’s smashing salvation against a cruel oppressor is meant to be enjoyed, savored, cherished; item by item, detail by detail, blow by blow.
2
26 She sent her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmen’s mallet; she struck Sisera; she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple.