With all of the turmoil in the world these days, we can relate to Deborah as a role model who lived in troubled times. She exclaims, “Awake, awake, Deborah!” (see Judges 5:7-12). In the song Deborah composed after the battle, she gives us an incredible insight as to what happened when God awakened her from her comfortable existence. This fulfilled Deborah’s prophecy to Barak which stated that because of his faltering courage “there will be no glory for you…for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” ( Judges 4:9). And in a really cool turn of events, when Sisera flees for his life he takes refuge in the tent of a woman named Jail, who ends up driving a tent spike through his temple while he slept. In a nutshell God showed up in miraculous ways to help Barak’s army obliterate Jabin’s army. If you’ve not read the story of Barak and Deborah you’re really missing out. Even though Sisera had a formidable army that featured 900 chariots made of iron, she delivered God’s message to Barak with confidence: ‘Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you?’ ( Judges 4:6)”Īlthough Deborah didn’t engage in battle, her presence bolstered Barak’s courage to fight victoriously for the Lord. So when she was given the message to give to Barak to attack Sisera, she didn’t flinch. Without hesitation Deborah courageously agreed to go.Īccording to an article from Shepherd Press, “Deborah was not caught up in the fear of her day. But his faith would be bolstered to go forth against insurmountable odds if Deborah agreed to join him. In fact, Barak is recognized for his faith in Hebrews 11:32. Barak even had confidence to trust God’s promise for victory.
Barak, who should have been a mighty warrior ready for battle, basically told Deborah, “Yeah girl, I’m not going into battle unless you come with me.”ĭon’t you love it? The guy had faith to believe that God spoke to him through Deborah. If you’re not a history buff, hang with me because this is where things get good. Deborah’s prophecy continued, “And I will deliver him into your hand” ( Judges 4:7). On an ordinary day while conducting her duties as judge, Deborah delivered God’s message to Barak to take 10,000 men to battle against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army. Deborah is in good company with a few other women prophetesses in the Bible: Moses’ sister Miriam in Exodus 15:20 Huldah in 2 Kings 22:15 Anna in Luke 2:36 and Phillip’s daughters in Acts 21:8-9. God called her to a prominent position as a prophetess and judge at a time in history when He commonly appointed men to those positions. Can I get a witness?ĭeborah was an uncommon leader because she was a woman. If you’re a parent who spends your days helping your kids discern and resolve their conflicts in a godly manner, you may be able to relate to a typical day in the life of Deborah. I can only imagine how many disputes this wise and godly woman must have resolved. Although some theologians think that when she’s called “a mother in Israel” ( Judges 5:7) it’s describing her as a godly matriarch.Įvery day, Deborah could be found seated under the “Palm Trees of Deborah” determining causes and controversies while judging the people according to the laws of God. So, God rose up an unlikely judge, prophetess and hero of the faith –– a woman named Deborah.ĭeborah was the wife of Lappidoth and possibly a mother. In this case, Israel was paralyzed by fear of Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army who boasted 900 iron chariots. I love that statement, don’t you? So many times in Scripture God shows up when His people cry out for help. And unfortunately, it would not be the last.īut God. This was not the first time that Israel would rebel against God after their godly leader died. So God gave them over to Jabin, King of Canaan, who harshly oppressed them for twenty years. But sadly, Judges chapter 4 reveals how after Ehud died, the children of Israel began to follow after false gods. As a result Israel enjoyed 80 years of rest (see Judges 3). Under his courageous leadership Israel’s army killed about 10,000 Moabites. Even though the Lord, through their enemies, would bring judgment upon their rebellious nation, He’d also raise up judges to guide them to become courageous warriors.Īfter Judge Ehud had personally assassinated the wicked king of Moab, he proclaimed to Israel, “Follow me, for the Lord has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand”. I found it baffling to learn how often God would respond in mercy when He heard the cries of oppressed Israel. When the judge was a godly influence, he would lead Israel to repentance and victory over their enemies. Before Israel had kings to rule over them, God appointed judges and prophets to speak to the people on His behalf.
0 kommentar(er)
