Deborah: Strength through Sound Judgment

2005041

Topic # 2634 (women)

Introduction:

A.     In Judges, we have a recurring cycle of sin, suffering, petition, deliverance, and the death of the deliverer.

1.      The time – after Joshua’s death and before the reign of Saul could largely be described as a time of lawless & rebellion against God. 

2.      Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25.

B.     By the time we reach Judges 4 – Israel has already had 3 judges.

1.      Othniel – delivered Israel from the Mesopotamians.  (3:7-11)

2.      Ehud – delivered Israel from Eglon – king of Moab. (3:15-30)

3.      Shamgar – delivered Israel from Philistines. (3:31)

4.      The cycle of sin & judgment continued after Shamgar.

C.    4:1-2 – God hands the Israelites over to a Canaanite king.

1.      This lasted 20 years.  Oppressive. 

2.      4:3 – a key component in the Canaanite domination was 900 iron chariots.

3.      5:6-8 offers more insight into this period of Canaanite domination:

a)     Deserted highways.

b)     Villages abandoned.

c)      Israel reduced to a vassal state – w/a large enemy army ready to harass them at every turn.

 

I.  Bible Characters in Judges 4-5.  Time period:  ~1200 BC.

A.     Jabin. King of Canaanites. 

1.      Ancestors – were defeated by Joshua a century & half before.

2.      Dynasty was allowed to be reestablished by Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.

3.      Jabin lived in Hazor.  Had a trusted General….

B.     Sisera.

1.      Used the Philistine monopoly on making iron to their advantage.  Kept Israel under their thumb.

2.      It was unusual in this time for a general – not the king – to lead the army into battle Jabin seemed to be in the background.

3.      Sisera probably very skilled in battle & brave – which is why he elevated to this position by Jabin.

4.      Sisera killed by another bible character in the chapter.

C.    Lappidoth.  The husband of Deborah.

1.      Lived in the mountains of Ephraim between Ramah & Bethel.

D.    Deborah.  “Honeybee.”

1.      She judged Israel under a palm tree (4:5).  People come to her to settle disputes.  She was also a prophetess.  A wife, a mother.

2.      Summoned Barak to stand up & fight Canaanites.

3.      Her song in Judges 5 is one of the finest examples of Hebrew poetry.

4.      Called a “mother in Israel.”

E.     Barak. “lightning”

1.      At the summons of Deborah – makes war against Jabin.

2.      4:6b-7 – Deborah reminds him of the Lord’s command to go up & fight against Israel.

3.      4:8 – says he would not go to fight w/o her going with him.  They both go.

4.      4:14 – he leads Israel into battle & the Lord smites the Canaanite army. 

5.      4:24 – this victory allowed Israel to once again gain the upper hand over the Canaanites – eventually destroying the king of the Canaanites.

F.     Heber the Kenite.

1.      Descendent of Hobab.  (Hobab = Moses’ bro-in-law.)

2.      Kenites were nomads who mostly lived S of Judah.

a)     However, 4:11 says Heber separated from the tribes & lived in N Palestine.

b)     Kenites were known for “riding the fence” w/their allegiance.

c)      Loyal to both Israel & Canaanites.  Sisera evidently felt safe hiding at Heber’s tent as he escaped from Israel.

G.    Jael.

1.      Wife of Heber.

2.      Killed Sisera w/a tent peg while he slept. (4:17-22) He had accepted her invitation to seek refuge in her tent.

3.      she is highly praised in Judges 5:24)

 

II. What can we learn from this story?

A.     Deborah’s position as prophetess is not proof that women may serve in leadership capacities today.

1.      Some suggest since she prophetess – this gives right to women serving in worship of church; preaching, etc.  Or gives them right to lead – when men refuse to do so.

2.      Prophetess referred to 9 times in scripture.

a)     Miriam – Ex. 15:20; Deborah – Jud 4:4

b)     Huldah – 2 Kings 22:14; prophetess who bore a son – Isa. 8:3

c)      Anna – Lk. 2:36

d)     4 daughters of Philip – Acts 21:9

e)     Suggestion: prophetesses were rare in OT/NT.

3.      Miriam’s ministry seems to have been primarily w/women.

4.      Acts 21:9 – Philip had 4 daughters that prophetesses – but yet 21:10. Agabas delivered the prophecy of Paul’s impending persecution. Why did God bring a man on the scene?

5.      Each time a prophetess seen in scripture – is in close relation to a man.

6.      Deborah: her leadership was a sure sign of the spiritual condition of Israel.

a)     Her leadership is not painted as a good thing – to be imitated by women at a later time in history.

b)     She led – but in such a way to promote male leadership – keeping a subordinate role.

c)      Actively sought to avoid a leadership role.

d)     Makes it clear that God had designated Barak as the leader & that God was commanding him to lead.

B.     Some men need to wake up & get going spiritually. (4:6)

1.      Barak had to be reminded of his responsibility.

2.      See footnote in NASU.  He had heard this before.

3.      4:8 – wouldn’t go unless Deborah went.  4:7 – reluctant to act on a command of God.  No reason for Deborah to go.

4.      How many men know their talents – tremendous ability – make great difference for God & their families – but just not doing it.

5.      Men…wake up – seize the responsibility God has called you to!

C.    A comparison between Sisera & Barak.

1.      Sisera – had a great deal of faith – but in the wrong things.

a)     His own judgment; his army; 900 iron chariots; Heber’s wife Jael.

b)     But he died in the hands of a woman – tent peg thru skull.

2.      Barak – not a man of great faith.

a)     Reluctant to go – even though God w/him.

b)     Not great faith – but little faith.

c)      Faith – as small as it was – was in God.

1)     How?  He obeyed.  Mt. 17:20

2)     Little faith, rightly directed, is far superior to great faith in the wrong object.

3.      Heb. 11:32 – ironic? Why wasn’t Deborah listed? Focus on 11:34.

a)     Gained strength in weakness.

4.      Barak – who was weak in his faith became strong.  Deborah is the primary reason why his faith became strong. 

5.      An absence of her name in 11:32 not an insult – but a compliment.

D.    The outcome of Deborah’s influence:  4:23-24

1.      A turning point in the relationship between Israel & Canaan.

2.      5:2

a)     Because of her leadership – leaders assumed their role.  Workers followed them.

b)     She did not seek to overturn the way leadership was to function – but affirmed it.

3.      Because of her ministry – Barak becomes the leader he was supposed to be.

a)     When a man becomes the leader God wants him to be there is usually a “Deborah” somewhere by...

b)     may be out of the spotlight – but

c)      Encouraging & strengthening his faith in God.

4.      Oh that there would be more Deborah’s today!

E.     It is no different today!

1.      Great deal needs to be done in the church today!

2.      bible classes to be taught; evangelistic endeavors;

3.      And yet…there are few willing to step up. Fewer people willing to follow.

4.      Jobs needing to be done – and few people willing to do them.

5.      Has God called you to serve?

6.      Has God called you to lead?

F.     Trust in God – work through your weakness in a way that makes you strong.

 

Conclusion:

A.     How is your faith today?  Your relationship w/God? 

B.     I N V I T A T I O N