Deborah: Strength through Sound Judgment

Introduction:

In Judges, we have a recurring cycle of sin, suffering, petition, deliverance, and the death of the deliverer. This era could largely be described as a time of lawless & rebellion against God. See Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25. By the time we reach Judges 4 – Israel has already had 3 judges. In Judges 4:1-2 – God hands the Israelites over to a Canaanite king. His domination lasted 20 years.

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

A.     Jabin. King of Canaanites.   Ancestors defeated by Joshua a century before.

B.     Sisera.

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

C.    Lappidoth.  The husband of Deborah.

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.

E.     Barak. “lightning.” At the summons of Deborah – makes war against Jabin.

F.     Heber the Kenite. Descendent of Hobab.  (Hobab = Moses’ bro-in-law.)

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

G.    Jael. The wife of Heber. Killed Sisera w/a tent peg while he slept. (4:17-22)

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.      Prophetess referred to 9 times in scripture.

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

3.      Deborah led – but in such a way to promote male leadership – keeping a subordinate role.

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

1.      Barak had to be reminded of his responsibility.

2.      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.

2.      Barak – Not great faith – but little faith.

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

4.      Heb. 11:32 – ironic? Why wasn’t Deborah listed? 

a)     11:34 - Gained strength in weakness.

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

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

1.      5:2 - A turning point in the relationship between Israel & Canaan.

E.     It is no different today! Has God called you to serve? To lead?

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

Conclusion: How is your faith today?  Your relationship w/God?