Scripture Text: Judges 4:1-6:40
Memory Verse: “When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the Lord! Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I, even I, will sing to the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.” Judges 5:2-3
Introduction:
The next oppressor was Jabin, king of the Canaanite stronghold of Hazor. With his boasted nine hundred chariots of war, he held the Israelites under his domination for twenty years. God raised up a prophetess named Deborah. Deborah commissioned Barak to go north and attack, but he refused to go unless she accompanied him. Because of his reluctance to lead he was told that the victory would be given to a woman rather than to him.
The song of Deborah and Barak is a classic of inspired literature. After opening with praise to the Lord, Deborah recalled the Lord’s triumphant march from Edom to the Promised Land. All opposition melted before the majesty of the Lord God of Israel. Because the people had turned to idols, the land was given over to war and bloodshed, and Israel did not have weapons with which to fight. But when God raised up Deborah and Barak, some of the rulers of Israel and some of the people stepped forward gallantly to help. Under the leadership of Deborah and Barak, the land had rest for forty years.
In the next cycle, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites. These marauding bandits conducted raids on Israel’s crops, stripping the land like locusts and stealing the livestock. The angel of the Lord told Gideon that he would use him to deliver Israel from Midian. Before Gideon went into battle, he desired a pledge of victory from God. The first pledge came when dew fell on his fleece of wool but not on the ground around it. The second came the following night, when the dew fell on the ground but not on the fleece. Gideon was not looking to the Lord for guidance but for confirmation. God had already told him what he was to do. Gideon was just seeking assurance of success.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- God used Deborah in a mighty way as a prophetess to lead Israel back to Him. Name other instances where God used a woman as a prophetess and how He used them. (Judges 4:1-13; Exodus 15:20; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Luke 2:36)
- What is the significance of God going before Barak and how can we apply it to our lives today? (Judges 4:14-24; Exodus 33:15; Joshua 3:6; Psalms 119:105; John 14:1-3, 6)
- The song of Deborah and Barak is a song of praise to God for His deliverance. What should the attitude of the New Testament believer be? (Judges 5:1-3; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15; James 5:13; Revelation 11:15-16; 15:3; 19:1-8)
- Israel turned to God as a last resort, and only because of their oppression. As believers, do we follow the Lord because we truly love and appreciate Him for who He is and what He has done? (Judges 6:1-10; John 21:15-17; Acts 8:37; 1 Peter 1:8)
Applying the Word
God called Gideon to lead the nation of Israel as a judge and equipped him with the power of His Spirit. God has called the Christian to do His work. How does God equip the Christian to do His work? (Judges 6:33-40; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Acts 2:4; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11)