A prophet, a wife, a judge. How does she juggles these different hats she is privileged to have on. Let’s discover what she does with these different hats in our study today. We would be looking at Judges 4
In this study, the tools we would use for this study are
- Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
- What does it mean?
- How does it apply to me today?
So let’s dig in and turn the bible to Judges 4
Who, What, When, Where, and How to
Israel was under a sivea oppression from the king of Jabin and his general Sisera
Deborah was a prophet and also a wife
She is the leader of Israel during her time
She was also a judge, she settled the disputes of the people of israel
Deborah, a female judge, By God’s direction instructed Barak son of Abinoam to take 10K men and led the battle against Israel’s oppressor general Sisera who had oppressed Israel for 20 years. That God would give him victory in battle.
Barak insisted much upon Deborah’s presence
Deborah went with Barak to the battle because he was not confident.
Deborah went to the battle front with Barak. She would not send him where she would not go herself.
Deborah informed Barak that the honour of the victory of this battle will be to a woman and not to Barak because of him instinting on Deborah’s presence.
And it was so when SisSisera the general was totally defeated. It was another woman, Jael who actually killed the leader of the opposing army.
What does (this passage ) mean?
In a dark time for Israel, Deborah, a woman, was the prophet ( telling the people about God), she was a wife and also a judge. She was an instrument of peace to her nation. She worked outside her home. She must have been respected and of good character for the people (both men and women) to accept her ruling over different disputes.
Deborah the prophet delivered God’s message to Barak. When Barak insisted on her presence, maybe out of his lack of confidence in himself or for reassurance that if Deborah was present everything would go well. While Barack was looking to a human being (Deborah) for reassurance. Deborah did not berate him, rather told him the honor of the battle would be given to a woman. But Deborah went up to the battle with Barak to reassure him in carrying out God’s instructions.
Deborah was a true prophet, what she predicted came to pass. Yes Barak was victorious, but the honour of the battle which was when the leader of the opposing battle was killed. He was not killed by Barak but Jael a woman
Israel is now free of her oppressor. They had won the battle. Deborah had encouraged and reassured Barak to carry out God’s instruction.
How does it apply to me today?
Deborah’s versatility was evident. She had a home to take care of but that did not hinder her from carrying out the call of God on her life as a prophet in a difficult season for her nation. She also fulfilled her duties as a judge. She was top notch in performing her duties. SHe wore many hats. Today women too wear many hats. You and I have many hats that we wear. A home hat, a caesar hat, A christian hat etc etc. For as many hats that we may be privileged to wear, how well do we perform our duties in those hats. Are we carrying out our duties shabbily or mediocre or top notch?
Another lesson from Debrah in Judges chapter 4 is how she handles Barak’s request. Barak was saying I will obey God if you will go with me. She was ready to go with Barak to boost his faith and help him obey God. And she did not berate him. Barak had 10K men in his army to go against general Sisera’s army, which was Israel’s oppressor’s army. This army had oppressed Israel for 20 years. The task was daunting.
Deborah walked the talk. She backed her belief in God’s instruction with her not being shy of going to the battle front. She was confident in God’s word. Her own reassurance of victory was in God. Which helped Barak’s faith in charging into the battle.
How well would we handle someone who does not have our level of faith or confidence? Would we ignore them, or berate them or hold their hand till their faith is built up?
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Deborah would not send Barak where she would not go herself. Those who in God’s name call others to their duty, should be ready to assist and encourage them in it.
The question for us is that will you be willing to hold another’s hand till their faith is built up.
Thank you.