This is a continuation from last week - If you missed it, here's a link to PART 1
Deborah had just received an imperative from the Lord to take up arms against the Canaanite king and relayed it to Barak son of Abinoam.
However, Barak hesitated
and insisted that Deborah go with him
into battle. We are not told why he
would make such a request. Some
speculate that it was his way of showing her high esteem as a prophetess and
judge. Others see it as a weak and immature
plea.
The men in the region were lacking in leadership skills as evidenced by Deborah’s judgeship. No matter the reason – she agreed to go with him. Her presence would also inspire the troops. Nevertheless, Barak would receive no glory for the battle’s success or the deliverance of the Canaanite general into their hands.
The men in the region were lacking in leadership skills as evidenced by Deborah’s judgeship. No matter the reason – she agreed to go with him. Her presence would also inspire the troops. Nevertheless, Barak would receive no glory for the battle’s success or the deliverance of the Canaanite general into their hands.
This assault was the first
united action since the initial conquest of Canaan. God was with Deborah and Barak as they hailed their
troops and rallied men of valor to flush out Sisera. God caused a great storm to sweep into the
valley and rendered Sisera’s chariots useless in the thick mud. Israel’s foot soldiers rushed the Canaanites
and they were swept away in a flash-flood. Barak continued to pursue Sisera
with the sword as did his vast army.
When Sisera fled on foot,
he came to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. He thought he had safe refuge from the battle
because of a treaty, but when Jael gave him a meal that filled his belly and a blanket
for warmth, it caused him to fall into a deep sleep. She then took a tent peg
and drove it into his temple as he slumbered.
Thus the glory went to a woman for the general’s death, just a Deborah had prophesied.
Deborah took
great care and devotion concerning her calling from God to lead the Israelites
during this time in history.
She was revered and feared – not because she was ruthless, but because she was faithful to her office and responsibilities. She reminds me of Solomon when he ruled and settled disputes during his reign in Israel (I Kings 4:29).
She was revered and feared – not because she was ruthless, but because she was faithful to her office and responsibilities. She reminds me of Solomon when he ruled and settled disputes during his reign in Israel (I Kings 4:29).
Judges 4:24 tells us, “And the hand of the children of Israel grew
stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan, until they had destroyed
Jabin king of Canaan.”
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| "Deborah beneath the Palm Tree" by James J Tissot |
Next we see Deborah and Barak singing a psalm of praise to God for their success. This song recants the recent victory by the hand of God, and reiterates how two foreigners had a part in rescuing His people from destruction. It also mentions how some of the tribes of Israel rose to the occasion by accepting their call to battle, while the others were missing in action. Divine intervention and nature’s wrath ensured the enemy’s defeat, while taking advantage of something as simple as an act of hospitality to set up the opposing general’s demise.
God blesses obedience as
evidenced by the forty peaceful years that followed that unusual but effective
battle plan devised in the heavenly realm.
Deborah indeed facilitated a
great victory that day and assured a prominent place among women in Scripture
whom God used to fulfill His plans for His chosen people.
One last thought… As I
pondered the name Deborah and its Hebrew meaning (bee), I envisioned a “bee hive”
and how the worker bees hover nearby, surrounding the Queen. That brought to mind the vision in Isaiah and
in Ezekiel of the heavenly creatures circling God’s Throne – singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!”, as they worship the
King of Heaven.
How awesome our God is that He would showcase a woman of valor among so many women of renown in Scripture.
How awesome our God is that He would showcase a woman of valor among so many women of renown in Scripture.
Since I am a "Deborah" - I am celebrating my Birthday during the month of March with a special of only .99 cents for my book MISSION POSSIBLE on Smashwords as an eBook. You can choose from several different formats including ePub, Mobi, .Pdf, etc. compatible with most e-Readers including Kindle and Nook.
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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Nice conclusion Deborah - thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Dee
Aww - thanks so much Dee. Glad you enjoyed the posts! :D
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