lesson three courage in the Lord

Transcription

1 lesson three courage in the Lord Background: The story of Deborah features a valiant, wise woman who was chosen by God to serve as prophet and judge. At God s command, Deborah commissions Barak and accompanies him to the battlefield. Deborah prophetically reveals, however, that the honor of the battle will go to a woman. The story of Deborah reveals how God uniquely equips and positions His people to participate in His kingdom work. Ultimately, the victory belongs to the Lord. Reflection: How have you listened to the Lord this week? Judges The book of Judges provides the historical and theological transition from the conquest of the land under Joshua (c BC) to the establishment of the monarchy with the coronation of King Saul (c BC). Judges was composed by Samuel (according to Jewish and early Christian tradition) during the reign of King Saul (c BC). Judges vividly portrays the turbulent 350 year spiritual and political downward spiral of the nation of Israel, characterized by compromise (not doing what God required they did not drive out ), apostasy (doing what God prohibited idolatry), and every individual doing what was right in his own eyes. Judges also reveals the holy nature and gracious character of God by recording His divine judgment on Israel s apostasy and sin, as well as His gracious and repeated deliverances of Israel. Judges describes the exploits of the judges [military, civil, and political leaders who governed, litigated, or vindicated (variations of judge/judged are used 21x in Judges)] during an era of apostasy. Judges describes a selective history, prominently recording periods of revival and apostasy, structured to reveal spiritual insights, not just record historical facts. Expression and Repetition of Israel s Apostasy in the Book of Judges Expression Othniel Ehud Deborah Gideon Jephthah Samson Judges commissioned. 3:10 3:15 4:4 6: :29 13:24 25 Israelites did evil. 3:7 3:12a 4:1 6:1a 10:6 13:1a God gave them over. 3:8 3:12b 4:2 6:1b 10:7 13:1b Description of Oppression. 3:7 11 3: :1 5:31 6:1 8:28 10:6 12:7 13:1 16:31 Israelites cried out. 3:9a 3:15a 4:3 6:7 10:10 -- God raised up a deliverer. 3:9b 3:15b 4:4 7 6: :29 13:2 25 God gave the oppressor to the deliverer. The land had rest when the Judge ruled. 3:10 3:28 30a 4: :28a 11:33 16:30c 3:11 3:30 5:31c 8:28b 12:7 15:20; 16:31 Death of the Judge. 3:11 4:1 -- 8:32 33a 12:7 16:30 31 continued on next page... 25

2 Deborah [meaning Bee ] was uniquely a prophetess, a wife, a mother, and a judge from the tribe of Ephraim (Judges 4:4; 5:7), raised up by the LORD after 20 years of severe oppression by Jabin, king of Canaan reigning in Hazor, and his army commander Sisera. Deborah spoke for the LORD, instructing Barak [ Thunderbolt ], a military leader from the tribe of Naphtali, regarding the military strategy to be employed against Sisera and his intimidating 900 iron chariots. The LORD neutralized the chariots by sending torrential rain and flooding, enabling Barak to pursue and destroy Sisera s army. Interestingly, another woman Jael [ Mountain Goat ], the wife of Heber the Kenite, achieved the ultimate victory over Sisera with her hammer and tent peg [women traditionally set up and took down the tents, providing her with strength and accuracy] (Judges 4:17 22). Deborah and Jael are commemorated in Deborah s song of victory in Judges 5, and Barak is recognized in the Hall of Fame of Faith along with other judges, including Gideon, Samson, and Jephthah (Hebrews 11:32). God remarkably accomplishes His purposes, utilizing a variety of ordinary individuals and items [including an ox goad, fleece, a rash vow, strength, honey bees, or even the jawbone of a donkey] to achieve extraordinary results. Judge with wisdom, utilize your unique spiritual gifts, and remember victory, progress, and success occur when God s people trust and obey Him consistently. The action of one courageous individual can change the course of a nation and society. Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?... Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2 3, nasb personal prayer u Thank You, Lord, for making me Your masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus so I can do the good things You planned for me long ago (Ephesians 2:10, nlt). Give me vision, discernment, and courage to carry out Your will in my life. 26

3 day one 1. Read Judges 4, and complete the following chart. Name What was his or her role or occupation? What family members are mentioned? Where was he/she stationed? What assets did he/she have at his/her disposal? What action does each take in this story? Jabin Sisera Deborah Barak Jael 2. What stands out to you in these two chapters? 27

4 day two Ehud was Israel s second judge, a left-handed warrior whose valiant act brought about peace in Israel for 80 years. Peace came to an end under Jabin s rule. His general, Sisera, threatened to cripple Israel with his 900 iron chariots by blocking strategic trade routes and demoralizing the people. 1. Read Judges 2:19 and 3:5 7. How did Israel respond to Ehud s death? 2. In Judges 4:2 3, how does God deal with Israel? What is Israel s response to these difficulties? 3. Deborah s poem evokes powerful images of the struggles Israel endured during this period. What difficulties does she cite in Judges 5:6? 4. Sharing: Has there been a time in your life when God did not occupy His rightful place in some part of your life? What was the result? 5. Seeking the Way of Wisdom: In Judges 2:16 17, we find Israel forsaking the teaching of their forefathers and playing the harlot to other gods (nasb). What parallels can you draw between Israel s situation at the start of Judges 4 and wisdom s advice to young men in Proverbs 5:7 14? 28

5 day three According to some, Deborah is a problematic figure, chosen by God to lead Israel only because a suitable man could not be found. But Scripture tells a different story. The prose account introduces her as a woman serving faithfully in the dual capacity of prophet and judge, a service respected by her people. She appears on the scene when Israel cries out to Yahweh (God) for help What is Israel s plight in Judges 4:3? Why do you think it took the Israelites so long to cry out to the Lord for help? 2. What do we learn about Deborah in verses 4 6? What were Deborah s divine instructions to Barak? 3. What is Barak s reaction to Deborah? What does this say about Barak s view of Deborah? 4. Sharing: How do you respond to spiritual leadership? 5. Sharing: For what role has God uniquely equipped you? How do you serve Him in this role? 6. How would you describe the relationship between Deborah and Barak? What role does each play in the battle? 1 Pierce, Ron. Deborah: Only When a Good Man is Hard to Find? Vindicating the Vixens. Ed. Sandra Glahn. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, Print. 29

6 day four In Jael we find a complex character with enemy alliances and unclear motives. But one thing is clear: she is the fulfillment of Deborah s prophecy, and through her bold action Israel is victorious. 1. According to Judges 4:9 and 5:24, what was God s role in Jael s story? How is Jael described in? 2. What does Jael do when she meets Sisera in Judges 4:17 21? 3. Sharing: Why do you think Jael acted as she did? What do you think of her actions? 4. Sharing: Think of a time when God called you to do something that required great courage or faith. Have you ever had to step out against cultural norms in answer to His call? Digging Deeper: What do you learn about Jael s heritage as a Kenite from the following Scriptures? To whom is she related? Was she an Israelite? With whom were the Kenites allied? Judges 1:16; 4:11, 17 Exodus 2:16 21; 3:1 10; 4:18 20 Numbers 10:

7 day five Judges 5 Read Deborah s song in Judges 5 out loud and savor the drama and full flush of victory. What is the primary purpose of this poem? What lines from the text support your answer? 1. As Deborah prophesies in 4:9, the Lord delivers Sisera into the hands of a woman, and great honor is bestowed on Jael in this song. What was the final result of this battle (Judges 5:31)? 2. Reread the Word Box, Judges, at the beginning of this lesson. What do we learn about this time period in Israel s history? About Deborah? About Jael? personal response to God Take a moment to consider the victories God has given you over the course of your life. Write a poem or song of praise giving Him the glory for intersecting with your life in specific, powerful ways. 31