Text: Judges 4-5, Theme: First Women Leader in Israel
Introduction:
Remember that the Book of Judges has several recurring themes. The first is the cycle of sin, suffering, petition, deliverance, and the death of the deliverer—and then the cycle begins once again with sin. The next is the recurring statement, “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25).
Context of Deborah:
It is wonderful to see a Woman called Deborah, wife of Lappidoth, leading Israel at that time. Judges 4:1–10 introduces the pair of godly leaders Barak and Deborah. Israel was oppressed by the Canaanite king, Jabin, and his military commander, Sisera. The Canaanites possessed 900 iron chariots, which they used to oppress the Israelites. Sisera cruelly abused the Israelites for twenty years, using these chariots, and the sight of them must have terrified the Israelites.
Works of Deborah:
Deborah as a Judge, ministered at the "palm of Deborah." She would sit at this spot (Exodus 18:13; John 19:13) between Ramah and Bethel in the territory of Ephraim. There, she would receive the people who came to her to solve their disputes and legal matters. The people recognized Deborah’s wisdom and come to her for counsel and conflict resolution (Judges 4:5). The military hierarchy recognized her as supreme commander and in fact will only go to war on her personal command (Judges 4:9). Her governance was so good that “the land had rest for forty years” (Judges 5:31). She was called a prophetess (Judges 4:4), like Moses and Joshua, to whom God spoke directly.
Lessons from Deborah:
Deborah teaches us a few important lessons: 1. God can use whoever He pleases, regardless of gender. 2. Scripture has given an important place for female leaders in the public sphere. Bible gives clear, cogent answers on the leadership roles of women in the home and the church. The women had given leadership politically and economically too. Throughout scripture and world history, God has placed women into positions of leadership and used their intellect, force of will, and uniquely feminine traits to achieve His perfect will. 3. Deborah is proof-positive that all leadership roles are open to women. Deborah’s presence as a strong leader in this passage shouldn’t confuse us as to the fact that God has designed men and women differently. She does not try to imitate a man in her leadership. (Judges 5:7). Deborah was seen as a woman of conviction and courage.
Victory Song:
The celebration of the Lord’s victory with a song in the form of Hebrew poetry is found in chapter 5. Chapter 4 gave us the events. Chapter 5 gives us some of the emotions behind the events. It is a song of praise to the God Who gave them victory over their enemy. It also fills in some details we didn’t hear about in Chapter 4. The Characteristics and the attitude of the tribal leaders are expressed in detail. Judges 5:1-12 say that they Praised God for His virtues; Judges 5:13-18 say that they Praised God for His volunteers; Judges 5:19-23 say they Praised God for His victory; Judges 5:24-31 say that they Praised God for His vessels. This song ends with a prophecy that the enemies of the Lord will be destroyed, while the faithful saints of God will shine with His glory someday.
(Ref: Theology of Work; Bible ref; Baptist Church Pastor David on Liberty; Explaining to the Books: Judges; The Sermon notebook)
Discussion:
1. What are the pros and cons of Male and Female leadership in spiritual realms?
2. Discuss the response of men to the leadership of Women.
