Judges 4
Vv. 1-2 As soon as we begin, we see the same cycle that is plaguing the people of God from being a prosperous land. Without a human leader, the people are unable to stay focused on the Lord. So God allows the people to be sold into slavery.
Vv. 3-10 Barak is called upon by the prophetess Deborah to lead the people out of slavery. Barak, in a turn from the pattern already seen, declares that Deborah must be purest with him if he is to go. She agrees. They will together overtake an army with chariots which, to this point, has been the weakness of Israel.
Vv. 11-16 Deborah gives encouragement to Barak that surely the Lord will grant the people victory if only they march towards the chariots. The impossible was accomplished and the Israelites have a complete victory over an army with chariots. This was fully granted to the Lord as it was only by God that the Israelites would be able to overwhelm the Canaanites.
Vv. 17-24 This side story of Jael is significant in a section that already speaks highly of women, in a time that women were seen as simple property. Deborah is given the highest authority of leadership in Israel and the man who would be raised up to save Israel, Barak, would not do battle without her. Then we see Jael, a normal lady, taking out the enemy military leader. We need to look at the details of the story to understand the reversal of power that is going on in this story. Jael asks the king to turn aside to her, covering him with a rug and giving him milk. These descriptions are all sensual in nature, including even the tent peg! Most stories like this would have this evil leader having his way with her. But instead, she takes control and kills the king in a violent act. This reversal of fortune was a picture of the reversal that was happening for Israel; God was freeing Israel from their oppressors who had taken advantage of them.
The Role of Women- It is quite interesting that in a time as corrupt as the time of Judges, we see woman give key importance in this book. Deborah is given a platform of authority, both in the eyes of God and in the eyes of man. Jael is given a name in Scripture, a rarity, and her story plays a role in the victory of Israel in being freed from their captivity. We see her roles reversed from the typical story that would include a woman like her and instead she is given the story of a hero. This story shows the depth in which redemption was working. When the women are taken care of and at work in the story, Scripture tells us that redemption and reconciliation is at work. Woman are often forgot about in Scripture and are seen as powerless. God often uses people in those sorts of preconceived positions so that his power can be more clearly seen. It is when women are being belittled and brought low that we are experiencing sinfulness and brokenness.
Voice, and Actions, of a Leader-Barak was looking at the chariots in front of him, just as his ancestors had before him, and was fearful. He said, “Deb, I’m not going to battle unless you are coming with me”. She had the confidence of the Lord, that the Lord had granted them victory. She showed by her speech that she believed that God had granted them the victory. But beyond speech, she joined Barak in facing the chariots. If we want to be leaders we need to be leading in these two ways. We need to be speaking constantly the promises of the Lord and proclaiming his praises. But we also need to be people of action. We cannot tell people to go places we have never been. If we want to see the community go into revival, we need revival of our own lives first. If we want other people to face their demons, we need to make sure we have our own lives in order. What are the chariots in your life that you are refusing to face down? People are watching and waiting. Commit to the Lord fully, the time is now. “Up! For this is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go before you?”