“The Story of Deborah: Israel’s Courageous Judge and Prophetess”

“The Story of Deborah: Israel’s Courageous Judge and Prophetess”

From Judges 4

Deborah, the Fourth Judge

(1-3) The Cycle Begins Again: Apostasy, Servitude, and Supplication

“When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD sold them into the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth Hagoyim. And the children of Israel cried out to the LORD; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel.”

When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD:

Once again, Israel strayed from God’s path. It seems as if they couldn’t stay faithful, and after Ehud’s leadership, they returned to their old sinful ways. This constant cycle of rebellion, judgment, and repentance is something we see often in the history of Israel, which reminds us of the human tendency to drift away from God, even after experiencing His deliverance. Despite this, God remains faithful in His mercy, never abandoning His people.

“The sedentary life is most subject to diseases: standing waters soon putrify. It is hard and happy not to grow worse with liberty.” (Trapp)

When things were peaceful, they struggled to stay faithful, just like stagnant water that grows unhealthy.

So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan:

God allowed Israel to be oppressed by Jabin, a king with immense power. Israel’s disobedience led them into the hands of a harsh enemy. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but God allows consequences to draw us back to Him.

Even when God disciplines, we should be thankful, for His corrections are a sign of His love for us. His intent is always to bring us back, to restore us.

For twenty years, he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel:

It took Israel two decades of suffering before they cried out to the LORD. Sometimes, we too go through periods of difficulty before we recognise our need for God. Yet, it’s in those desperate moments that we often find His help most clearly.(4-5) Deborah: A Prophetess and a Judge for Israel

“Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”

And Deborah, a prophetess:

Deborah was a unique and powerful figure in Israel’s history. God raised her up as a prophetess, a woman with a message from God for His people. While some might have expected a man to fill this role, God chose Deborah to lead, showing us that His calling isn’t limited by gender.

“The Bible tells us of several other prophetesses: Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Anna (Luke 2:36), and Philip’s four daughters (Acts 21:8-9).”

God has used women mightily throughout history, and Deborah is a powerful example of that.

She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah:

Deborah was not just a leader; she was accessible to the people, sitting under a tree where anyone could come to her for judgment. This imagery paints a picture of her as a wise and approachable leader. People came to her for guidance because she was trusted, and her leadership was rooted in her relationship with God.

The children of Israel came up to her for judgment:

Deborah’s leadership wasn’t just spiritual; it was political and civil. People recognised her wisdom and God-given ability to settle disputes and lead the nation. Though there were other leaders, Deborah’s role was distinct, showing that God can use anyone—man or woman—who is willing to answer His call.

(6-7) Deborah Calls Barak with a Message from God

“Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, ‘Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, “Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand”?'”

And she sent and called for Barak:

Deborah was not just a judge; she also played the role of a prophetess, delivering God’s message to His people. She called on Barak, a military leader, to do something specific. This shows how God’s work involves different people at different times, and Deborah’s leadership wasn’t to overshadow Barak’s role, but to guide and direct him according to God’s will.

Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded:

Deborah’s message wasn’t her own opinion—it was the command of God. She reminded Barak that God had already spoken to him and had already set the plan in motion. Sometimes, God’s call is a confirmation of what He has already put in our hearts.

(8-10) Barak Will Only Lead if Deborah Accompanies

“And Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!’

So she said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless, there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.’ Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten thousand men under his command, and Deborah went up with him.”

If you go with me, then I will go:

Barak’s request to have Deborah accompany him shows his hesitancy. He trusted more in her spiritual leadership than in his own. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did reflect his dependence on her faith rather than his own.

“Barak preferred the inspiration of Deborah’s presence to the invisible but certain help of Almighty God…” (Meyer)

Barak trusted the visible, tangible assurance that Deborah represented more than the invisible power of God. This reveals the weakness of human faith, even in a hero like Barak.

There will be no glory for you:

Deborah tells Barak that while he will lead the army, the ultimate glory won’t be his. It will go to a woman, which foreshadows Jael’s victory over Sisera. The glory of the victory would be shifted from Barak to someone else, teaching us that God often works in unexpected ways to fulfil His plans.

He went up with ten thousand men under his command:

Despite his doubts, Barak still trusted in God’s plan and led the army into battle. Though Israel was greatly outmatched by Sisera’s iron chariots, Barak’s obedience was a crucial part of the victory. God doesn’t always call us into easy battles, but He promises to lead us through them.

Conclusion:

This passage introduces us to Deborah, a remarkable woman whom God raised up to lead Israel, both as a prophetess and a judge. Even in the face of repeated disobedience, God’s faithfulness remains evident as He uses both men and women in His work. Barak’s hesitation and dependence on Deborah remind us of our own struggles with trust and faith, but ultimately, the story points to God’s unshakable plan and His ability to work through anyone who is willing to follow His lead. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s will will be done—often in ways we don’t expect—and that obedience to His call, even when challenging, leads to ultimate victory.

(8-10) Barak Will Only Lead If Deborah Accompanies

“And Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!’

 So she said, ‘I will surely go with you; nevertheless, there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.‘ Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; he went up with ten thousand men under his command, and Deborah went up with him.”

 If you go with me, then I will go:

 Barak’s request shows his hesitation. It wasn’t unreasonable for him to want Deborah’s presence, but his insistence suggests that he trusted more in her close relationship with God than in his own. Barak knew that Deborah was a woman of faith and wisdom, and he wanted her guidance in battle. Still, this request also showed that Barak’s faith wasn’t as strong as it could have been. Instead of trusting fully in God, he leaned on Deborah’s support.

Barak preferred the inspiration of Deborah’s presence to the invisible but certain help of Almighty God.” (Meyer)

Barak was willing to follow God’s call, but it seems he struggled to fully trust in God’s power without Deborah’s physical presence. While it’s understandable to seek guidance, true faith lies in trusting God even when we can’t see Him or feel His presence directly.

“He is famous for his faith (Hebrews 11:32-33), and yet here he shows some unbelief. Let us be faithful in weakness, though weak in faith.“ (Trapp)

Barak’s story reminds us that even the greatest heroes of faith had moments of weakness. God does not expect us to have perfect faith; He works through us even when our faith is small. The key is to keep trusting Him, even when our confidence falters.

There will be no glory for you:

 Because Barak did not trust God fully, the victory over Sisera wouldn’t be credited to him, but to a woman. While we might expect Deborah to be the one to defeat Sisera, God had another plan in mind. This prophecy would later be fulfilled in an unexpected way, showing that God’s ways often surprise us. Victory would come through an unexpected leader, reminding us that God’s plan is bigger than our expectations.

He went up with ten thousand men under his command:

Even though Barak’s faith had some weaknesses, he still showed real courage. He trusted God enough to lead the Israelites into battle against Sisera’s army, which had 900 iron chariots—a powerful military force. This would be like facing a modern army with only a few weapons. Despite the odds, Barak and his army moved forward in faith, trusting that God would give them victory. Their courage in the face of overwhelming odds teaches us that true faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward in God’s strength, even when the situation looks impossible.

This passage highlights the importance of trusting God fully, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Barak’s faith was real, but it was mixed with doubt. Deborah’s role was not only to speak God’s word but to encourage and remind Barak that God’s power was greater than any challenge. The victory was assured, not because of Barak’s strength, but because of God’s promise. This story challenges us to move forward in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers or the perfect confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

(11-13) The Armies Gather Against One Another

“Now Heber the Kenite, of the children of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, had separated himself from the Kenites and pitched his tent near the terebinth tree at Zaanaim, which is beside Kedesh.

They also reported to Sisera that Barak, the son of Abinoam, had gone up to Mount Tabor. So Sisera gathered together all his chariots, nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth Hagoyim to the River Kishon.”

Heber the Kenite:

Heber was part of a group that was connected to Israel through Moses’ father-in-law, Hobab. Though not fully Israelite, Heber had some shared heritage with them. His decision to separate himself from the Kenites was significant. The timing of this separation led to him reporting on Barak’s movements, which brought Sisera’s army into action. It reminds us that even unexpected individuals can play a role in God’s bigger plan.

So Sisera gathered together all his chariots, nine hundred chariots of iron:

Sisera’s military might seemed overwhelming, 900 iron chariots! For Israel, who were primarily foot soldiers, facing such a technologically advanced army felt like certain defeat. The chariots of iron were a powerful weapon in battle, giving Sisera a clear advantage. It was a situation that looked impossible from a human perspective. But as often is the case, God loves to show His power when all seems lost.

(14-16) Sisera and His Army Are Utterly Defeated

“Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?’ So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from his chariot and fled away on foot. But Barak pursued the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left.”

So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men:

This was a bold move. Barak and his army descended from the safety of the hills into the plain where Sisera’s chariots had the advantage. By doing this, Barak was not relying on geographical advantage; instead, he was putting his trust in God’s ability to deliver victory, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, God calls us to step out of our comfort zones, where the odds seem stacked against us, but that’s where His power is most clearly displayed.

“He doth not make use of the advantage of the hill, where he might have been out of the reach of his iron chariots, but boldly marcheth down into the valley, to give Sisera the opportunity of using all his horses and chariots, that so the victory might be more glorious and wonderful.” (Poole)

Barak’s choice to face Sisera head-on showed tremendous courage. It wasn’t about avoiding the battle but trusting God for victory, no matter the odds.

And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots:

In the face of overwhelming odds, God intervened. The word “routed” here means more than just defeated, it suggests a complete and terrifying disarray in the enemy’s ranks. Some scholars believe the terror was so intense that it might have been caused by thunder, hailstones, or even supernatural forces (angels). No matter how it happened, it was clear that God was behind the victory.

“Terrified, as the vulgar Latin hath it, perhaps by thunder and hailstones, as Joshua 10:10; 1 Samuel 7:10, where the same Hebrew word is used; or else by some hurry-noise made in the air by the angels, as 2 Kings 6; but something was certainly done from heaven.” (Trapp)

God often uses natural or supernatural events to turn the tide of battle in His people’s favour, proving that nothing is beyond His control.

The LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots:

Judges 5:4-5 and Judges 5:21 tell us that God used a flash flood to turn the battlefield into a muddy mess. Sisera’s iron chariots, which were meant to be an advantage, became a hindrance in the slippery, flooded conditions. This shows that God can use even the smallest of circumstances to defeat the strongest of foes. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t need powerful tools or perfect conditions to deliver His people.

Has not the LORD gone out before you?:

Deborah’s words here were an encouragement to Barak. She reminded him that God was already leading the charge. Just like a king leads his troops, God had already gone before them in battle. Deborah’s role was crucial, not just as a prophetess but as someone who built up the faith of the people around her. Her words were meant to inspire confidence in God’s promise, reassuring Barak and his soldiers that they were not alone.

“Deborah played a big role in this victory. She was an encourager, building up the faith of Barak and his men.”

Encouragement is powerful. Deborah’s confidence in God stirred up faith in those around her, and this collective faith brought about a miraculous victory. Sometimes, the greatest victories come when we stand together, encouraging one another to trust in God’s promises, even when the battle seems daunting.

This passage highlights how God delights in showing His power in impossible situations. Barak and Deborah, though facing an army far stronger than theirs, trusted in God’s ability to overcome all odds. They were victorious, not because of their own strength but because they relied on the strength of the Lord. This is a powerful reminder for us today: no matter how great the challenges we face, God is always with us, and He has the power to turn even our greatest weaknesses into triumphs.

(17-22) The Death of Sisera by the Hand of a Woman

“However, Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin, king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, ‘Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; do not fear.’ And when he had turned aside with her into the tent, she covered him with a blanket.

Then he said to her, ‘Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.’ So she opened a jug of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him. And he said to her, ‘Stand at the door of the tent, and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says, “Is there any man here?” you shall say, “No.”

Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. And then, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, ‘Come, I will show you the man whom you seek.’ And when he went into her tent, there lay Sisera, dead with the peg in his temple.”

Sisera Had Fled Away on Foot to the Tent of Jael:

This part of the story is surprising. When God promised that a woman would defeat Sisera (Judges 4:9), most readers probably thought it would be Deborah, as she had been the prophetess leading Israel. But instead, God used Jael, the wife of Heber, to bring about Sisera’s end. Jael’s role was unexpected and shows how God works in mysterious ways, often outside our expectations.

“Women had their tents apart from their husbands, Genesis 24:67; 31:33. And here he thought to lurk more securely than in her husband’s tent.” (Poole)

Sisera likely thought he was safe with Jael, since there was peace between the house of Heber and King Jabin. He assumed Jael’s tent would be a safe place to hide, but he didn’t realise he was walking right into God’s plan.

Turn Aside, My Lord, Turn Aside to Me; Do Not Fear:

Jael’s invitation seemed genuine. Sisera, exhausted and desperate, trusted her and entered her tent, expecting protection. The relationship between the Kenites and the Canaanites likely made him think he was safe.

“Any pursuer would hardly think to look in a woman’s tent for any man, let alone a weary fugitive, for this would be a breach of etiquette.” (Cundall)

Jael’s act of hospitality lured Sisera into a false sense of security. She promised safety, which he eagerly accepted. Little did he know that his trust was misplaced.

“This was a promise of security, and therefore she cannot be excused from dissimulation and treachery in the manner, though the substance of her act was lawful and worthy.” (Poole)

Jael’s actions seem to break the ancient code of hospitality, but God used her actions to fulfil His plan. Her treachery, though shocking, served the greater purpose of defeating Sisera, who had oppressed Israel.

Drove the Peg Into His Temple:

Jael took action when the opportunity came. The detail of driving a tent peg through Sisera’s temple is a grim one, showing the intensity and finality of the act. It was not a swift, easy kill, but a deliberate, forceful blow. Jael knew how to handle a tent peg, as it was a common tool for women who set up tents.

“Lo, there lay this proud worm’s meat sprawling, with his head fastened to the ground, as if it had been now listening to what had become of the soul.” (Trapp)

Sisera, once a mighty commander, was now reduced to a lifeless body, utterly powerless against God’s judgment.

Jael’s Treachery:

While Jael’s actions might seem like a breach of faith, she acted under God’s guidance, and her actions were part of God’s judgment on Sisera. Many in the ancient world would have considered her act to be treacherous. Yet, God used her to fulfil His purpose, showing that even when people act out of selfishness or betrayal, God can still use it for His good purposes. Sisera’s death was God’s judgment, and Jael was an instrument of that judgment.

“She was encouraged to do it, partly, by observing that the heavens and all the elements conspired against him… and principally, by the secret instinct of God inciting her to it, and assuring her of success in it.” (Poole)

Jael’s decision wasn’t simply out of personal malice—it was part of God’s bigger plan to bring judgment on the enemy of His people. She was, in essence, responding to God’s prompting, even if she didn’t fully understand the weight of what she was doing.

Charles Spurgeon drew a powerful parallel in his sermon “Sin Slain” when he spoke of Sisera representing sin and Jabin representing Satan. Spurgeon emphasised that we should not just be content with conquering sin like Barak did, but we should strive to completely kill it, just as Jael killed Sisera. “If you are content merely to conquer your sins and not to kill them, you may depend upon it, it is the mere work of morality-a – surface work–and not the work of the Holy Spirit.” (Spurgeon)

This insight helps us understand that defeating sin isn’t just about the victory, but about fully and decisively eradicating it. Jael’s decisive act serves as a powerful reminder that we must take full action against sin, not leave it alive or unchallenged.

(23-24) After This Decisive Battle, Full Victory Soon Won for Israel

“So on that day God subdued Jabin, king of Canaan, in the presence of the children of Israel. 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.”

And the Hand of the Children of Israel Grew Stronger and Stronger:

The victory over Sisera was an important step, but the battle wasn’t over. Israel’s victory over Sisera had to be followed through with a complete defeat of Jabin, the king behind the oppression. Israel needed to press forward, not letting up until the entire enemy force was destroyed.

Until They Had Destroyed Jabin, King of Canaan:

The full victory came when Jabin was destroyed, not just when Sisera fell. The battle did not end with one defeat. The ongoing struggle against oppression had to continue until the enemy was fully vanquished. This serves as a reminder for us today: Spiritual victories are not one-time events. We must continue to fight the battles against sin and evil until they are completely overcome.

In summary, this passage shows the unexpected way God used Jael to fulfil His promise and bring about judgment on Sisera. Even in what seems like betrayal or treachery, God can work out His purposes. The story challenges us to look at sin seriously, as Jael did to Sisera, and not rest until victory is complete, just as Israel did with Jabin. The message is clear: God can use even our weakest moments for His greatest purposes, and we are called to remain faithful in seeing His work through to completion.

“The Story of Deborah: Israel’s Courageous Judge and Prophetess”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)