Part 2: The downward spiral of Israel’s apostasy (Judges 3:7-16:31), continued

Deborah (Judges 4:1-5:31)

Victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:1-24)

• Miriam (Exodus 15:20) was also called a prophetess. There are not many female prophets listed in the Bible.
• Judges 4:7 – See Judges 5:21. It could be that God miraculously disabled the chariots with floodwater.
• Judges 4:8 – Barak’s reluctance to go alone seems to indicate a lack of faith on his part.
• Judges 4:11 – Here Hobab is referenced as the father-in-law of Moses rather than his brother-in-law as he is elsewhere. It could be a father and son with the same name.
• Judges 4:14 – See Hebrews 11:32-34. Barak is mentioned among the faithful, despite his initial reluctance. Is there someone you know like Barak, that is willing, but needs someone to go with them?
• Judges 4:17 – Note that Jael was not part of Israel. She and her husband were friendly with Jabin.

Deborah and Barak’s victory song (Judges 5:1-31)

• Other songs of note:
  • Moses:
    • Exodus 15
    • Deuteronomy 31:19-21; 32
• Judges 5:14 – See Numbers 26:29. Machir was the son of Ephraim. Gilead was the son of Machir.

Takeaways

• The faithfulness of God’s people must not depend on a leader or leaders in the church. Faithful leadership is a great blessing and should be a reflection of faithful individual Christians.
• Each of us, then, must devote ourselves fully to God and his work, ensuring the continual building up of Christ’s body. As part of that work, we will submit to and encourage our leaders but also hold them accountable (I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17).