Advanced Level, Block 5, Week 47: Deborah

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Advanced Level, Block 5—Frustrations in the Land

Week 47
Deborah

Point to Emphasize: We can be very capable people yet should never be “Strong and Independent.”

Reference Reading: Judges 4:4-16, footnote 41; 5:1-3, 31

Memory Verse: Obey the ones leading you and submit to them… (Hebrews 13:17a)

Story Sample

Today we will talk about a time in the history of Israel when there was no king and everyone did that which was right in his own eyes. Most had turned completely away from God. During that time God was still merciful to His people raising up judges among His people to save them out of the hands of those that had warred against them. This period of history lasted over 300 years (which is longer than the history of the U.S.)

Up to this time the children of Israel had never had a female leader. But now all the men among them failed at following God. They were only doing what was right in their own eyes. They did not care for how God saw things. Whether it was right or wrong with God did not matter to them. They would not submit to His authority. They did not care what things looked like to their family or neighbors. As long, as they thought it was okay, they did it. They were all “Strong and Independent!” Because the men were like this, God did something extraordinary and raised up a capable woman as a judge. God raised up Deborah, a prophetess, to be a judge of Israel; this changed the entire condition of Israel.

As a judge of Israel, this excellent woman went first to God. She cared for what was right or wrong in His eyes. She was submissive to God. This means she realized that God was the leader of Israel, not her. She accepted that God was the authority! She never wanted to be “Strong and Independent.” Deborah was so capable, able to lead the entire people of Israel, but she would not be independent. She would not go out on her own.

Now, Deborah sent word to Barak that he should take the forces of 10,000 men and go against the enemy that was oppressing Israel. But Barak would not go on his own; He knew the 10,000 men of Israel would not follow him into battle. He knew Deborah needed to be there because God had raised her up as a judge. So, Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh where the enemy’s army was. There Deborah declared to Barak, “Rise up, for this is the day when Jehovah will deliver Sisera (leader of the enemy) into your hand. Jehovah has indeed gone out before you!” (Judges 4:14). And just as she had declared, God subdued the enemy, causing confusion among them and Israel won the victory.

Now, we will go back and discuss what this really means for us. First, all the men of Israel had failed. They were only doing what was right in their own eyes. They did not care for how God saw things. They were “Strong and Independent.” These words “Strong and Independent” are used a lot today and are even uplifted as if it is a great thing to be “Strong and Independent.” But when many use this phrase, they mean someone who is competitive, threatening, self-sufficient, and self-confident. It can also mean fearless, never backing down, never depending on anyone, and easily trampling over others. This is what the people of Israel had become. Deborah was altogether different. She submitted herself to God. She depended on Barak instead of doing it all herself. She was not strong and independent at all. Yet, she was of great value to God and to the people of Israel.

Also, Deborah did not want to be in the position of ordering the army of Israel. She knew that God would not be pleased if she made herself into a “SUPER WOMAN”, putting herself into the spotlight! She knew it was important for Barak to go out before Israel. And because Deborah acted according to God, Jehovah fought for them and gained the victory for them! Then after the victory, Deborah took the lead to write a long song full of praises and thanksgiving to God. She did not take an ounce of credit. This is why Jehovah blessed His people under her lead.

Today, women who are very capable may think of themselves and try to make themselves, “SUPER WOMEN”, trying to take a place over men. They pump their fist and say, “We are just the same as men”! But most really mean, “We are better than men!” This is altogether WRONG in the eyes of God! Not one of us, boys or girls, should ever try to be super like that.

I am sure that no one here is as capable or excellent as Deborah was. But I am afraid that you often go your own way in how you handle situations. You consider that you are so able to take care of everything by yourself. If we were to be like Deborah, we would go to our parents about everything, talking to them about so many issues in the same way Deborah went to talk to God first. During the time that Deborah was a judge, there were many evils in society and there are also many evils today. Deborah had God’s dear presence, so she chose to put Barak in the spotlight rather than herself. This is what sheltered her. For us, God has given us our parents. We need to learn to go and talk with them so that we can be sheltered and protected. Remember we can all be very capable people yet should never be “Strong and Independent.”

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