College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Judges 4 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 4
The rise of Deborah and Barak. Deborah was a prophetess. As a woman, she demurred to lead Israel without the assistance of some capable man. Barak, of Zebulun, came to her assistance. Together they wrought deliverance against Jabin, king of Hazor, who was oppressing Israel in their day.
The battle with Sisera. Sisera was the captain of the Canaanite army under Jabin, king of Hazor. He had nine hundred chariots of iron under his command. This superior equipment for warfare struck terror into the hearts of the warriors of Israel, since most of them were without any particular military training and largely without military equipment.
The death of Sisera. Jael, wife of Heber, the Kenite, caught Sisera off-guard as he accepted her offer of hospitality and lay asleep in her tent. Without the usual weapons of war, she was able to slay the captain of the Canaanite army, who had struck terror into the hearts of the thousands of Israel through many years. This bold stroke signaled the beginning of a series of victories which ultimately resulted in the driving of Jabin away from the borders of Israel.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Who can find a worthy woman? This was the question of Solomon in Proverbs 31:10. The rise of Deborah, the prophetess, to a place of leadership in Israel typifies the place of importance played by women of every age. No nation can rise any higher than the women in her midst. No church is any stronger than those good women who train up children in the way that they ought to go. No home is any better than the mothers who rock the cradles within their walls. God created woman as a helpmeet for man, and worthy women have played this role well throughout the centuries.
2.
This is the day! Deborah challenged Barak by saying, Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand (Judges 4:14). The Apostle Paul cried out: Now is the accepted time; today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Those who serve God must never lose their sense of urgency, for His work must be done while it is day; the night comes when no man can work.
3.
Prosperous hands prevail. The original text of this passage is written in a very significant way. A literal translation would be something to the effect that the hand of the sons of Israel going, went, and was hard against Jabin, king of the Canaanites. There is no suggestion that the hands of the Israelites were rich, the usual connotation of prosperity. The Israelites had a will to work and to fight. Their hands were busythey put their hands to the plow. They were unified in their purpose, and God blessed them. They won a significant victory over their enemies to the north.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 4
1.
Who oppressed Israel in Deborah's day?
2.
Where was his capital?
3.
Over what people did he rule?
4.
Who was his captain?
5.
Between what two cities was Deborah's home?
6.
Who helped Deborah?
7.
In which tribe was his home?
8.
Near what river was the battle fought?
9.
What was the name of the woman who killed the enemy captain?
10.
Who was her husband?