If you wrote a song about your life, what would be the title? The theme of Deborah's life, as found throughout Judges chapter 4 and 5, is that of loyalty… She carried this tune in all her endeavors. Deborah was a remarkable, passionate woman who left the impact of her personality upon her home and land. Gifted by God as a prophetess, this woman had the ability to discern the mind and purpose of God and declare it to others. Her words always corresponded with God's Word. Therefore, we can confidently say that Deborah never operated outside of the boundaries of scripture, whether concerning the affairs of her home or her country. There was discretion to her devotion. God used her to inspire the men and women of her land, to administer justice to the people, to rescue them from their oppressors, and to reform them to godliness. Turn with me to Judges 4 and let's witness together the heart of this patriotic woman who had a burden for her country and the mess it was in because of recurrent sin…
Judges 4:1-4 (KJV)
And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, when
Ehud was dead. And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan,
that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera,which dwelt
in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the
Lord: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily
oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife
of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
In verse 4, God has clearly revealed to us the priorities of an extremely valuable woman! Notice first, Deborah's relationship with God is stated – she was a prophetess; she was devoted to the Lord and His Word. Next, in line of importance was her home - she was the wife of Lapidoth. Lastly on her list of priorities, she was a judge in Israel. This was Deborah's list of highest passions - given in order of the loyalties of her heart. Ladies, only through godly priorities will you and I ever have the proper affect upon mankind! With our priorities in place God can trust that He could use us to handle matters of great importance and give the right advice to others! If your life is out of order, so too, will your counsel be... That is why Deborah was able to carry out a judging assignment that God had for her - not as her life's calling, but during a season the Lord needed the gap filled.
Judges 4:5 (KJV)
And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel
in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
While nothing specific is said about Deborah's home life or marriage, we can read between the lines of scripture and affirm that as a woman first devoted to God, her testimony would naturally follow as that of being a loyal wife to Lapidoth. When you are closely connected to the Lord, the Spirit of God will direct treatment of your spouse in a holy manner. As were many others at that time, Lapidoth was inspired by his wife's God-given wisdom and strength. Here was a man who, no doubt, recognized and admired his wife's abilities and encouraged her counseling activities in matters where good judgment was needed. Surely she had aided him on more than one occasion… The love, advice, and support of Deborah's husband paved the way for her to be used by God as a very influential woman, for his heart safely trusted in his wife's loyalties. (Pr. 31:11) Only with her husband's blessing would a spirited woman such as Deborah ever utilize such liberties to serve as a temporary director in the patriotic affairs of Israel. Are your passions in order, dear lady? Have your loyalties fallen out of tune with God? How would your husband answer that question? Deborah ordered her passions aright. She stood on the Word of God and was equipped of heaven to help preserve a nation under oppression and at war with evil...
Judges 4:6-8 (KJV)
And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali,
and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying,
Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of
the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw
unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with
his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.
And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but
if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
The message and plan Deborah shared with Barak was not her own... It originated with God! She simply brought God's promises to this man’s remembrance. Deborah inspired Barak to carry out his God-given, patriotic duties in matters of overcoming their enemy, Sisera, and he was stimulated to take command where he had been hesitant to exhibit concern. This shows me that Deborah was indeed a woman of discretion, and very careful in the manner in which she dealt with men. She respectfully roused men from lethargy to righteousness. This was done not by attacking their character, but by exhibiting an excitement and confidence in God and His character. This little lady had a unique way of stirring concern in those around her for low spiritual condition. By her wise words she excited them to fight for the right. To be honest, I sense more of a patriotic speech given here rather than a command. Yes, Deborah exercised an inspiring spirit, not a haughty, authoritative, domineering one. Be careful, dear wife, when you are dealing with your husband in his times of faint-heartedness! Do you habitually take on tones of arrogance or tones of encouragement and support when motivation is needed?
Judges 4:9-10 (KJV)
And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey
that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell
Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak
to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went
up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
At a time when Barak was weak as a leader, he needed wisdom and strength. At his appeal, Deborah promised to support the Lord's cause for which Barak would be fighting. She exemplified courage, for this woman was in the habit of entrusting her enemies to God. Ladies, it's not Deborah that Barak needed, it was a stronger faith in the Lord! Even so, for the sake of the future of their nation, Deborah's heart's desire was to support this man's faith in God, not his faith in her. Little did he know it, but she was skillfully stirring Barak to entrust his enemies to the Lord. Hence, we understand that Deborah viewed her role in the situation as a temporary vocation - not a long-term career! You see ladies, there was a lack of male leadership in Israel at this time. Deborah was willing to be used in bringing about reform, but her main motivation was not to possess supreme authority. She only accepted the assignment because there was not a man to stand in the gap. God's plan and Deborah's passion was to rally behind a man and wisely rouse him to his duties and responsibilities and then step out of her role as judge when the task was complete. She assisted authority, but did not assume it. As a true patriot, loyal to the cause of Christ and the Word of God, Deborah was a woman whose passions were Divinely controlled, for many a woman today, Christian included, could not get this close to the top and not fall prey to the temptation to take over entirely!
Proverbs 14:1 (KJV)
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down
with her hands.
Tremendous odds were against them, but as the story unfolds in the rest of Judges 4 through 5, Deborah, Barak, and the army with them experienced a great conquest. In Judges 4:15, the Bible says the Lord discomfited Sisera and all his chariots, and all his host, so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. Interestingly enough, in the following verse, we find that Barak pursued after the chariots and after the host until there was not a man left! Was this the same feeble-minded man that had begged Deborah's company just a few verses ago?? Sounds to me like this spirited woman had ignited Barak’s faith in God, for he was literally chasing down his enemies quite bravely! Yes, he had run on ahead without Deborah... Though He needs no human help, God is pleased to accept the services of those who employ their talents to advance HIS cause, as did Deborah. Here was a woman content to see that faith had been stirred, courage had been caught, victory achieved, and God reigning supreme...
Judges 5:1-2 (KJV)
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise
ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered
themselves.
Ladies, God uses the passions of men and women to birth good government. Hence, when we submit our passions to God we will find success through His power. So, I ask you again; if you wrote a song about your life, what would be the title? Could you carry the same tune, as did Deborah? Are your priorities in order? Are you loyal to the cause of Christ – so much so that you can bring all your passions under God’s Divine commands? Are you expert in stimulating others to carry the torch of righteousness, or do you typically make a mess of things and end up tempted to control entirely? Are you supportive of male leadership and the bravery of men, cheering them to trust in the Lord as they confront issues head on? As a woman, Deborah fought earnestly but uniquely against the prevailing powers of sin… Her God-given intelligence was channeled through humility. Deborah was balanced between psalm and sword. America could certainly use more women filled with God's wisdom, led by His Spirit, exemplifying His strength, and passionate about HIS causes - a true patriot indeed!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
