Tag Archives: Judges

Judges 4-5

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In Judges 4 and 5 we find the story of Deborah and Barak, and also the heroic actions of Jael. Women prophets were rare, only 10 to be found in the Bible and only 5 mentioned by name. Their stories are all important, highlighting that leadership and Godly examples are not limited to males; the role of a Christian woman is not a passive one.

In Judges 4 we read that “Deborah, a prophetess… was judging Israel at that time”. No similar statement is made of Barak. It was Deborah that guided Israel, leading them in crying to God as Israel were oppressed 20 years by the armies of Jabin, king of Canaan. It was Deborah that berates Barak into leading Israel into battle, and surely it was Deborah’s faithful example that incited Jael to take the opportunity to kill Sisera. As a result of their work, Israel had rest 40 years.

What a great example for all of us, to take action and respond to our calling, leading by example, taking every opportunity to serve God.

Judges 2-3, James 1

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God said to the Israelites “I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, I will never break my covenant with you”.  Even though Israel then “abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt”, God had compassion on the Israelites and “raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.”

The book of Judges is a great demonstration of God’s love and mercy, even when we’re pushing Him away. But ultimately it is up to us to remain faithful. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Let us be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Realise what our natural face looks like, and instead of forgetting it, work to change it to match God’s face. “The one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”