Podcast appearances and mentions of king jabin

Deborah stands out as one of the inspiring figures in biblical history. As a prophetess, a judge and courageous leader, she rose above all expectations in a society driven by patriarchal influence. Her story, recorded in Judges 4 and 5, recounts her reliance on divine wisdom, as well as her decisive leadership and unwavering faith in God's promises, as she rallied Israel to victory against their oppressors. Superior military technology At the time Deborah served as a judge, Israel as a nation was subjugated by King Jabin of Hazor whose general, Sisera, commanded an army equipped with 900 iron chariots. These chariots were intimidating because they were markedly superior to any of the weapons of warfare Israel possessed. For 20 years, King Jabin and Sisera ruthlessly oppressed Israel until the people finally cried out to God for deliverance. God would answer their cry through the faithfulness of Deborah. Deborah received divine instruction to summon Barak, a military commander, and told him to gather 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. She assured him that God would orchestrate the battle against Sisera at the Kishon River, ensuring victory. However, Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah accompany him into battle. Deborah agreed but foretold that the ultimate victory—defeating Sisera—would be accomplished by a woman. The battle unfolded dramatically Barak led his forces to Mount Tabor, and Sisera responded by mobilizing his army with their superior military technology. God intervened by sending a sudden, torrential rainstorm, causing the battlefield to flood. Sisera's iron chariots, once a formidable advantage, become useless in the mud. His army was thrown into panic, and Barak pursued them, wiping out all of Sisera's forces. Prophecy fulfilled Though Sisera escaped the actual battle, he was killed by a woman who was not even from Israel. This small but important detail reinforces the sovereignty of God, as His word is always fulfilled, even if it is accomplished in unexpected ways. Deborah's leadership was marked by wisdom, humility and courage. She positioned herself to be used by God, patiently serving in her role as a judge until the time came for decisive action. Her ability to inspire faith and confidence in others played a crucial role in Israel's victory! Her story clearly reflects the importance of relying on God's guidance, acting with faith and recognizing godly leadership in unexpected places.

The Lord sold His people into the hand of King Jabin...

In the tumultuous period following Joshua's death, Israel faced oppression under King Jabin and his general Sisera for 20 years. During this time of spiritual decline, God raised up Deborah as both prophetess and judge over Israel. When God chose Barak to lead the army, he refused to go without Deborah, leading her to step forward with remarkable courage despite it not being her intended role. Her faith and leadership proved crucial in Israel's victory.The story takes an unexpected turn when Sisera, fleeing from defeat, seeks refuge in Jael's tent. Though a Gentile woman, Jael courageously fulfilled God's prophecy through her bold actions. These two women exemplify how God uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes through courageous faith. Their story teaches vital lessons about confronting fear, dealing decisively with evil, and trusting completely in God's plan, even when it seems improbable. Their examples challenge us to identify areas where fear holds us back and to take bold steps forward in faith. First Baptist Church depends on faithful and generous giving. Make an impact in the lives of others and promote the gospel of Christ by making an online contribution: https://fbclagrange.org/give/CCLI Streaming+ License 21007595Visit our website: https://fbclagrange.org

Deborah was a prophetess who also judged Israel in a season when the Hebrews had been oppressed for decades by King Jabin of Canaan. Through her bold leadership God confirmed His call upon Barak to muster an army, and the LORD was faithful to defeat Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron. God uses unlikely people like Barak, Amos and Jael to do His will and overcome all odds, because God does the impossible. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 4:1-3 Judges 4:4-7 Judges 4:8-10 Hebrews 11:32-34 Judges 4:11-16 Amos 7:14-15 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Judges 4:17-20 Judges 4:21-24 Judges 5:26 Psalm 83:9-10 Judges 5:24 Psalm 83:16-18 Verses mentioned but not displayed: John 9 Genesis 24:67 Genesis 31:33

In this compelling episode of our series on the remarkable women of the Bible, we delve into the life of Jael, a courageous figure from the book of Judges. Despite the constraints of her society, where women were often viewed as possessions, Jael defies expectations by taking a bold stand against her husband's political alliances. We examine her audacious act of killing Sisera, the commander of King Jabin's Canaanite army, and how this pivotal moment aids the Israelites in their struggle for freedom. Jael's actions reveal a partnership in her marriage that transcends traditional roles, as she fearlessly confronts the potential wrath of her husband. Join us as we unravel Jael's story, celebrating her bravery and the impact of her choices in a world dominated by male authority. Tune in for an insightful discussion that challenges perceptions and highlights the strength of women throughout history.

In ancient Canaan, King Jabin of Hazor learns of the southern campaign of the Israelites. Determined not to fall to their conquests, he sends messengers far and wide to gather a formidable alliance of northern kings and city-states. From the rugged mountains to the fertile plains, they heed his call, assembling a vast army likened to the sands of the seashore. Led by Hazor, a prosperous city on a crucial trade route, the coalition prepares for battle at the Waters of Merom, their chariots symbolizing both their military prowess and economic might. This tale unfolds against the backdrop of ancient geopolitics, where alliances, technology, and strategic positioning shape the fate of nations.   We will cover part of chapter 11 in the Book of Joshua in this episode.  Hazor, Northern Campaign, Israelites, Joshua, Ancient Canaan, King Jabin, Alliance of Kings, Waters of Merom, Chariots in Ancient Warfare, Trade Routes in Canaan, Geopolitics of Ancient Near East   If you'd like to support "The History of the Bible" podcast, visit our Patreon Page at https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form at https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form at https://forms.gle/jr4EdGsqCaFk4qZm8. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form at https://forms.gle/PiMMkPnJFaa4j5p37. "The History of the Bible" podcast is edited and produced by Nikao Productions. Explore more shows from Nikao Productions on your preferred podcast platform and follow them on Instagram @Nikaoproductions.

The concept of Armageddon is related to military struggles, to the place of the great battle and wickedness, and is mentioned in the book of Revelation. This passage has its final fulfillment not in physical terms, but in the spiritual era when the true believers stand in their positions. This publication deals with the concept of Armageddon and is summarized in three headings, which indicate where, how, and when Armageddon takes place and what its consequences will be. The three aspects are deeply intertwined with each other. It is the site, the manner, and the period in which this event takes place that the author intends to provide material for analysis.   The word "Armageddon" is derived from Hebrew, and the original Greek script has the term "Harmagedon." The word has given origin to the mystique with which countries of the world always use terms like the "Third World War" and portray their physical-political viewpoints about last world events. Palestine (Israel) is the place where the Valley of Armageddon is located. Brother Branham indicated that it is about a 14-hour walk and a day's journey from Jerusalem to this Valley. Its first mention is in the passage of Judges 5:19. This text is related to the victory of Barak and Deborah over King Jabin of Canaan and his general Sisera.   The Hebrew term, Har Megiddô, denotes the towering hill about fifty miles north of Jerusalem upon which the fortress of Megiddo was built. There, toward the end of the second millennium, Thutmoses III won a major victory which climaxed his campaign against Palestinian Amorites. Fifteen centuries later, in 609 B.C., Pharaoh Necho II, returning to Egypt after assisting Syria in repelling aggressive Babylon, pursued some remnant of Judah's force under King Josiah which sought refuge behind these walls. According to the account in Second Chronicles, the king was slain, and his body was transported back to Jerusalem for burial.   It is first of all important to understand just what Armageddon is. The term "Armageddon" comes to us from the Book of Revelation, itself at the end of the New Testament. It is presented in descriptive purport as a prelude to that supreme finale in which God's righteous rule is asserted upon the earth as it is in Heaven and an eternity is ushered in of happiness and peace for the remaining ones of mankind.   However, anybody who reflects on our world as an enduring totality of time and space is now increasingly faced with the thought that the destiny of that world is evil. More prosaically, we are all agreed, including the secular humanists, that we have to do something about it, but the fact that the problem is now perceived in a secularized manner does not make it any more tractable. The earlier belief that the notion of a beneficent God, who will ultimately bring about the final victory of His will, could give a total and an acceptable answer and provoke a total and unambiguous belief, has disappeared. It is a question of very fundamental importance to note that this traditional belief, in the clarification of which an understanding of the notion of Armageddon is crucial, will continue to lose ground.   In terms of cultural and historical significance, the notion of Armageddon is of a very different order from the more or less forgotten notions of devil and hell. Today we are seldom, if ever, agitated by the thought that at our death - and as far as life's duration goes, we are already amidst the children of eternity - one of us might go to hell. In fact, the concept of the omnipowerful, omniscient, all-knowing, and therefore necessarily benevolent God who might sentence some of his creatures to unremitting punishment for eternity seems now utterly alien to us.   The name "Armageddon" is not difficult to explain. The concluding verses of the 16th chapter give us a description of the Kingdom of the Beast and of the circumstances that lead it to provoke the intervention of Christ Jesus. Three unclean spirits, it would seem to be, two Beasts and a False Prophet, work miracles, induce the kings of the earth to assemble at a place with a Hebrew name, Har-Megiddon, after which they go forth to gather the kings of the whole world for the final battle. The name this refers to, as most Biblical commentators insist, is the plain of Esdraelon, which has formed throughout the course of the Iron Age the easiest communications route from north to south, and is thus of direct concern to the inheritors of the ancient Empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, of each of which Megiddo was at times the key fortress. It was a suitable location, in other words, for all the varied and Leviathanic opponents of the Israel of God, as it will be for all the varied and Leviathanic enemies of the Church. Other explanations are merely ingenious and unrelated to the events that serve as the background of the final apocalyptic catastrophe.   The first mention of Armageddon in the Bible is in the 16th chapter of the Apocalypse or Revelation. The last of the series of seven Vial-plagues that bring to an end the reign of the Antichrist, who has shown himself both as against and in place of Christ Jesus, is poured on the air by an Angel, and a Voice from the Temple in Heaven proclaims: "It is done." In Biblical language, there is no hint of resignation or despair in such a declaration, but rather of achievement, with possibly overtones of relief. The Vial-plagues have brought to an end the trials and persecutions of the Faithful. The reign of the counter-Christ has been terminated, and in the brief but horrifying description that follows, we learn how the final defeat of the powers of darkness is accomplished.   It may indeed be concluded that the notion of an 'end of the age' was central to the anonymity of the apostolic teaching preached during the A.D. in a church which seemed to be already convinced that it was living in 'the Last Time'. In 2 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul justified his own unwarranted zeal (genuine enthusiasm, as Blaise Pascal was to say) on the grounds that the end of time was a phenomenon yet to make its initial appearance.   What this means is that he alone perfectly embodies the complex notion and the rigorous accompanying demands of divine love, and thereby fulfills the pledge of everlasting divine rule (victory for God's righteousness) by the fostering of peace which he alone can establish between God and his creation. When it comes to the manner of this realization, not all of the New Testament books offer a perspective which is exactly at one. Harnack observed that the apostle Paul, in common with all of his listeners, expected the literal earlier end of the world.   Revelation is the twenty-seventh book in the New Testament, although not the final one in the sequence of its date of origin. (2 Peter officially occupies that position.) As far as 'authorship' is concerned, it is to be included among the books in the New Testament about which there may be a query, if only because on both the Hebrew and the Christian models of prophecy, nearly everything found in it is just not to be discovered elsewhere throughout the rest of the book. "To Christ Jesus alone belong all splendor and power. May it be to him for all time," we are told in the closing verses of the twenty-seventh chapter of Revelations, and this glorious refrain seems to me to summarize the matter to the satisfaction of all.   At times, the prophets are given personal experiences that illustrate this final victory of righteousness over evil. Other times, the prophets or the psalmists use a myriad of expressive and compelling literary forms to present this deep-felt belief in the ultimate triumph. These writers give various prophecies to portray this incredible victory. The writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Zechariah, Malachi, and the Psalms are spiritual dynamite. Their prophecies of things to come are profound. They minister to the deep, hidden psychic needs of men across the ages yet to come. Even Jesus was not exempt from quoting from many of these Old Testament prophecies. We are told He made reference not only to individuals but also to the great and dramatic events that were yet to come. With only a partial fulfillment, we would do well to carefully note these prophecies contained in both the Old and the New Testaments.   Beginning in the Old Testament, a rich vein of scripture exists that refers to the concept of Armageddon. This scripture portrays a time of final destruction of the forces of evil the world over - righteousness in the final battle between good and evil. The ultimate victory of God's righteousness seems to have always been an integral part of the Judaic teachings, just as it is part of the Christian faith today. From the earliest writings, this concept is put forward, passed on to sons and daughters across centuries, and thoughtfully expounded.   Turning to Islam, it is plain from the Qur'an that close affinities, and, to some extent, an overlapping of ideas exist with both Christianity and Judaism, but if one considers the concept of Armageddon specifically, it is observable that in the Muslim Rashidun and Umayyad rents eschatological speculation was unimportant due to conquests of territory, and that Muhammad's teachings, insofar as their details can still be ascertained, contained relatively little about a great end-time battle at all.   Although this book is concerned with the term "Armageddon" in the Christian tradition alone, it might be enriching to cast a brief eye across the beliefs of other religions and to determine if a process of heterogenization in the interpretation of that term was to be witnessed. Christianity, just one religion among numerous others capable of having differing eschatologies, roots itself first in Judaism whose eschatological literature covers virtually the whole period of its writing. Cognate concepts can be seen adumbrated in Isaiah and taken up into the Christian tradition: within the Jewish tradition we can note once again that, at the same time, differences thrived, for example between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Moma Fixes the Mess. Today, Pastor Michael shares a powerful story from the Old Testament, a time of great turmoil. It's the story of Moma Fixes the Mess, a testament to the profound wisdom of God and the importance of allowing Him to guide us in challenging times. In this story, the hero is a Moma, Deborah.  Sisera, the commander of King Jabin, is going around the nation doing bad things, and the nation of Israel has a mess.  The Israelites went to Deborah as a prophetess for her advice during these times, and she told them to summon Barak, take 10,000 soldiers to Mt. Tabor, and fight against Sisera, as the Lord was on their side and would deliver a victory to them. A bunch of shepherds went against an army that had iron chariots, the most advanced military machines of the day. On the surface, this appeared to be an almost suicide mission. Yet, the Lord routed Sisera's army totally!  The Lord was with the Israelites! The world still underestimates the power of a Mother.  (CSB Bible Notes) As God's appointed representative, Deborah summoned Barak to lead the fighting. She also gave him the Lord's battle plan, deploying ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun on Mount Tabor, a strategic location at the northeast corner of the Jezreel Valley. Further, she assured him of the Lord's victory over Israel's enemies. Verses can be found in Judges 4: 1 - 23. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.  

In our previous exploration, we delved into the story of Deborah, Barak, and their triumphant battle against King Jabin and Sisera, as recounted in Judges chapters 4 and 5. This episode expands on that narrative, highlighting the often-overlooked heavenly spiritual warfare that accompanied that on the ground earthly conflict. Judges 5:20-23 intriguingly mentions that the stars fought from heaven against Sisera's forces, indicating a celestial battle parallel to the earthly one. This aspect reveals that the struggle was not merely against flesh and blood but involved heavenly beings as well. To deepen our understanding, we bridge this narrative with Psalm 68:15-18, which reflects on another ancient battle, this time against King Og of Bashan as recorded in Deuteronomy 3. Psalm 68 uses the exact same phrase from Judges 5:12 - "led captivity captive" - but in a context that sheds light on a cosmic conflict involving divine beings. Here, the psalm portrays YHWH's victory over the fallen spiritual entities of Mt. Bashan (also known as Mt. Hermon), emphasizing that the battle involved spiritual beings fighting against other spiritual beings. This adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of biblical battles, showing them as multidimensional events with both physical and spiritual forces at work. Furthermore, we look at how these two Old Testament accounts connect with the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 4:7-12, which quotes Psalm 68:18. This linkage is crucial for understanding how the early Christians viewed the work of Christ. Ephesians presents Jesus in a light similar to YHWH's role in Psalm 68, ascending beyond the realm of death, overcoming demonic forces, and achieving victory over death itself. This victorious ascent is not just a triumph over physical death but represents a profound spiritual victory, securing liberation from all oppressive forces for humanity. The term "led captivity captive" thus emerges as a thematic anchor across these narratives, symbolizing not the taking of prisoners in a conventional sense but signifying complete and total liberation from oppression. In the battles of Judges 4-5 and against King Og of Bashan, no physical captives were taken; instead, these victories represented the overthrow of oppressive powers, both human and spiritual. By drawing parallels between these Old Testament events and the New Testament understanding of Jesus' victory, we see a consistent theme of divine intervention leading to liberation. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the multifaceted nature of biblical liberation, recognizing it as a comprehensive freedom that encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. The victory of Jesus, depicted as a continuation and fulfillment of these ancient battles, underscores the comprehensive nature of liberation achieved through divine action, reaffirming the profound truth that ultimate victory lies in God's hands. Key Passages: Judges 5:20-23 Psalm 68:15-18 Eph 4:7-10 Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. * Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelifenash/support

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In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Deborah, Barak, and the Israelites as depicted in the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. This story not only showcases a pivotal moment in Israelite history but also serves as a reflective lens through which we explore the broader themes of obedience, faith, and divine deliverance woven throughout the Scriptures. The book of Judges begins with a somewhat disheartening account of the Israelite tribes' efforts to claim their promised land. Various tribes either chose not to drive out the inhabitants or found themselves unable to do so. This recurring theme of partial obedience and its consequences sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the Israelites' struggles and victories recorded in the book of Judges. It underscores a poignant message: the path to true victory lies in complete faith and adherence to God's commands. The battle led by Deborah, a prophet and judge, and Barak, against King Jabin of Canaan and his commander Sisera, epitomizes this principle. Despite the formidable enemy and daunting odds of facing off with an enemy who had 900 chariots, Deborah's faith and Barak's eventual obedience to God's directive brought about a dramatic turn of events. The narrative culminates in a miraculous victory for the Israelites, illustrating the complete and total liberation that was always within reach had they fully embraced God's guidance. This episode's exploration extends beyond the ancient battlefield to the New Testament, drawing a parallel with the phrase "led captivity captive" found in both Judges 5:12 and Ephesians 4:7-10. Contrary to the popular interpretation of this phrase, which proposes a meaning of "taking prisoners of war and leading them in a victory parade, the phrase actually signifies a profound notion of complete and total liberation. In the context of Judges 5-6, it reflects not the taking of prisoners (the text explicitly says no prisoners were taken captive, but rather that all the enemies died in battle), but the total emancipation from oppression—illustrating that the victory was not just about defeating an enemy but about achieving a state of complete and total freedom. This mirrors the message in Ephesians 4:7-10 where the phrase "led captivity captive" symbolizes Christ's victory over death and demonic forces, which opens up the possibility for all in Christ to experience full and complete liberation from the same forces of evil. Through the lens of these scriptures, we're reminded that true victory and freedom come from a place of total surrender to God's will. The story of Deborah and Barak is not just a historical recount but a timeless lesson in the power of faith and the nature of divine deliverance. As we bridge these ancient texts with contemporary faith, we find that the essence of liberation remains unchanged: it's about breaking free from the chains that bind us, not by our might but through divine intervention and guidance. Key Passages: Judges 4:14-16; 5:10-12 Eph 4:7-10 Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. * Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelifenash/support

Verses 6 to 24 of Judges 4. One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.” “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord's victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him. Now Heber the Kenite, a descendant of Moses' brother-in-law Hobab, had moved away from the other members of his tribe and pitched his tent by the oak of Zaanannim near Kedesh. When Sisera was told that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, he called for all 900 of his iron chariots and all of his warriors, and they marched from Harosheth-haggoyim to the Kishon River. Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” So Barak led his 10,000 warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle. When Barak attacked, the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and warriors into a panic. Sisera leaped down from his chariot and escaped on foot. Then Barak chased the chariots and the enemy army all the way to Harosheth-haggoyim, killing all of Sisera's warriors. Not a single one was left alive. Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. “Please give me some water,” he said. “I'm thirsty.” So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. “Stand at the door of the tent,” he told her. “If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no.” But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him. She said, “Come, and I will show you the man you are looking for.” So he followed her into the tent and found Sisera lying there dead, with the tent peg through his temple. So on that day Israel saw God defeat Jabin, the Canaanite king. And from that time on Israel became stronger and stronger against King Jabin until they finally destroyed him.

Verses 1 to 10 of Judges 4. After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in the Lord's sight. So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-haggoyim. Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help. Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.” “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord's victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him.

By Mary Lindow I had just worked four days and had put in 46 hours on my feet. I was tired. I had spoken life and ministered to many people in my position as an office manager and chiropractic assistant to a wonderful Doctor that loves people and loves God. But nonetheless, I was tired.   I had been asked to come and minister at a women's gathering on my day off, which would be Friday evening. I rested part of the day, did laundry the rest of the day and spoke to the Lord and prepared what he was giving me for the evening ministry meeting.   As I Got In The Car, I Noticed That My Indicators Were Telling Me There Was Something Wrong With The Car. Engine light flashing, cruise button not working and I had no time to spare to get to the meeting on time. So, I simply prayed, put my pedal to the metal and prayed all the way there.   When I Arrived, The Room Was Filled With Tired, Weary Women, Who Had Also Been Working Hard. Many of them, single mothers, many of them were parents who had taken on the adoption of their children's children, because their own children had gone wild and embraced a lifestyle of drugs and freedom. They were pouring everything they had into these grandchildren, yet they still came. Many in the room we're still seeking employment because they had lost previous jobs due to economic down change. And there, sitting in the church were young pregnant mothers.   Also, in the room were teenage high school girls and there I was, sent in my fatigue, to speak to them about the hope of Christ. I can tell you, I am so grateful for time in the word and time in prayer that anchors us and shows us the purpose beyond our own, as to why God sends us into different places.   I Was Honest, I Was Raw, And I Was Right In Front Of Them As One Of Them. As I began to talk about what it means to be in the presence of God, to really know him and his presence, and that it is there for us to draw from, to drink from, in order to survive this cruel world, something in the room began to change.   We are all aware of when the presence of God comes into a meeting and we call it the glory of God, Or We Call It The “Shekinah Glory”, Or The Holy Presence Of The Lord, And All Of This Is Very True! But in this meeting there was such a kindness and such tenderness towards this room of women who showed up on a Friday night after a long workweek, just to come in hope that they could touch the hem of his garment.   There were people in that group from about 11 years old all the way up to I would say late 70s. But every single one of them were women created in the fashion that God wanted them to be made in. Each of them still has dreams alive inside of them, even if their bodies are aging and are beginning to slow down a bit. There's a fire inside of them that God wants to keep lit so that he may use them to the fullest.   But How Do You Address Those Situations With Multiple Generations? You talk to them about how much God loves them. You tell them about the hope that Jesus brings and then you get honest and tell them where you are!   When You Don't Put Yourself On A Pedestal or lift up the icon of “your great knowledge of the Lord”, but instead, you get in the boat with them, they suddenly feel that they can receive from something or someone who “gets where they are at”.   I told stories of when I was a young girl, and first came to know the Lord and I had the young girls laughing, and it was so wonderful! But the Lord gave me their attention then.   I began to talk about raising children and how frightening it can be in a world where the narratives are screaming to influence our children's minds, and I cheered the mothers on who are willing to do the hard things of homeschooling or be on top of the things their children are learning at school and to be vocal.   I talked about what it means to have pain in a family and to see children suffer, to see orphaned and adopted children come into your home, and you love, and care and nurture them as your very own.   And, I talked about when our bodies begin to change and grow a bit weaker and a bit older, the things we must do to remain strong in the Lord and yet what we can do with what we have, and how we can walk the floors in prayer, how we can be in the church building and pray for those who need to know Christ, and if we can't walk, we can ride in our car and drive around and pray for our neighborhoods.   You See The Nurturing Quality Of God Is Real! It is the Holy Spirit in a mothering form, but it also has to come across with direction.   People Are Looking For Direction Today. They need to see a course set out before them that has light and hope, and the wonderful woman of God, Deborah in the scriptures, had a journey, and a story to tell that in fact, turned her nation around because she chose to work and do the hard things in her community, where God began to then build a rapport with those who would even go to war and lead the armies.   God Is Raising Up Many Deborahs In This Hour. Many who have been silent and quiet. Maybe it's your wife, maybe it's your daughter, and maybe it's your grandmother.   But right now there are women who see on the horizon, the great and dark, gloomy agendas of the world. And Friends, when you have a mother's, fighting spirit and you have experience, there is nothing you will not do to stand up and protect your family and to go to war in the kingdom of God.   “God's eyes are searching to and fro over the earth looking for a heart that is fully His.”  -2 Chronicles 16:9   What caught His eye when He came to Deborah? Was it the uncompromising fire of holiness, an unwavering faith or an unrelenting love that set her apart? Was it something about the integrity of her character, the depth and integrity of her wisdom and the richness of her kindness, which produced confidence in both men and women?    THE LORD IS SO JEALOUS FOR EACH ONE OF US TO LOVE HIM AND KNOW HIM!   When We Start To Move Away From Him, He Allows Evil Kings To Oppress Us. The Word tells us that God is the one who appoints evil kings and magistrates, but He also rises up the godly judges and kings!   Deborah was the fourth judge and for the first 20 years of her 40-year reign, the nation was oppressed by one of history's most powerful and cruel Canaanite Kings, Jabin, and his sneaky military commander, Sisera. (Judges 4:1-4)   Deborah Captured The Heart Of God! What is amazing is that the Lord raised up a woman to deliver a nation! What is especially surprising is that it happened in the Middle East thousands of years ago! Deborah was not only a wife, mother, intercessor, psalmist and prophetess but also a judge and a national deliverer. That's not a bad resume for a middle-aged woman living in that oppressive Middle Eastern culture!   Against Great Odds, God Used Her Powerfully. Deborah broke outside of her culture but she wasn't in rebellion, she was in obedience -- to her God. She was used radically and set her people free, and the people loved her. It's a wonderful story of faith in God, and it champions men and women partnering together in a war to save their nation from great oppression. When we read about this revolutionary prophetess and judge, it expands our religious studies of women being allowed to lead governmentally. But I really feel that God is raising up a troupe of end-time Deborahs.   THERE IS GREAT GLOBAL SHAKING THAT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN, AND THE LORD IS CALLING NOT ONLY THE MEN, BUT ALSO THE WOMEN OF GOD!   The Lord is saying, “ARISE! SHINE Deborahs! Be a part of the army of the Lord!”   There Are Two Root Words For Consecrate In Hebrew: never (separating from) and cades (separating unto). Deborah, Like The Other Defenders Of The Faith, Was Separated From The World And Unto God. She did nothing on her own but spoke just what the Father taught her. This is where the true victory lies, in listening to Him.   Deborah's Work History We tend to think of multi-tasking as a 21st century sensation, but Deborah was functioning in five major roles. Many scholars believe that one of Deborah's roles before becoming judge was being a lamp lighter in the temple.   In The Bible, Oil Is Often A Symbol For The Holy Spirit. Deborah was married to Lapidoth, whose name means, shine, lamp, flame, burning lamp, lightening, and torch. Isn't it interesting? He, too, was a lamp that had oil!   Deborah Was A Keeper Of The Oil And Light, Carefully Tending The Lamps. This shows us that she was a woman who was passionately spending long hours dwelling in the temple. She was a woman of prayer and of worship. She lived between two villages, Ramah and Bethel, in Ephraim, which means the valley of fruitfulness.   Biblical Names Often Have Profound Prophetic Meanings. The ancient village of Ramah was known to be the seat of high adultery. Bethel was known as the house of the Lord with open heavens, where Jacob had his ladder experience in Genesis 28.   Deborah stood in the gap interceding between the seat of high idolatry and pagan worship and the house of Bethel with its open heavens. Now The Picture Becomes A Little Clearer As“ Deborah Was Raised Up By God To Intercede Against Idolatry (Ramah). She wanted to turn the hearts of the children of Israel back to the house of God (Bethel) to inherit a double portion of fruit (Ephraim).   Deborah's Relationship With The Lord Was Very Precious And Intimate. I believe that in those twenty years of captivity, Deborah stood in the gap and interceded to change the course of Israel. God promised Abraham, in Genesis 18, that He would save a nation for the sake of ten righteous men. I believe that the righteous prayers of Deborah availed much!   She Worshipped And Had A Deep Intercessory Life With God. She would go into the temple and fill the lamps with oil and ask God for revelation for people around her in great darkness.   She was prepared in this secret place as she stood in the gap in desperate intercession for her people and her nation. She would hear from God and would bring down great wisdom and counsel.   She Spent Long Hours In The Temple. This dedication moved the very heart of God and changed the very heart of Deborah. He led, she followed. She led, Israel followed.   Oftentimes we have the misunderstanding that worship is merely the thirty-minute time slot before the sermon, when we sing songs of devotion to God. This is part of worship.   But Doing Small Things With Great Love Unto Him Is Living A Life Of Worship. Deborah was a worshipper who loved the oil of the lamps, the Holy Spirit.   We Need To Be Like Deborah, Men And Women Of Prayer. Sincere and passionate prayer is the key to unlock our relationship with Almighty God.   Many struggle with praying because they feel that their intercession is not much more than empty cries to an invisible God who seems so distant. We often think that our prayers bounce off the ceiling and back to us unheard and unanswered.   But Beloved! God Loves Conversing With You! He promises that He will hear you and answer!   IT TAKES ONLY A FEW SECONDS OF A FACE-TO-FACE ENCOUNTER WITH GOD, TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY FOR YOU, YOUR CITY, OR YOUR NATION.   In Fact, Connecting With God Is The Highest Purpose For Which You Were Created! This is eternal life to know me! (John 17:3)   Our Hunger For God Is What Fuels Our Prayer Life. When His presence is our passion and our hunger is for His heart, we can approach the throne of God boldly with the confidence that our Papa loves our prayers, but having this first love is so important.    For Deborah, intercession was an exchange of ideas in which God began to download strategic battle plans, blue prints from heaven, and keys to open doors that no man can shut, and shut doors that no man can open. Isa. 22:22 How else could she have so wisely judged so many civil cases with the Israelites?   The journey of Deborah is a declaration of the power of just ONE life… …Fully set apart for God.   Deborah Stood As A Prophetic Representation, a suggestion that as a woman who may have been weaker in her physical attributes, she had the word of God! She had a history of going in and lighting the lamps.   She Had A History Of Hearing The Voice Of God In The Secret Place. So swiftly, when the hour came for her tangibly to go into war, she was ready. She was in the place to say yes because she knew the voice of her God.   What Is The Reason Why God Was Attracted To The Life Of Deborah? Prophetess Deborah functioned in the divine dimension of a spirit of wisdom and revelation. It was almost as if God had supernaturally, placed a divine compass in her, always guiding her to Him. The judging that Deborah did so well might have been because of her gift as a prophetess.   She would have been able to make wise decisions if she saw well in the Spirit. She was humble, willing and wise.   In Matthew Henry's Commentary, he writes: “She was a woman of illuminations, or of splendors, one extraordinarily known and wise, and so came to be eminent and illustrious. She was intimately acquainted with God, she was a prophetess, and one that instructed others in divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and had gifts of wisdom, to which she attained not in an ordinary way; she heard words of God, and she probably saw visions of the Almighty. She was totally devoted to Israel. After Jehovah, Israel was she first love.”   Deborah Was One Who Received Fresh Instructions From Heaven,and though she knew how evil the oppression of King Jabin was, she also knew that with God anything is possible! Something in Deborah knew how to pull on the sources of heaven, standing in the guidance of the Lord (Jer. 23) and open her mouth and let Him fill it (Psa. 81:10).   She Was A Mother Of Israel. What made this woman a mother of Israel?  Deborah loved well. Imagine facing the unending line of people all needing a touch of heaven. Imagine her tired eyes looking out on the faces of His design as she felt the ache in their hearts for God. They had come so far, how could they leave empty handed? The eleven other scattered tribes of Israel walked for miles and risked their lives on the dangerous highways as they struggled through to hear from God, through Deborah's voice.    In Judges 5:6-8, listen to what she says. “The highways were deserted, and the travelers walked along the byways. Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; then there was war in the gates.” I believe that Deborah could hear the groans of the Israelites who were oppressed for 20 years and feel the throbbing pain in God's heart over His people's sin and oppression.   I Believe That It Was Her Ability To Hear His Heartbeat That Allowed Her To Save A Nation In A Day. Deborah ruled with the sword of a prophet but the staff of a shepherd -- she truly loved God's people. She always led well. She led by loving.   Military Policymaker Deborah Was More Than A Judge; She Was Used To Deliver Israel From The Second Longest Captivity. As a prophetess and military strategist, she called the nation to war. She not only brandished the hand of God but also operated with the heart of God. You see, Deborah was a deliverer! She Loved The People And They Loved Her. She Delivered Them From A Great Enemy.   The Lord literally issued a clear prophetic word to summon Barak, the Israeli commander, to rally the troops for battle against impossible odds. Why? Because the Hebrews had no weapons -- none. They had all been taken away by the Canaanites.   God Showed Deborah The Secrets Of How To Win The Battle. She brought a holy “about-face” to the wicked plans of Israel. When the city gates were at war, Deborah, a mother of Israel who was willing to lay down her life for her God and county, arose.   Why We Need Deborahs To Arise And Shine Today There is a cry going out from the hearts of God's people about the oppression the church is under  from the enemy.   Heaven Is Aware Of The Issues Affecting The People Of God. But, until a cry goes out from the people of God, the hands of Heaven are tied.   Without A Cry, We Show We Are Satisfied Or Comfortable With The Way Things Are. The harassment had been going on for well over 20 years. How long do we put up with things before we cry out for change?    GOD HAS BEEN WATCHING AND STIRRING UP DEBORAHS FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW AND THE TIMING IS RIGHT.   When We Get To The Place To Where Revival Itself Isn't Enough, But We Must See Change Take Place, We Know We Are On The Verge Of Something Great.   We Have Got To Get To The Place That We Don't Just Want Change, But We Are Willing To Rise Up And Put Our Hands To The Plow, To See Change Occur.   Actions truly do speak louder than words.   Deborah Represents The Steadiness And Dependability Necessary To Both Win And Keep Victory. Barak means “lightning flash”. That is temporary. We don't need a temporary fix or a temporary anointing. If a temporary, quick fix was enough; we would be in a great position by now! We didn't get to where we are at quickly, and the victory must be won with reliability and dedication.   When Deborah Arose, The Warriors Returned. There is a group of God's warriors who are waiting for someone to rise up and lead them back to the place and position for which they have been created. God bestowed peace and victory for 40 years. The time of victory was twice as long as the time of oppression. The sad part is that after the 40 years, the Israelites went back to their wicked ways and found themselves in a place of oppression again.   Let Us Be Men And Woman Who Will Stand In The Breach And Go Before God And Cry Out In Intercession These Very Words,   “Lord, we need restoration! Lord, we need the Kingdom of God to break in with the resurrection power of life!”   This Is A Call To Combat! This is a call for you to say that you want to hear the voice of God… … From the secret place. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe.” -Hebrews 12:28   Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! 2023 "THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:   Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:    His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with   Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985 with Clergy Financial Advantage. THANK YOU!

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament: Judges 4:1-7 1The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. 2So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. 3Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. 4At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. 5She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. 6She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. 7I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.'” Psalm: Psalm 123 1 To you I lift up my eyes, *        to you enthroned in the heavens. 2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, *        and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, 3 So our eyes look to the Lord our God, *        until he show us his mercy. 4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, *        for we have had more than enough of contempt, 5 Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, *        and of the derision of the proud. Old Testament: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 7Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests. 12At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs, those who say in their hearts, “The Lordwill not do good, nor will he do harm.” 13Their wealth shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them. 14The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter, the warrior cries aloud there. 15That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. 17I will bring such distress upon people that they shall walk like the blind; because they have sinned against the Lord, their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. 18Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord's wrath; in the fire of his passion the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. Psalm: Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 1 Lord, you have been our refuge *        from one generation to another. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth,   or the land and the earth were born, *        from age to age you are God. 3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *       “Go back, O child of earth.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *        and like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep us away like a dream; *        we fade away suddenly like the grass. 6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *        in the evening it is dried up and withered. 7 For we consume away in your displeasure; *        we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation. 8 Our iniquities you have set before you, *        and our secret sins in the light of your countenance. 9 [When you are angry, all our days are gone; *        we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The span of our life is seventy years,    perhaps in strength even eighty; *        yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,        for they pass away quickly and we are gone. 11 Who regards the power of your wrath? *        who rightly fears your indignation?] 12 So teach us to number our days *        that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 14“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest.28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents.29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

“Learning from the Heroes of the OT" As we wrap up our Mayjah Faith series, we want to highlight two women God has used. One held a position of authority over Israel, while the other played a vital role in delivering Israel from the army of King Jabin of Canaan. —— See what God can do through you. Be a part of our New Hope Kailua family, in-person or online! If this is your first visit, we'd like to get to know you! Please fill out our ⁠Connect Card⁠: https://bit.ly/nhk-connect Subscribe to receive our latest messages: ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people worldwide, visit our ⁠Online Giving⁠: https://newhopekailua.org/giving. —— Stay Connected ⁠NHK App⁠: https://bit.ly/nhk-app ⁠Website⁠: https://newhopekailua.org/ ⁠Facebook⁠: https://bit.ly/nhk-fb ⁠Instagram⁠: https://bit.ly/nhk-ig

Deborah by Charles Landelle, 1901 Perhaps you came from a church background that recognized the valuable contributions of the women of the Bible, but for most Christians, they don't ever get to hear about prominent women in the Bible, with the exception of Mary. Deborah, one of the Judges of Israel, is an godly example of a prophetess, military leader, judge, and minstrel that few hear about. We are going to explore the wonderful attributes of Deborah, Barak, and another brave woman, Jael, who turns the tide of the war with King Jabin. Join me for this encouraging and uplifting study! Story of Deborah, Free High Resolution Images (freechristimages.com) Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Listen Notes Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Mentoring https://youtu.be/WWgkERpkIoY An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Affiliate links: Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://members.walkingthebiblelands.com/pages/refer?referral_code=eHeeHacgekBDge Get one free month of Blubrry podcast hosting with the promotional code: FAITHFUL http://create.blubrry.com/resources/podcast-media-hosting/?code=FAITHFUL Get quality podcast guests and interviews from PodMatch! Get paid to be a host! Sign up below: https://podmatch.com/signup/faithful Visit my friends at the Heal Thrive Dream Boutique for some cool T-shirts, jewelry and other merch! Simply share the discount code we created just for you and receive a 10% discount on your order!  DIANA98825  https://www.htd-boutique.com/ Bible Study Notebook From Karen Robinson! Check it out!  https://www.htd-boutique.com/products/bible-planner-for-survivors-includes-prayer-requests-sermon-notes-bible-study-notes-and-other-note-pages-to-enrich-your-spiritual-life Judge Deborah Full Transcript: [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. Brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. [00:00:26] Now here is Diana. [00:00:33] welcome back to the podcast. So glad that you're here. I know that you die hards that listen every week you might have noticed that I missed a week. Well, actually, I, I had it recorded. I just didn't edit it in time to get released on Wednesday. And the reason why is because it was my first week back at [00:01:00] work full time. [00:01:02] And when I got home and sat on the couch and put my feet up, I was exhausted and I was actually dozing off on the couch. And so it was like that every day last week. And. So forgive me, I did not have the energy to edit the podcast in time. That's how it goes. [00:01:23] Still recovering from my foot surgery. Today I have been doing some yard work with my regular sneakers on. I'm not wearing the orthopedic sandal that I was wearing for three weeks. I felt pretty good today, energy wise, and my foot was actually doing pretty well. [00:01:46] It is 110 here, this week.

Message for 05/21/2023 "Conquer" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Consecration, Cleansing, and Conquest Conquest Joshua 6:1-5 - Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams' horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.” Joshua 6:15-21 - On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the town! 17 Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies. 18 “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. 19 Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.” 20 When the people heard the sound of the rams' horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. 21 They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Joshua 10:1-14 - Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the town of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now their allies. 2 He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town—as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors. 3 So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. 4 “Come and help me destroy Gibeon,” he urged them, “for they have made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel.” 5 So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon. 6 The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. “Don't abandon your servants now!” they pleaded. “Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us.” 7 So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon. 8 “Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” 9 Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. 12 On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day! Judges 4:4-7 - Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. 5 She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. 6 One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. 7 And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” Judges 4:17-21 - Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19 “Please give me some water,” he said. “I'm thirsty.” So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. 20 “Stand at the door of the tent,” he told her. “If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no.” 21 But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. Judges 6:1-6 - The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight. So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. 2 The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel, 4 camping in the land and destroying crops as far away as Gaza. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. 5 These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts; they arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare. 6 So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. Judges 7:19-24a - It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars. 20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 23 Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian. 24 Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.” Joshua 6:15 - On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. Joshua 10:36-37 - From Eglon, Joshua and the Israelite army went up to Hebron and attacked it. 37 They captured the town and killed everyone in it, including its king, leaving no survivors. They did the same thing to all of its surrounding villages. And just as he had done at Eglon, he completely destroyed the entire population. Joshua 15:13-15 - The Lord commanded Joshua to assign some of Judah's territory to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So Caleb was given the town of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), which had been named after Anak's ancestor. 14 Caleb drove out the three groups of Anakites—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the sons of Anak. Deuteronomy 20:10 - As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace Most readers imagine that God commissioned his nation to vengefully wipe out an entire nation of Canaanite men, women, and children. However, a deeper reading reveals that the reasons for the conquest were more complex, the scope of the destruction was smaller, and God's mercy was present throughout. - Andy Patton Deuteronomy 9:5 - It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The Lord your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis 15:16 - After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.” Revelation 17:14 ESV - They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Romans 12:9-21 - Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Judges 4 NLT read aloud by Simon MacFarlane. 1 After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in the Lord's sight. 2 So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-haggoyim. 3 Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help. 4 Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. 5 She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. 6 One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. 7 And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” 8 Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.” 9 “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord's victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him. 11 Now Heber the Kenite, a descendant of Moses' brother-in-law[a] Hobab, had moved away from the other members of his tribe and pitched his tent by the oak of Zaanannim near Kedesh. 12 When Sisera was told that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, 13 he called for all 900 of his iron chariots and all of his warriors, and they marched from Harosheth-haggoyim to the Kishon River. 14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” So Barak led his 10,000 warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle. 15 When Barak attacked, the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and warriors into a panic. Sisera leaped down from his chariot and escaped on foot. 16 Then Barak chased the chariots and the enemy army all the way to Harosheth-haggoyim, killing all of Sisera's warriors. Not a single one was left alive. 17 Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19 “Please give me some water,” he said. “I'm thirsty.” So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. 20 “Stand at the door of the tent,” he told her. “If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no.” 21 But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. [...]

[Judges 4:1-3] After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in the LORD's sight. [2] So the LORD turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-haggoyim. [3] Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. An __________ is anything that clouds our ___________ of God. God has a _________ ________ in His heart for when you call out to Him. [Judges 4:4-7] Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. [5] She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. [6] One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. [7] And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him." God is the great _________________ and has made us all _________________ in His eyes. [Galatians 3:26-28] For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. [27] And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. [28] There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Step out in ____________________ when God calls you to do something! [Judges 4:8-10] Barak told her, "I will go, but only if you go with me." [9] "Very well," she replied, "I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the LORD's victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. [10] At Kedesh, Barak called together the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and 10,000 warriors went up with him. Deborah also went with him. If God wants to work through someone and they _____________, He will just use someone ___________. [Judges 4:17-21] Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. [18] Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid." So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. [19] "Please give me some water," he said. "I'm thirsty." So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. [20] "Stand at the door of the tent," he told her. "If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no." [21] But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. [Judges 5:24] "Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. May she be blessed above all women who live in tents.

When God delivered the Israelites from the cruel hands of King Jabin and Sisera, the first thing Deborah and Barak did was to worship and praise God. In Judges 5 we find the “Song of Deborah”. All God's Women is a daily devotional women's Bible study podcast and internationally syndicated radio show where we journey through the Bible one woman's story at a time. If you enjoy learning about women in the Bible, tune in each weekday for 2-minute Bible stories about Bible women.If you enjoy listening to All God's Women podcast and radio show, you're going to love my brand new Women of Prayer Bible study. Get to know the character of God by studying the prayers of women in the Bible. Grab your copy today. Available in paperback and Kindle.

When God delivered the Israelites from the cruel hands of King Jabin and Sisera, the first thing Deborah and Barak did was to worship and praise God. In Judges 5 we find the “Song of Deborah”. All God's Women is a daily devotional women's Bible study podcast and internationally syndicated radio show where we journey through the Bible one woman's story at a time. If you enjoy learning about women in the Bible, tune in each weekday for 2-minute Bible stories about Bible women. If you enjoy listening to All God's Women podcast and radio show, you're going to love my brand new Women of Prayer Bible study. Get to know the character of God by studying the prayers of women in the Bible. Grab your copy today. Available in paperback and Kindle.

EPISODE 10 As we study through Judges 5:11-31, we see how Deborah's and Barak's song remembers the key characters in the fight against King Jabin, focusing today on Deborah and Barak, the faithful tribes, the weak tribes, and nature. While ABP is not a scholarly work, I would like to reference any material that my teaching was based on or influenced by: -Block, Daniel I. Judges, Ruth (The New American Commentary). Tennessee: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1999. Logos Edition. Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017, by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Be sure to check us out at our website, adoptedbelievers.com. You can find out more about us, articles, and access to all our podcast content and links to various podcast platforms.

Thank you for supporting this ministry, I lovingly refer to as "The Little Green Pasture." Click here: PayPal: http://paypal.me/JoanStahl ​ Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joaniestahl **Contact Email: jsfieldnotes@gmail.com **Send Donations To: Joanie Stahl - P.O. Box 1386 - 205 Avenida Del Mar - San Clemente, Ca. 92674 **You can also visit and subscribe to me on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-534183 Every time I read about wars that are written in the Bible, I always see the heart and mind of God as to how He sees things. They reveal His emotions, His thoughts and ways. In Judges chapter 4 the children of Israel were oppressed for twenty years under the wicked Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor. They cried unto God for help and soon after they came to Deborah the wife of Lapidoth for answers. She was the current Judge of Israel who sat under a Palm tree. Yet she does not answer them a word, instead she calls for Barak the commander of Israel's army to come to her. She tells him that "God will sell Sisera in the hand of a woman." She wonders why he has not done what God has commanded him to do. Why he has tarried and not done according to the prescription of war. He told her that if she did not go with him then he would not go. So she went to war with him and the armies of Israel. The Lord was already defeating Sisera the commander of King Jabin's army when they arrived to the plain. He fled away on foot because of a sudden flood that disabled his chariot. He fled to Jael's tent and out she came and told him to turn into her tent. She put a blanket on him, fed him "butter in a lordly dish," and he fell into a deep sleep. Jael took a workman's hammer and a tent peg nail and smote him in his temples and he died. Then Barak came to her tent on foot and she came out to meet him. She told him to come into her tent, and showed him the dead commander. Deborah's song said, "At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead." This woman Jael the wife of Heber fought the battle with a mantle, a cup of milk, a workman's hammer and a nail. This story is not just for women, it is for both men and women who love the Lord. The main Person in view is God in this account. Look at what He does when He gives a charge to war. He will use His people and give them power over and against the will of the enemy. He will give them all out victory. He will give you courage, strength and power. The final words of Deborah's song will be their's that fight in the Lord's battles, and will be given the same outcome. "So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years." "Glory be to God, we know the end of the war. The great dragon shall be cast out and for ever destroyed, while Jesus and they who are with him shall receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords to-night, and pray the Holy Spirit to nerve our arms for the conflict. Never battle so important, never crown so glorious." ~Charles Spurgeon --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joanie-stahl/support

AdairsvilleJanuary 29, 2022  The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.Education ————-Here on the top of Mt. Tabor, we can see the valley below. Israel is watching. They too recognize something great and decisive is about to take place. The morning had started out with a typical bright desert sunrise…but storm clouds seemed to be brewing… Judges 4 - 1-7 ——————————————-In a land where metal weapons were exceedingly rare, King Jabin and the Commander of the Armed Forces - Sisera commanded nine hundred chariots of iron that made the plain of Esdraelon tremble as they rolled along in procession.  These weren't just any chariots - they were the new 900 Series with iron wheels, iron trim, and 4 foot diamond sharpened glittering blades jutting out of the center of each of the chariot wheels. As they spun at a few thousands RPMs, they would mow down an army like mowing through your grass. And the frightened Hebrews would often peer down from the hills and thought that Jabin must be a mighty king, that Jabin and Sisera must be obeyed, all because of those chariots of iron - the flaunting symbol of that civilization's military industrial complex.  God was ready to deliver his people. All they had to do was ask and finally they were asking. It had been 20 long years under the reign of Jabin and Sisera. Judges 4:8-9 Every day Deborah listened to their tales of grief and their stories of pain and their record of oppression, the conviction grew in her mind that her people were tired of being afraid:  her people must be led to overcome their fear of those chariots of Jabin and Sisera.  And so Deborah went about breaking the dark spell of discouragement and despair that hung over the Israelites.  She taught them how to believe again in a God who can do mighty miracles, and she taught them how to pray again.  And men and women, teenagers….began to change. Deborah found herself at the heart of a genuine religious revolution, and she understood that the time had come for action.  And so she sent a message to the strongest man she could find, a tribal chief with the interesting name of Barak who lived one hundred miles to the north. —the man whose very name meant “lightning”—he refused to go into battle unless Deborah went with him. And Deborah didn't hesitate. She could have. She was a mother in Israel, she was the voice of the nation. She was the voice of God to the people.There was no concern that she was a woman in a culture run by men… She knew that God's biddings were and are His enablings. And down on the broad plain of Esdraelon, Sisera must have smiled to himself.  ‘Bring it on,' he thought, perhaps like Goliath just a few years later, shouting “come down to us…with your sticks and stones.” Remember metal weapons weren't common in Israel.  And when a man has nine hundred chariots of iron, he longs for something to do with them. Just like when the land of the free spends nearly 700 Billion dollars a year funding ‘defense', some long for something to do with all these weapons…. But Sisera had made all of his calculations as though there was no God in the heavens watching out for His chosen people.  Sisera foolishly thought just like all of God's enemies do that he was only dealing with a weak and pathetically helpless people, The Battle —-Judges 4:10 Fast Forward over 1100 years, Paul is writing Hebrews and reminds us never to forget… the hero of this story….well let's read it - Hebrews 11:32 You can imagine how perhaps that scene unfolded. As do many stories in the old testament…God often uses his creation to confound the wise. Perhaps a storm of sleet and hail burst over the plain from the east in the face of Sisera and his men Slingers and archers were limited. Others were stung by the cold Deborah and all Israel had the storm to their back. Flooding begins swelling the Kishon River Chariots begin sinking in mud. Whatever happened, God showed up! “The Song of Deborah” recorded in Judges 5 is treated by believer and skeptic alike as one of the greatest pieces of poetry of the ancient world.  But in the midst of all this celebration and thanksgiving, there's a note of great anger and bitterness.  In the 23rd verse of Judges 5, we read these lines that seem so strangely out of place: “Curse Meroz, says the angel of the Lord,Curse bitterly its inhabitants,Because they came not to the help of the Lord,To the help of the Lord against the mighty.” As Deborah is on the top of the mountain about to go to war with Israel and asking Barak where the tribe of Meroz is…Barak says they just didn't want to come, they made excuses. Jesus parable in Luke 14 tells us about many making excuses in the last moments of time….I bought some land, I got married, my portfolio needs attention… But Deborah doesn't accept any excuses.  With righteous fire in her eyes, she denounces those who chose the safety of hearth and home while the legions of Naphtali and Zebulon were risking their lives on the plain of Esdraelon.An entire tribe and people has passed into the abyss of history, leaving only its name as a byword for shame and dishonor. For Meroz has come to stand for uselessness, Meroz has come to stand for neutrality when no good person can dare be neutral:  Meroz has come to stand for apathy when honest people can't stand idly by. If God abhors one sin above another, of which his people are guilty, it is of doing nothing in a case of emergency. Indifference or neutrality in a religious crisis is regarded of God as a grievous crime; and equal to the very worst type of hostility against God. RH September 30, 1873, But Meroz didn't do anything so actively evil as playing traitor or spy.  No, Meroz simply did--nothing.  In the face of a monumental crisis confronting the people of God, Meroz carried on as though nothing unusual was happening.  In a time of desperate conflict, an inactive friend is counted as an enemy.  In a time of desperate conflict, an inactive friend is counted as an enemy.  Martin Luther King Jr.“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  "There comes a time when silence is betrayal."   if we're lost in the end, I don't think it will be primarily because of all the bad things we've done, even though there are a lot of those--but because we failed to do the good we could have done. Jesus calls it nothing less than treason. 

< Back to Judges IndexTALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANSDeborah and Barak Defeat the Canaanites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTESDOCTRINAL POINT(S)Satan raises up Jabins and Siseras to defeat God's people.God raises up Deborahs and Jaels to help His peoplePRACTICAL APPLICATIONWhen we do our part, God does His part.QUESTIONSOutline the third sin cycle in the Book of Judges, as found in this section. Review the five stages in Lesson 3.Who was Deborah? Who was Barak?Who was Sisera? How was he killed?Who was Jabin? What is the significance of the historical picture here?What is the spiritual picture represented by Jabin and Sisera?ANSWERSa. SinRebellion- After Ehud died, the children of Israel once again did evil in the sight of the Lord (v.1) b. ServitudeRetribution- The Lord allowed the Canaanites to oppress His people with military might for twenty years, under the rule of King Jabin (vs.2-3) c. SupplicationRepentance- Israel cried out to the Lord (v.3) d. SalvationRestoration- The Lord raised up Deborah and Barak to restore Israel (vs.4-9) e. SilenceRest- Israel had rest for forty years (5:31).Deborah was a woman of God, a judge, a mother in Israel, and a prophetess to whom the Lord revealed the defeat of the Canaanites. Barak was the commander of the army of Israel.Sisera was the commanding general of the Canaanite army. When his army fell, he fled on foot to the tent of Jael, who drove a tent peg into his temple (4:15-21).Jabin was the Canaanite king who reigned in Hazor, a stronghold in the north of Israel. This is the same Hazor which was conquered under Joshua (Joshua 11:10-11), more than 100 years before this time.Jabin and Sisera were Canaanites, enemies of Israel. Hazor was the same area conquered earlier. This illustrates that enemies who have been defeated can rise again. Christians who have experienced victory over certain sins find that these sins may come back more than once.DISCUSS/CONSIDERSatan likes to keep God's people defeated in the land of blessing. Have you experienced victory over certain sins only to find that they return? Check out such sins as doubt, bitterness, uncontrolled anger, pride, jealousy, and sexual sins. As Christians, we must always practice the biblical principles of victory by putting on all of the spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17), because we can be sure that Satan will raise up his Jabins and Siseras to try to defeat God's people.When Israel cried out to the Lord, Deborah was there. Jael was not an Israelite, but she was used of God to help His people. Even as God raised up Deborah and Jael to help His people, there are those today whom God can use. Perhaps you have been helped by a Deborah or a Jael, or perhaps you are a Deborah or a Jael to be used of God to help others.CHALLENGEDeborah and Barak planned and prepared for battle, and God brought victory. Are you using the talents and gifts that God has given to you to the best of your ability? When we do our part, God does His part.KEY VERSES"Deborah said to Barak, 'Has not the Lord God commanded us to prepare for battle? He replied, 'If you will go with me, then I will go." Judges 4:6-8"Deborah said to Barak, 'Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has delivered the enemy into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?" Judges 4:14

Readings for Wednesday, June 30, 2021 “Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.” -- Psalm 125:4 Morning Psalm 65 1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed, 2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come. 3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. 4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. 6 By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. 7 You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples. 8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. 9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. Psalm 147:1-11 Psalm 147 1 Praise the Lord ! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. 4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. 6 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. 8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. 10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; 11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Midday 1 Samuel 12:1-25 12 Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to you in all that you have said to me, and have set a king over you. 2 See, it is the king who leads you now; I am old and gray, but my sons are with you. I have led you from my youth until this day. 3 Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.” 4 They said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from the hand of anyone.” 5 He said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.” 6 Samuel said to the people, “The Lord is witness, who appointed Moses and Aaron and brought your ancestors up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore take your stand, so that I may enter into judgment with you before the Lord, and I will declare to you all the saving deeds of the Lord that he performed for you and for your ancestors. 8 When Jacob went into Egypt and the Egyptians oppressed them, then your ancestors cried to the Lord and the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, who brought forth your ancestors out of Egypt, and settled them in this place. 9 But they forgot the Lord their God; and he sold them into the hand of Sisera, commander of the army of King Jabin of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; and they fought against them. 10 Then they cried to the Lord, and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord, and have served the Baals and the Astartes; but now rescue us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.' 11 And the Lord sent Jerubbaal and Barak, and Jephthah, and Samson, and rescued you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety. 12 But when you saw that King Nahash of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,' though the Lord your God was your king. 13 See, here is the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; see, the Lord has set a king over you. 14 If you will fear the Lord and serve him and heed his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well; 15 but if you will not heed the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. 16 Now therefore take your stand and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. 17 Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that the wickedness that you have done in the sight of the Lord is great in demanding a king for yourselves.” 18 So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. 19 All the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God for your servants, so that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of demanding a king for ourselves.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart; 21 and do not turn aside after useless things that cannot profit or save, for they are useless. 22 For the Lord will not cast away his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. 23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” Acts 8:14-25 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's gift with money! 21 You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.” 24 Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.” 25 Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans. Luke 23:1-12 23 Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” 3 Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” 5 But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9 He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12 That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies. Evening Psalm 125 1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time on and forevermore. 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous might not stretch out their hands to do wrong. 4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. 5 But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers. Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 91 1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; 4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, 6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. 14 Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. You can also find all of today's readings at PCUSA.org. The Daily Lectionary podcast is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY, read by Pastor Timothy J. Luoma.

Pastor Mary Jean and Cheslea continue the study on Deborah and discuss the death of King Jabin.

Meditation on Judges 5-6 IntroductionDeborah was the only female judge recorded in Israel’s history. We don’t know why that is, or how she got into that position, though we do know that she was a wife and a mother (unless the mention that she is a “mother in Israel,” Judges 5:7, is symbolic of her role over her people). When God instituted judges to help Moses, he was specifically instructed to appoint men to that position. Perhaps, as in the days of Gideon, the men of Israel were all so cowed by their oppressors that God could not find a man of faith, so he found a woman instead. (Gideon eventually did as God asked, but it sure took a lot of convincing on God’s part.) We can see that faith is scarce by Barak’s response when Deborah told him to go up against Sisera—he was so fearful that he insisted that she be the one to lead the armies into battle! Presumably had he done what the Lord commanded through Deborah without shrinking back in fear, the glory for finishing off Sisera would have gone to him, rather than to Jael. It’s easy to understand why the men were so fearful, if you only look at the situation in the natural. They had been oppressed by King Jabin for at least twenty years. The Israelite armies had not one shield or spear among forty thousand (Judges 5:8), compared to Sisera, who had nine hundred chariots of iron. Most of the tribes of Israel refused to heed Barak’s call (Judges 5:13-18), so even their numbers were pitiful compared to what they might have been. But it didn’t matter: the Lord caused the river Kishon to sweep the chariots away (Judges 5:21). This might have been due to rain overflowing the banks, and the water from the mountains rushing down to the banks as well (Judges 5:4-5)—perhaps due to marshy conditions, the chariots got stuck and were rendered useless. Regardless, when the Israelites came against Sisera’s far more powerful army, they killed every last one of them (Judges 4:16) by the sword—swords they didn’t even have to begin with! Sisera alone fled on foot. Since the Israelites had no swords, presumably they took their enemies’ own swords and used those against them. Heber, meanwhile, was mentioned just before the verse that someone told Sisera of the assembly of Barak’s armies, so presumably he was the one who tattled. Sisera would have felt safe in Jael’s tent, as she was Heber’s wife. He just assumed that she shared her husband’s political views. Oops. Jael’s action can be considered as an act of war, rather than murder. She was not permitted to fight openly on the battlefield, so she did what she could. Any of the soldiers on the battlefield would have been delighted to do the same, had they been given the chance. Fictionalized Retelling Deborah:The two disputing Israelite women, now reconciled, made their way down through the mountains of Ephraim. I sat alone under my palm tree now, awaiting the next case the Israelites would bring before me for judgment. This was my favorite part, though: the moments in between. The moments of peace, where I could just listen to the wind whipping through the palm branches above my head. I closed my eyes, letting the breeze caress my face. It is time. My eyes flew open. The sound came to my spirit like a whisper, and yet I knew it as the voice of the Lord. My heart beat faster, because I knew what He meant, too: I had been pleading since my early adulthood, for the past twenty years, to deliver us from the oppressive hand of King Jabin of Canaan. We were the Lord’s people, and He had given the land of Canaan to us—and yet, due to our disobedience, He had allowed us to be oppressed by our enemies. We had not one spear or shield among forty thousand Israelites: not even the means to defend ourselves. We had no money to pay the men who risked their lives on our behalf. I had expected the Lord to provide both of those things before a military approach would be feasible. And yet, with neither weapons nor money, and most of Israel still trembling in fear, God still told me, It is time. “What should I do, Lord?” I asked aloud. What came next was an impression, rather than words. I saw Barak, son of Abinoam from Kedesh, of the tribe of Naphtali. He was on Mount Tabor, with a sea of Israelite men, though I knew without counting that there were ten thousand of them. They were sons of Naphtali and of Zebulun. I saw Sisera, commander of Jabin’s armies, coming against him, his nine hundred chariots of iron all around him. The battle took place at the River Kishon. Despite the inequality of weapons and the fact that Sisera was not taken unawares, in my vision, Sisera’s entire army fell before Barak’s. “You have shown this to Barak as well?” I asked the Lord out loud. I sensed that the answer was yes. The next person I saw cresting the hill to where I sat was my husband Lapidoth, and our three children. They skipped like little lambs, and I stood up, grinning, to welcome them. Lapidoth had a basket slung over his arm, which I knew contained whatever food he was able to scrounge up for our midday meal. It was never much, but we never went hungry either. The Lord always provided. “Busy today?” he asked me, as we all settled down to eat. My eyes shone as I told him what the Lord had shown me. “Would you summon Barak when you return to the valley?” I asked. “I must speak with him today.” Lapidoth did as I asked, and several hours later, just at the golden hour before sunset, I saw Barak cresting the hill, alone. He was a large, thickly built man, with a heavy brow and an expression etched in stone. He looked every bit the military commander. “Has not the Lord God of Israel already told you what you are to do?” I asked him, and described what I saw. “Thus says the Lord: ‘I will deliver Sisera into your hand at the River Kishon.’” Barak shuffled his feet, cleared his throat, and did not answer me immediately. At last he said, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” I stared at him, not sure I heard him right. This man weighed as much as three of me. I was a wife and a mother! True, God had placed me as judge over Israel, though I had always wondered why He had chosen a woman for the position, when Moses had originally indicated that the job should be held by “able men, such as fear God, men of truth …to be rulers of thousands and rulers of hundreds… and let them judge the people at all seasons.” Men, he had specified. Yet, here I was. Was that because God could not find a man worthy to fill the role? Of course I never intimated these thoughts to my husband, who chafed enough that I held a position of leadership in Israel when he did not. But now I saw before me the man God had chosen to lead his armies, and yet he had so little faith that he would demand a wife and mother lead his troops into battle for him! When I recovered my tongue, I said sternly, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Barak looked less chagrined at this than I thought he should have. Truth to tell, he looked more relieved than anything else. I arose and went with him to his home of Kedesh, and he sent messengers to the tribes of Israel to recruit soldiers willing to obey the word of the Lord. I was appalled but not surprised when entire tribes refused: Reuben, Gilead, Asher, and Dan sent not a single man. We had a few from Ephraim and from Benjamin, but the bulk of the army, as I had seen in my vision, were from Naphtali and Zebulun. They arrived at Mount Tabor in the coming days bearing what weapons they could find: pitchforks and other instruments of harvesting, stones and homemade slingshots. My heart swelled with the pride of these men who did Israel proud, unlike their brothers. Oh Lord, there are still some who believe in You! Yes Daughter, I heard in my spirit. There are always a few. Down below, Sisera had somehow gotten word that Israel had assembled troops against him—but that was all right. I had expected from my vision that he would. I felt the men grow apprehensive around me as they watched the chariots of iron assembling from Harosheth Hagoyim to the River Kishon. They looked from the chariots down below to their makeshift weapons of farming equipment, their expressions ranging from apprehension to terror. I suppressed a sigh of exasperation. “Up!” I declared to Barak. “For this is the day in which the Lord has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?” I led the charge down the mountain toward the army below, though I had no weapon in my hand at all. As soon as Barak saw me move, he kept pace with me and soon outstripped me—his legs were much longer than mine. The ten thousand troops kept pace with him, and I soon found myself lost in the thick of the fighting men. When we reached the River Kishon where Sisera’s armies awaited us, I was confused at first why he did not direct his chariots to surge forward to meet us. Then I saw that their chariots had been rendered useless to them, the wheels stuck in the marshy ground left over from the rain. Sisera’s army had alighted from their chariots to try to dislodge them when Israel descended upon them with a mighty war cry. In short order, the men of Israel had slain their first victims and stolen their swords, at which point they tore through the rest of the army. But I fixed my gaze upon one man, whose chariot looked more impressive than all the others. When it became apparent that he could not dislodge it from the marshy ground, and the first wave of Israelites defeated the front lines of his army, he alighted from his chariot and fled on foot. He ran in the direction of the terebinth tree at Zaanaim, where I suspected his allies were. Behind him, the Israelites slew every last man of his army. He alone escaped. My eyes narrowed at the man. That, I knew, was Sisera. Jael:My husband Heber was a traitor. We Kenites had historically been allied with the children of Israel, as descendants of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. But Heber was an opportunist, and decided to ally himself with Jabin, the King of Canaan, instead. He would never fail to side with whoever would benefit him the most. So we had moved away from the rest of the Kenites, away from everyone we had ever known, and pitched our tent at Zaanaim, where Heber could spy on Israel and report what he had learned to Sisera, Jabin’s military leader. Since Zaanaim was right next to Kedesh, Heber saw when Barak assembled his armies at Mount Tabor. It was he who had alerted Sisera to gather his chariots so that Barak’s army would not take him unawares. Heber had gone early that morning, to watch what he expected to be the massacre of the Israelites from a safe distance. Hours went by. I was grateful to have the day to myself at least, but I spent most of it fuming. I hated King Jabin. I hated Sisera. I hated Heber. I wanted to be an Israelite again. Or at least an ally to the Israelites. I wanted to belong to their God. But I was no soldier. I was left out of all machinations, as I was only a woman. What could I do? Suddenly I froze, hearing a noise I couldn’t quite make out at first. The sound slowly sharpened into the pounding of feet on the ground, and when it got close enough, I heard that it was accompanied by panting as well. Frowning, I approached the flap of my tent and pulled it aside. Sisera stood before me, alone and on foot, streaming with perspiration. “Please, my lady,” he gasped, dropping his hands to his knees as he caught his breath. “May I—trouble you for your hospitality?” I blinked quickly, my mind whirring. Fortunately my mouth worked faster than my brain, and I at once affected womanly concern. “Oh, turn aside, my lord! Turn aside to me; do not fear.” I stepped aside to let the grateful commander pass into my tent. I knew already what I planned to do; I just did not yet know how. “All of my men have been slaughtered,” Sisera confessed to me, eyes wild with fear. “I alone escaped on foot as you see, and I am sure that the Israelites are pursuing me too now!” “Never fear, I will keep your secret,” I soothed, and gestured to our own bedding on the ground. “Rest from all your worries. You will need to sleep for a while to have your wits about you, for whatever comes next.” Whatever, indeed. With no further prompting, Sisera collapsed onto the bed. I clucked my tongue as I pulled a blanket over him, and watched him close his eyes. “Please give me a little water to drink,” he croaked, “for I am thirsty.” “I will do better than that,” I cooed, “I have a jug of milk.” I went and retrieved it, and as if he were an invalid or a child, I lifted it to his lips. He drank greedily, the cream running down his chin. He wiped it away with his forearm and lay back down again with a sigh of contentment and relief. “Stand at the door of the tent,” he begged, “and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says ‘Is there any man here?’ you shall say ‘No.’” “I will, my lord,” I murmured. “Now close your eyes and rest awhile.” He needed no further encouragement. Within a few moments, I heard the soft sounds of his rhythmic breathing, followed by occasional snores. I smiled, and went outside the tent, pulling up one of the tent pegs. I wiped off its dirt upon my skirts, and then went back inside, rummaging around for the hammer my husband had used to place it in the first place. Then, grasping the peg in one hand and the hammer in the other, I approached the sleeping commander. He still snored peacefully. Ever so gently, I placed the peg at his temple so as not to wake him. Then, heart pounding, I hammered it in. Straight through to the ground. Only a woman, I thought, and smiled. I wiped the blood on my skirts, right next to the dirt, and calmly walked to the tent entrance to wait for the Israelites whom Sisera had said would be hot on his trail. I recognized Barak as the commander of the Israelite army by the way he was dressed, and flagged him down. “Come,” I said “I will show you the man whom you seek.” He followed me inside, and gasped. Then he let out an incredulous chuckle. “‘The Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman,’” he murmured, but to himself, as if quoting something. Then he looked at me. “I thought He meant Deborah!” “Your judge?” I asked, confused. Barak nodded. “I certainly never thought he meant the wife of our enemy!” I stiffened. “Do not judge me with my husband. We do not see eye to eye, to say the least.” “No, I can see that,” Barak agreed, with a glance at the dead man in my bed. After Barak, waves of other Israelites followed, including the famous prophetess herself. Together, Barak and Deborah composed a song of worship to the Lord on the spot, singing about the great victory to the Lord had given them, both at the river, and here in my tent. I choked back tears when they sang about me. The rest of the Israelite soldiers learned the song as they composed it, singing along. I found myself singing along too. What will Heber say, I wondered with fierce pride, to come home and find that his wife is now the blessed of Israel?

This eleventh episode continues the journey through the book of Joshua. In this episode, I cover the history of Hazor, located just north of the Sea of Galilee. King Jabin ruled from here and led a confederacy against the Israelites. Listen and let me know what you think.

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost Occasion: Proper 28 Sunday, November 15, 2020 Year (cycle): A   The Collect: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament:  Judges 4:1-7 [Alternate: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18] 1 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. 2So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. 3Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly for twenty years. 4 At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. 5She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgement. 6She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, “Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. 7I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.” ' Alternate: 7 Be silent before the Lord God!    For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice,    he has consecrated his guests. 12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,    and I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs,    those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good,    nor will he do harm.' 13 Their wealth shall be plundered,    and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses,    they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards,    they shall not drink wine from them. 14 The great day of the Lord is near,    near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter,    the warrior cries aloud there. 15 That day will be a day of wrath,    a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation,    a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16   a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities    and against the lofty battlements. 17 I will bring such distress upon people    that they shall walk like the blind;    because they have sinned against the Lord, their blood shall be poured out like dust,    and their flesh like dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold    will be able to save them    on the day of the Lord's wrath; in the fire of his passion    the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end    he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. Psalm:  Psalm 123 [Alternate: Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12] 1 To you I lift up my eyes, *        to you enthroned in the heavens. 2 As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, *        and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, 3 So our eyes look to the Lord our God, *        until he show us his mercy. 4 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy, *        for we have had more than enough of contempt, 5 Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, *        and of the derision of the proud. Alternate: 1 Lord, you have been our refuge *        from one generation to another. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth,   or the land and the earth were born, *        from age to age you are God. 3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *       "Go back, O child of earth." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *        and like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep us away like a dream; *        we fade away suddenly like the grass. 6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *        in the evening it is dried up and withered. 7 For we consume away in your displeasure; *        we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation. 8 Our iniquities you have set before you, *        and our secret sins in the light of your countenance. 9 [When you are angry, all our days are gone; *        we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The span of our life is seventy years,    perhaps in strength even eighty; *        yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,        for they pass away quickly and we are gone. 11 Who regards the power of your wrath? *        who rightly fears your indignation?] 12 So teach us to number our days *        that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Epistle:  1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When they say, ‘There is peace and security', then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. Gospel:  Matthew 25:14-30 14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” 21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Brendan McClenahan and Jesse Luyk read and reflect on Judges 4:1-7. Please make sure to subscribe to this podcast! For the full Bible Reading Plan, head to victorypoint.org. To find out more about the context of Judges 4:1-7 head to https://thebibleproject.com/explore/judges. We would love to include your input on this podcast. Send us an email at brendanmcclenahan@victorypoint.org or leave a voice message by clicking the link below. There is more going on at VictoryPoint! (head to victorypoint.org for more trainings, events, worship gatherings, discipleship opportunities, giving, and ways to get connected). Here's the full text from today's scripture: 4:1 The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, after Ehud died. 4:2 So the LORD sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. 4:3 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. 4:4 At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. 4:5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. 4:6 She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, ""The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you, 'Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. 4:7 I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.'"" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblereadingplanvp/message

In Episode 39, “Deborah: A Mother for Israel”  Kim talks about Deborah, prophetess and the only female judge of Israel.   1 After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in the Lord's sight. 2 So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-haggoyim. 3 Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help. 4 Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. 5 She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. (Judges 4:1-5)   There were few people left in the villages of Israel—     until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel. (Judges 5:7)   “A prophet or prophetess is a person who communicates God's will about a specific scenario. He or she tells others how they ought to respond in accordance with God's Word.” (Evans, Tony. Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers. 2019. p. 268)     For a deeper dive into the book of Joshua, join Kim as she teaches “Finding Courage for Life's Battles: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua.”   To take her FREE 3-Day Online Bible Study entitled “Let  God Transform U through His Word: Why Is Personal Bible Study So Important to Your Christian Life?”.   Check out Kim's website at https://gettinghealthyall4hisglory.com for blog posts and her PDF Printable collection.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”

Judges 4:4-9, 15-22At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh. And the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and all his army into a panic before Barak; Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot, while Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-ha-goiim. All the army of Sisera fell by the sword; no one was left.Now Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite. Jael came out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; have no fear.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. Then he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. He said to her, “Stand at the entrance of the tent, and if anybody comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’” But Jael wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, until it went down into the ground – he was lying fast asleep from weariness – and he died. Then, as Barak came in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went into her tent; and there was Sisera lying dead, with the tent peg in his temple.Luke 24:1-12But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body.While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.Deborah and Jael: Women RuleThere are a lot of reasons to question – and even disdain – the many horrible, nasty, terrifying things that happen to women in the “Game of Thrones” series. And the same can be said about much of what we find in our Bibles, sadly enough. (Remember how Lot offered his daughters up to the angry mob in the Sodom and Gomorrah story a couple weeks ago? And he was the good guy in that story!)As I’ve said, I haven’t made my way through the whole “Game of Thrones” series, yet, but I have seen already that, not only do the women of the Realm hold their own, they really do overcome… and persist… and win… in more ways than not, in spite of all the ugliness and violence and misogyny they face in that medieval world. And, without sharing any spoilers – because I haven’t seen them to share them, remember – I’ve been told by others who’ve seen the show from start to finish that women really do rule, in the end. And I think the same is true – or at least the hope for the same is true – throughout the Biblical narrative, if we read it with the right kind of eyes. And it’s why I want to share something about the role of women – their place, their purpose, their importance, and their power – in Scripture, in the Church, and in the Kingdom, as we’re called to understand it.(I had the thought – about a week and a half ago – that this would have been a great Sunday to hand over the preaching to a woman for the occasion; that this would have been a great Sunday to have Pastor Libby back, or to invite Pastor Teri to join us again. BUT, that good idea didn’t surface in enough time to make that possible. So, you’re stuck with this middle-aged white guy’s best effort at saying what should be said more often. And there’s some value in that, just the same, I suppose.)So, I picked Deborah and Jael because their story is the most “Game of Thrones-y”, as far as I could tell, in terms of guts, gore, strength and power. And it’s not a story that gets a lot of air time, it seems to me, probably because there’s not much too it, in the book of Judges. It all takes place in just a couple of chapters; there’s the story itself and then a song about the story.But it matters that Deborah was a Judge in the days of Israel before there were kings. She was a prophet and powerful leader for God’s chosen ones. Judges like Deborah were military leaders, raised up by God, to lead the people back to faithfulness when their faithlessness caused them to stray. And judges like Deborah delivered them from their enemies, through their leadership and courage and wisdom and faith, like we heard this morning.And I love when Deborah says to Barak, the military commander under her authority, “…the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” It makes me think Deborah might have been the first feminist – deliberately plotting and planning for the help of Jael, the other heroine of the story, to hide and then smite Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, with that tent spike to the temple.But, there are plenty of other women of influence in Hebrew Scripture – Eve (whose bad rap is unnecessary and unfair, if you ask me); Ruth (an outsider who became an insider of devotion, loyalty and faith); Rahab (the prostitute who helped the Israelites conquer Jericho, which could have been a plot for any season of “Game of Thrones,” as well); and, of course, there’s Miriam and Sarah and Rebekah and Hannah and Hagar, and more.And it doesn’t stop with the Old Testament. It picks right up again with Elizabeth and Mary, in the Gospels – bearing the hope of the world in Jesus and his cousin, John the Baptist. And there are others, too: Martha and Mary; Phoebe and Lydia; and all those who go unnamed, but far from unnoticed or insignificant where Jesus is concerned. The widow who gave so generously. The woman of great faith who begged for help for her daughter. And the other woman who Jesus healed when she boldly, bravely touched his robe, after her own long-suffering faithfulness.So, in light of all that, when it comes to the place and power and purpose of women in the Kingdom, I’d like to assume I’m “preaching to the choir,” as they say, but one can never be so sure.Just this week – because Monday happened to be the Feast Day for Mary Magdalene, who I haven’t even mentioned yet – I happened upon a Twitter thread spun from a post by a Jesuit priest named James Martin. (He’s kind of a rock star among Jesuit priests, these days.) His post said simply:“In the time between her encounter with the Risen Christ and when she shared the news of the Resurrection with the other disciples, Mary Magdalene was the church on earth (Jn 20). Because only to her had been revealed the full Paschal Mystery.”And he added:“Any discussion of women's roles in the church must begin with these two facts: It was to a woman, not a man, to whom the Risen Christ first chose to appear. And it was a woman who, for a time, was the sole carrier, and proclaimer, of the Good News of the Resurrection.”And you wouldn’t believe – or, if you’ve ever spent two minutes on Twitter these days, you would actually believe – the anger and mean-spirited and hateful and ignorant responses that followed, suggesting that women don’t belong in the pulpit, that women don’t belong leading mass, that women have their place in the Church but that it isn’t anywhere near as important or as powerful or as ordained, in the same way, as that of men.And, before we get too self-righteously indignant about all of that – our progressive theology and polity as ELCA-flavored Christians, I mean – check this out:Frankly, I’m a little suspicious of all of that “shock” and “surprise” from those guys. I’ve heard as much – or worse – myself over the years. Just like you don’t have to wear a white sheet or use the N-word to be a racist, you don’t have to be a rapist or to be blatantly abusive or disrespectful toward women in order to fall victim to the sin of misogyny.And all of this matters – the way we regard and empower women, or not – because I heard just this week that 21 percent of middle and high school girls report being bullied online or by text, compared with less than 7 percent of boys. (mprnews.org)It matters because, on average, a woman working full time earns about 81 cents for every dollar a man earns, working full time. (businessinsider.com) And those numbers are worse for women of color.It matters because 4 out of 5 victims of human trafficking are girls. And something like 15 million girls under the age of 18 are married off, around the world, with no say in the matter. (makers.com)So it matters if we, in the Church, aren’t right and righteous when it comes to the place and power of women and girls in our midst. Because if we are not, it means we’re either mirroring or instigating or perpetuating what’s so frightening and sad and sinful out there for our sisters and daughters and mothers and friends.So let’s celebrate that it was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told [the news of the resurrection] to the apostles. And let’s remember that their words seemed to [the men] an idle tale, and they did not believe them.Let’s remember and celebrate what Genesis promises us, that, in God’s image we were created – both male and female.Let’s remember and celebrate what we find in Acts, that, “…God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on my servants, both men and women I will pour out my spirit...”Let’s remember and celebrate that “The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”Let’s make this our goal – and our challenge – and our joy, in the end. And may this not just be about our life together in the Church, but through the Church, and for the sake of the world, in as many ways as we can manage it.Amen

As we continue our journey through the book of Judges we find that the Israelites were once again under God’s discipline because they had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight. This time, God used King Jabin of Canaan, along with his commander, Sisera, to oppress His people. But once again we will see the pattern unfold of the people crying out for relief and God providing a deliverer, although this time the deliverer would be someone the Israelites may not have expected. We will see that God gives His people gifts and works through them so that He might receive glory. God positions ordinary people and provides them with extraordinary gifts to bring Him glory.

The era of the judges began with God providing Othniel to deliver Israel and give God’s people peace for forty years, followed by Ehud and Shamgar delivering the people (Judg. 3:7-31). In this session we will find that the Israelites were once again under God’s discipline because they had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight. This time, God used King Jabin of Canaan, along with his commander, Sisera, to oppress His people. But once again we will see the pattern unfold of the people crying out for relief and God providing a deliverer, although this time the deliverer would be someone the Israelites may not have expected. We will see that God gives His people gifts and works through them so that He might receive glory.

Day 78 of the podcast, reading Judges 4-5 NET, read along at: https://netbible.org/bible/Judges+4-5/ This is day 78 of our journey. After the time of Ehud, Israel returns to open rebellion against the Lord and, in response, God turns them over to be oppressed by King Jabin of Hazor. After 20 years of suffering, they cry out to the Lord for deliverance and God does something revolutionary for that day and age...he raises up a faithful woman named Deborah to deliver them. Deborah follows God's direction and calls Barak (of the tribe of Naphtali) to raise up an army that the Lord would use to deliver Israel. Barak agrees but, lacking faith, he states that will only obey the Lord's command if Deborah will come with him into battle. Barak defeats the army and destroys every single soldier, but Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army flees to the tent of an ally, only to be killed by the hand of another woman named Jael. Deborah and Barak then lead the army in a song of praise to the Lord for His victory. Join me in Judges 4-5 to see a God who delivers his people if only they will call out to him. Key verses: Judges 4:21 Then Jael wife of Heber took a tent peg in one hand and a hammer in the other. She crept up on him, drove the tent peg through his temple into the ground while he was asleep from exhaustion, and he died. Judges 5:31 May all your enemies perish like this, O Lord!But may those who love you shinelike the rising sun at its brightest!” And the land had rest for forty years. All Scriptures are from the NET.

Judges 5: The Song of Deborah | Deborah sings a duet with Barak about the defeat of King Jabin and Sisera in a song of worship to God. Deborah becomes a hero, and points to the great hero of the story, God Himself.Journey 8 | Leadership . Journey Eight takes us into the heart of biblical leadership. Joshua leads us into the Promised Land with strength and courage, but Judges delivers a stark commentary on the dangers of relativism and living right in your own eyes. Yet in the midst of tragic times, Ruth provides one the greatest love stories in all antiquity. Then in 1&2 Timothy, Paul trains his apprentice in the ways of humble, Christ-like leadership. (94 days)Teacher: Skip HeitzigAbout TTW: When the Bible is confusing, Through the Word explains it with clear and concise audio guides for every chapter. The TTW Podcast follows 19 Journeys covering every book and chapter in the Bible. Each journey is an epic adventure through several Bible books, as your favorite pastors explain each chapter with clear explanation and insightful application. Understand the Bible in just ten minutes a day, and join us for all 19 Journeys on the TTW podcast or TTW app!Get the App: https://throughtheword.orgContact: https://throughtheword.org/contactDonate: https://throughtheword.org/givingJudges 5 Themes: Song of Deborah, worship, musicJudges 5 Tags: heroine, praise, people of God, victory, strength, peaceKey Verses: Quotes: Audio & Text © 2011-2021 Through the Word™ Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.Bible Quotes: The Holy Bible New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Judges 4:1-7   The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’”   This Sunday before Thanksgiving we have this most unusual text, one I’ve never preached on, but I’m glad I’m able to, especially now, with its unexpected challenge, its unexpected gift. There is an obviousness to this text at this time in our collective history as a country – a strong, powerful woman being put before us here in this text, and yet also have the issue of sexual harassment and dangers that men have often poised to woman, now and perhaps forever. The “Me Too” movement, where woman and some men have been speaking up about the ways men have often assaulted them through their words, their hands, their threats of ruination, it has all been incredibly satisfying to some to see women’s voices finally being taken seriously, at least in some cases, but notably not in Alabama, of course. And yet, it’s been difficult to see some of our personal heroes fail to live up to our expectations of what is right and what is wrong, something I spoke with our confirmation class about this past week, in relation to Martin Luther, who was a deeply flawed hero. But perhaps some of us shouldn’t be surprised by the extent of this problem – I have no doubt that women are not surprised by the recent public revelations of this kind of behavior, having experienced it many times in their own lives. Even a few men that I know, including myself, have experienced being touched inappropriately by people who had some sort of power of them, wondering if saying “no” too forcefully would hurt their career, hurt their chances of a good recommendation. The good news is that more and more women and men are being believed, are being heard, are being supported, despite an array of forces that want to destroy them and their credibility, all in attempt to protect people from the consequences of their actions. We should expect certain kinds of just and good behavior from people, even if we know we and they can’t always live up to those standards.   But expectations are a funny thing, of course, because so often the unexpected is what we get in this world, from others, and even from a text like this one from the book of Judges. The expectation is that the people of Israel have always been ruled by men, being the patriarchal culture that it was, but here comes the unexpected – Deborah, the one who sits underneath the palm tree, and who hands out judgment for those in need of someone who can decide between two conflicting claims. But first, some background. The book of Judges comes after the book of Joshua, which tells the story of how Joshua and Israelites conquered the Promised Land, after spending 40 years wandering in the desert. After Judges, you find the book of Ruth, and then there are the stories of the kings of Israel, starting with Saul, continuing with David, and then come the stories of good and bad kings that ruled Israel over hundreds of years. The book of Judges tells the story of a time before there were these kings, when the 12 tribes of Israel essentially formed a loose confederation, but were almost independent of each other. But disputes arose, differences between the tribes that needed to be settled in other ways than through war – and it would eventually be war between the tribes that gave rise to a clamor for a king, a final authority. But before the king there were the judges, men and women who functioned as the ones who settled disputes between the tribes and often led the people into war – you’ve probably heard of Gideon and Samson, but there were others you’ve probably not heard of, people like Othniel, Ehud, Tola, Elon and others. Some scholars have said that these stories in Judges, whether history or not, have functioned as an ancient argument for the need for a strong king, both to bring peace between the tribes, and to lead the people in times of war against its often hostile neighbors. Though the book of Judges is replete with victories and times of peace, it also laid bare how the lack of cohesion caused trouble. God’s hope was that there would be no need for a king, since God would be their king, directly ruling them through people like Ehud, Gideon and Deborah. But the people clamored for a king, a strongman, a ruler who could somehow unite the country, and eventually, in the book of First Samuel, God reluctantly gives them what they want – and what they wanted, a kingdom ruled by a king, would eventually fall apart hundreds of years later.   But today we are still in the age of the Judges, the ones before the time of the kings, and Deborah is the one who sits under a palm tree, is the one who makes decisions, and who leads the people into war, though perhaps not into the battle itself. She is so unexpected in so many ways in such a male dominated world, a leader of men when women were not seen as leaders, of either men or women. She delivers justice to the tribes of Israel, and when the time comes for war, for the people to be released from the bondage they had brought upon themselves because of their disobedience, it is her that sends word to Barak to gather up armies from two tribes of Israel, and to wage war against the Canaanites. If you read the book of Judges as a whole, the narrative is replete with moments when women are horrifically violated, harmed, harassed, and victims of violence. But here is Deborah, in contrast, somehow breaking through the deep misogyny you find in these texts, even this one found in our beloved Bible. Deborah is unexpected, in her war planning, and in her later prediction that it will be woman who will slay the King of Canaan, and not Barak. The assumption by Barak is that it will be Deborah who does the deed, but no, it will not be her, but instead, it will be a woman who is not even an Israelite who will drive a stake through the head of the Canaanite king – again, all so unexpected both within the context of this particular story, and the even larger, patriarchal narrative of Judges.   And that sense of unexpectedness is what I want to explore today, especially as it connects to gratitude, to this season and to the challenges of today. Deborah is such an unexpected gift to the people of Israel from God, the person needed in that moment, in that time, despite all the expectations of what leaders should look like, the greatest of which is that they should always be male. The spiritual challenge for many of us is to expect the unexpected from God, to have faith, have trust, that God is going to show up in this world in some surprising way that we did not anticipate, that we did not imagine. We have ideas about what miracles look like, about what heroes and leaders look like, and then God shows us up, and shows us another way that heroes manifest themselves in this world, another way holiness is embodied in another person, in another moment that simply surprises us in its oddness, in its peculiarity. So much of the spiritual life is looking for traces of God, in unexpected moments, in the ordinariness of life and not just in those moments we hope and pray for God to appear, those moments when we want God to do a thing, and do that thing in a certain way. I’ve been in prayer for the last few weeks about a particular challenge, and no answer seemed to be forthcoming, not obvious one, anyway, and then a few days ago when I was at the Roscoe Village Speedway, a woman smiled at me, out of the blue, for no other reason than we caught each other’s eye, and I smiled back and it simply made my day, this trace of God in her, this woman who seemed to bring God into the room by her simple gesture of shared humanity. I wasn’t the answer I was looking for, nor am I sure it was even an answer from the divine about what I was praying for in particular – but it was so kind, so needed, so unexpected that I think it was God smiling back at me, reminding me that despite the lack of a clear answer, God was here, and God is here, and that God had heard my plea, even if God had not answered it in the way I had hoped for or expected.   For me, a moment like that is a reminder that God does show up so unexpectedly in this life, in ways we had not anticipated, as it was the case with Deborah, in the patriarchal context of her time, a woman rising to power so unexpectedly. But today I also want us to think about not just the unexpected, but its twin as well, that is the expected, about those moments when what was expected from each of us, from God, was actually done by us, and done by God. At least a couple of times a year on the news program 60 Minutes there is some child prodigy in violin or piano, some incredibly gifted person who took to piano at 3 years old and who is now writing concertos at 8, and for whom it all seemed to come so easily, because of this good gift from God they’re manifesting in their lives, in their fingers. I love those stories, but I wonder about the rest of us, who have spent countless hours trying to master an instrument, and whose best is pulling off a simple song with a bit of competence after years and years of diligent practice. Now, I know the argument you and I hear about our participation trophy culture, about how we in America tend to hand trophies off to kids who simply show up to play the sport, do the work, etc. People complain that we are rewarding young people and even ourselves for simple ordinariness, for what is just simply expected of people, expected of good decent people. You join a baseball team, you go to practices, you participate in the games, in whatever forms, and some are held up for their great batting averages, or great pitching, and they receive a special trophy, but everyone else gets at trophy as well, because they too contributed to the team as well, they did what was expected of them, they showed up and did their jobs, however imperfectly. Again, the backlash is by those who say that we are celebrating the expected, the lowest common denominator, and that we instead should celebrate those who achieve the remarkable, the extraordinary, so that we can push kids to do and be better than just ordinary, to do and be more than what we simply just expect of them. Now, look I do get that idea, that simply celebrating the ordinary and the expected might somehow diminish the extraordinary and the special – but there are times lately when I’ve come to appreciate the expected, and the ordinary, and all those who just simply meet our expectations, who show up in this world, and simply do their jobs, who practice the piano and don’t get anywhere of significance with it, those who chose to be on the team despite being on the 2nd or 3rd string, knowing they won’t get much playing time. On my alma mater football teams, there a group of running backs who will probably have long careers in the NFL, but then there is a Ronnie Clark, from some small town in Alabama who is now a senior and has had numerous injuries, and is so far down the depth chart people haven’t even heard of him – I certainly hadn’t. But he stayed, he remained, he showed up and didn’t quit, and a few weeks ago, in what was already a blow-out win over Ole Miss, late in the fourth quarter he came into the game, and scored a touchdown, the first one of his career. Half of the Alabama football team ran out to the end zone to greet him, as if he had just scored the game winning touchdown in the last minute of the game. The world is composed of those who do the unexpected, who are just extraordinary, and thank God for them, and then there are those who just show up, who do the work, who just do the right thing, to no accolades to no extraordinary applause or even effect. The recent and needed exposure of the ways men have sexually harassed women, something we men have known happens, but whose recent revelation through stories of women telling their truth, has made us aware that even some of our heroes will fail our expectations of them, of what we had hoped and believed about who they were as human beings. I guess I’ve grown more thankful for the people who do meet our expectations, who don’t sexually harass women or men, who do the right thing, day in and day out, who just simply show up and do the right thing. I get that you could argue that my expectations of others are too low, but my cynicism about human nature has sadly been confirmed of late. And no, I don’t buy into the idea of the soft bigotry of low expectations – what contributes to low expectations is not low expectations, but our actual low behavior, behavior that has recently been exposed in this country over the last few years. And so I want to invite you to celebrate the Deborah’s of this world, the unexpected gifts we are given by God, and I want to invite you to celebrate the anonymous soldier from the tribe of Zebulan who answered the call to help set free his people, as everyone expected him to. And this Thanksgiving I invite you to say thank you to all those people that tend to just get participation trophies in our lives, the ones who clean up our messes, the ones who cook our dinners, and the ones who clean us up afterwards, literally and emotionally, and who fold your laundry, and the person at work who does his work quietly, and the ones who can just be counted on to be there. And I invite you to show gratitude in some unexpected way to those whom you expect to do the right thing, and who actually do it, day in and day out – your friends, your spouse, your children, your co-worker, the guy at Speedway, the woman who lets you into traffic, the ones who don’t cut into the line, the ones who holds the door for us, the ones who do the right thing, day in and day out, so often unnoticed by us, we who admire extraordinary miracles and long for them so much, when, in fact, it is the ordinary miracles that happen to us all the time. Thank you, dear God, for being the God who meets us in the unexpected, who sends us unexpected people, unexpected gifts, but also thank you for meeting us in the expected, in the people, places and spaces where we expect to find you, and you are actually there, in the ones who show up and do the right thing, the kind thing, the good thing, day after day, year after year.

Judges 4:1 (NLT) After Ehud’s death, the Israelites again did evil in the lord’s sight. Again. Judges 4:2-3 (NLT) So the lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in...

Judges 4:1 (NLT) After Ehud’s death, the Israelites again did evil in the lord’s sight. Again. Judges 4:2-3 (NLT) So the lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in...

By Mary Lindow The journey of Deborah is a declaration of the power of just ONE life… …Fully set apart for God. Deborah stood as a prophetic representation; a suggestion that as a woman who may have been weaker in her physical attributes, she had the word of God! She had a history of going in and lighting the lamps. She had a history of hearing the voice of God in the secret place. So swiftly, when the hour came for her tangibly to go into war, she was ready. She was in the place to say yes because she knew the voice of her God. Let’s continue to look at part 2 of the reason why God was attracted to the life of Deborah. Prophetess Deborah functioned in the divine dimension of a spirit of wisdom and revelation. It was almost as if God had supernaturally, placed a divine compass in her, always guiding her to Him. The judging that Deborah did so well might have been because of her gift as a prophetess. She would have been able to make wise decisions if she saw well in the Spirit. She was humble, willing and wise. In Matthew Henry's Commentary, he writes: She was a woman of illuminations, or of splendors, one extraordinarily known and wise, and so came to be eminent and illustrious. She was intimately acquainted with God, she was a prophetess, and one that instructed others in divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and had gifts of wisdom, to which she attained not in an ordinary way; she heard words of God, and she probably saw visions of the Almighty. She was totally devoted to Israel. After Jehovah, Israel was she first love. Deborah was one who received fresh instructions from heaven, and though she knew how evil the oppression of King Jabin was, she also knew that with God anything is possible! Something in Deborah knew how to pull on the sources of heaven, standing in the guidance of the Lord (Jer. 23) and open her mouth and let Him fill it (Psa. 81:10). Mother of Israel What made this woman a mother of Israel? Deborah loved well. Imagine facing the unending line of people all needing a touch of heaven. Imagine her tired eyes looking out on the faces of His design as she felt the ache in their hearts for God. They had come so far, how could they leave empty handed? The eleven other scattered tribes of Israel walked for miles and risked their lives on the dangerous highways as they struggled through to hear from God, through Deborah's voice. The highways were deserted, and the travelers walked along the byways. Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates. (Judges 5:6-8). I believe that Deborah could hear the groans of the Israelites who were oppressed for 20 years and feel the throbbing pain in God's heart over His people's sin and oppression. I believe that it was her ability to hear His heartbeat that allowed her to save a nation in a day. Deborah ruled with the sword of a prophet but the staff of a shepherd -- she truly loved God's people. She always led well. She led by loving. Military Policymaker Deborah was more than a judge; she was used to deliver Israel from the second longest captivity. As a prophetess and military strategist, she called the nation to war. She not only brandished the hand of God but also operated with the heart of God. You see, Deborah was a deliverer! She loved the people and they loved her. She delivered them from a great enemy. The Lord literally issued a clear prophetic word to summon Barak, the Israeli commander, to rally the troops for battle against impossible odds. The Hebrews had no weapons -- none. They had all been taken away by the Canaanites. God showed her disclosures of how to win the battle. She brought a holy “about-face” to the wicked plans of Israel. When the city gates were at war, Deborah, a mother of Israel who was willing to lay down her life for her God and county, arose. WHY WE NEED DEBORAH TO ARISE TODAY There is a cry going out from the hearts of God’s people about the oppression the church is under from the enemy. Heaven is aware of the issues affecting the people of God. But, until a cry goes out from the people of God, the hands of Heaven are tied. Without a cry, we show we are satisfied or comfortable with the way things are. The harassment had been going on for well over 20 years. How long do we put up with things before we cry out for change? GOD HAS BEEN WATCHING AND STIRRING UP DEBORAH’S FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW and the timing is right. When we get to the place to where the reviving itself isn’t enough, but we must see change take place, we know we are on the verge of something great. We have got to get to the place that we don’t just want change, but we are willing to rise up and put our hands to the plow to see change occur. Actions truly do speak louder than words. Deborah represents the steadiness and dependability necessary to both win and preserve victory. Barak means “lightning flash”. That is temporary. We don’t need a temporary fix or a temporary anointing. If a temporary, quick fix was enough, we would be in a great position by now. We didn’t get to where we are at quickly, and the victory must be won with reliability and dedication. WHEN DEBORAH AROSE, THE WARRIORS RETURNED. There is a group of God’s warriors who are waiting for someone to rise up and lead them back to the place and position for which they have been created. God bestowed peace and victory for 40 years. The time of victory was twice as long as the time of oppression. The sad part is that after the 40 years, the Israelites went back to their wicked ways and found themselves in a place of oppression again. Let us be men and woman who will stand in the breach and go before God and cry out in intercession. “Lord, we need restoration! Lord, we need the Kingdom of God to break in with the resurrection power of life!” This is a call to combat! This is a call for you to say that you want to hear the voice of God. … From the secret place. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28 Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright © 2010-2011 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com