The Book of Judges

 The Book of Judges was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Judges 4:1-24

 

Introduction: (vs. 1-3)

"the children of Israel again did evil" (vs. 1) becomes a common occurrence in Judges and reminds us that mankind finds less resistance to moral and spiritual decay than to spiritual achievement. (Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-18)

The evil began to quickly compound. itself when Ehud was dead. Bible history is full of examples of a strong leader keeping the saints in line, but also notes their failure to maintain those standards when that leader is gone. No wonder some people chafe under strong leadership - it prevents them from following the dictates of the heart as opposed to the Word.

Iron represents Rome (Dan. 2) and consequently, what appears to be an impossible obstacle.

 

I. The Prophetess and the Prophecy (vs. 4-9)

A. Deborah seems to be connected with the other Deborah (Rebekah's nurse - Gen. 35:8) not only in name but in location (Bethel).

B. The oak tree is a picture of strength (Amos 2:9), and the palm tree is representative of the righteous. (Psa. 92:12)

C. Barak is a man of faith (Heb. 11:32) but seems to have some doubts concerning the validity of Deborah's prophecy - the result is he doesn't get all the glory normally awarded a conquering hero. The lesson is obvious - even though we are a people of faith, we often rob ourselves of great blessings because we don't believe all the details of God's Word. (Heb. 11:6)

 

II. The Battle Is Engaged (vs. 10-17)

A. Naphtali, Zebulun. and Issachar (5:15) seem to provide the primary army while a few other tribes may have sent only a token force. Reuben is "with them in spirit" (5:15,16) - whatever good that is! Once again, we are reminded that the few are in the battle while most are on the sidelines.

B. The Kenites were a people friendly to Israel (1:16) because of their connection to Moses' family (4:11), but were also at peace with Jabin (4:17). Their motive for showing Sisera Barak's location is difficult to tell, but regardless, God uses them to get the enemy in the place He wants them.

C. Usually the Kishon riverbed was dry, but God uses a great storm that floods the riverbed and traps the chariots of iron (5:20-22).

 

III. A Courageous And Resourceful Woman (vs. 18-24)

A. Jael uses guile to convince the enemy to come into her tent. A certain amount of this is permissible, even recommended, if the cause and motive is correct. (2 Cor. 12:16) The application for our purposes is to get the sinner on our turf (the church), even if you have to entice him with some food.

B. Jael was resourceful in that she used what was available to her - a hammer and a nail. Doubt and fear did not extinguish resolve. Christianity is filled with people who say "they can't" because they don't have a bus load of hand grenades when a hammer and nail would do fine.

C. Prosperity returned (led by women of faith). Society was in such disrepair that the highways were unoccupied, and the entire rural economy had dried up (5:6,7)

Ladies, if the men won't do it, you may have to.

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