Deborah: an example of confidence
The story of Judges is quite important for self reflection. It may seem to be just a history book of a bunch of wars, but in reality it outlines not just the history of Israel, but the history of all humanity. In the book of Judges we are presented with 3 kinds of people: (1) lovers of God, (2) people who pretend to love God and, (3) non-lovers of God, who chase the world. It’s essential to read every story and self reflect on which character we are most like. Today I want to delve into the story of Deborah and Barak, found in chapter 4 and 5 of Judges. Ask yourself, does my trust in God waver like Barak? Or do I have strong faith like Deborah? Do I rely on strong Christian friends like Barak or is my personal connection with God strong like Deborah?
Chariots of Iron: The Christian’s Kryptonite
The first three chapters outline the leadership of Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar. The story of Deborah follows these judges at a time when Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord.
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. — Judges 4:1–3
As is common in Judges, the Israelites do evil, and God sends an adversary until they rely on Him again. In fact, this was the problem of Israel all along! In Judges 1:1-2 we see that the people of Israel earnestly seek God. They really, really want to follow His will; much like any of us when we are faced with a big decision. Joshua is now dead and the people want to follow God as they pick a new leader. So God commands them to destroy the Canaanites, and for some reason the people don’t quite complete there mission.
The Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain, because they had chariots of iron. — Judges 1:19
The bible is clear as to why they could not drive them out: they had chariots of iron. Again in Judges 4:3 the people were harshly oppressed for 20 years because King Jabin had 900 chariots of iron. But didn’t God deliver the land into their hands? Wasn’t God with Judah? Adam Clarke perfectly expresses what these verses imply: “Strange! Were the iron chariots too strong for the Omnipotence?” These verses are not emphasizing the military superiority of Canaan but of Judah’s lack of trust in God. In other incidents the people of God were fully capable of defeating chariots when they trusted in God: see Exodus 14:7–29, Joshua 11:1–8 and 1 Kings 20:21.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God. — Psalm 20:7
What is your iron chariot? It’s quite a serious question, because it differentiates those who love God and those who appear to love God. Sometimes we may live a righteous life: serving, praying divine liturgies and reading our bibles, but if we haven't removed our chariots of iron, than we may spend years fighting with this thorn. The Israelites, as a result of allowing the Canaanites to remain in their land, had to deal with the repercussions for years.
Deborah’s Confidence in God
Deborah, being a strong leader, was confident in God’s promise. She is depicted as a judge and prophetess, whom the people of Israel confided in for judgement and guidance. It may be wondrous that God uses a woman as both a prophetess and judge, but her trust in God is so intense that it invokes respect in the men around her, and reminds us that we all have a role within our churches and christian communities. She sends for Barak and speaks the word of God by asking a question: Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded? As if to remind Barak that God’s promises are larger than our earthly problems.
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.’”. — Judges 4:6–7
Now Barak falls into the same trap as the Israelites in chapter 1. He is fearful, or worried to fight against Jabin. In fact, it seems that Barak trusted more in Deborah’s relationship with God than his own relationship with God. Yet, he is mentioned in Hebrews 11:32–33 for his faith. Barak, who seemed scared and needed Deborah was accounted as an old testament figure who trusted in God. God often takes our tiny faith, and multiplies it. He takes Barak’s worry and leads 10 000 men to destroy King Jabin.
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. — Hebrews 11:32–34
God routes our problems
Barak’s faith is shown when he collects 10 000 men and marchs down into the valley from Mount Tabor. They were, in every humanly logical way, at a great disadvantage. He boldly marched down into the valley, giving Sisera the opportunity of using all his horses and chariots. Because of this great trust in God, God grants them a victory against great odds:
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, — Judges 4:15
We read in Judges 5:4–5 that God helped Israel by inflicting a flash flood. The conditions in the field of Edom became muddy, and the very thing that Barak was afraid of became the downfall of Canaan. Deborah encouraged the troops, building up the faith of Barak and his men. God as a king went out before them in battle, and Barak boldly marched on. In her prayer she gives thanks to God for giving the people of Israel this strength.
The torrent Kishon swept them away, the onrushing torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! — Judges 5:21
O my soul march on in strength. When times get tough, and your faith may vacillate, march on in the confidence that God will get you through your tribulation. When it seems that God’s providence cannot be fulfilled, give us confidence and faith. When it seems that odds are against us, when it seems that people are out to get us, when it seems that our sins overcome us, let us be confident like Deborah and praise God. March on, my soul, with might!