A WOMAN'S PLACE - PART 5 IN THE COMMUNITY AND WORLD

SHE RULES

We are told that, "Deborah was one of the rulers of the Israelites prior to the 

monarchy period that with Saul (circa 1047 B.C.). These rulers were called "judges," an office that traced back to a time when Moses appointed assistants to help him resolve disputes among the Hebrews (Exodus 18). Their practice was to seek guidance from God through prayer and meditation before making a ruling. Therefore, many of the judges also were considered prophets who spoke "a word from the Lord."

Judges 4: 4

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

There are many who are against women as community and world leaders especially if she is a christian woman and or a wife.  Hopefully a look into this remarkable woman who was not only a wife but a warrior and a judge would help eliminate the discrimination and query. 

Please feel free to read the details in Judges 4, 5 as you see her role as a warrior, judge and prophetess.

TODAY'S FOCUS: RULINGS AND PREDICTIONS

Let's take a look into the following verses - Judges 4: 5-10:

5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

1. What are your thoughts on verse 5 - the children of Israel came up to her for judgement?  Do you think they were not men in their community?
2. What about verses 6,7 when she sent for Barak and gave him the instructions from the Lord?
3. What do you think of Barak's response in verse 8?  Do you think he questioned her ruling or the fact that she was a woman?
4. Note Deborah's response in verse 9, what do you think that did to his ego? or do you suppose He respected her prophecy?
5. How was the command followed in verse 10?  Do you think Deborah made a difference?

While this story should not make you lose the respect for our men leaders, it should help you readily embrace God leading through women.   Watch how the prophecy comes to pass in verses 21,22:

Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.

Share your thoughts on the outcome of Deborah's ruling.  (How do you suppose Barak felt when He realize the prophecy came to pass just as predicted and the victory was through a woman.) 

Would you consider Jael a woman soilder or leader?  (Chapter 5: 24-27)

Chapter 5 is known as the "Songs of Deborah."  Her rulings, courage and wisdom gave them 40 years of peace.  

Remember, God gives gifts to all.  While Deborah ruled, her rulings came from a greater power and she ruled in truth.  Know your place as a woman, respectfully give advise and counseling, and let the God of all truth grant you the courage to pursue His calling.  Today, many women are pursuing leadership careers.  You are encouraged to seek the counsel of God.  Your gift will also make room for you.  Don't push or run after it!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel