A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Deborah and Barak: Part 10 of 13

Preview: Faith heroes. This is the tenth lesson in a thirteen-part series of lessons on this subject.


Scripture Reading: Judges 2:1-14.

Memory Verse: Judges 2:23.

1. What, according to the foregoing Scriptures, was Israel’s attitude toward God after Joshua died? Discuss.
2. Was God still merciful to them in spite of their backsliding and wicked ways? Why or why not? Judges 2:15-18.
3. What permanent punishment did they bring on themselves? Judges 2:19-22, Judges 3:1-5.
Note: Because God’s people refused to obey and honor Him, He left them in the midst of their enemies. Because of their sin they were continually at war.
4. What condition prevailed when Deborah became a judge and prophetess? Judges 4:1-5.
Note: Deborah was a most unusual lady not only in her day, but even for today. She was a wife, a prophetess, judge, and songwriter. Except for Samuel, she was the only judge who also was a prophet.
5. What instructions did she receive concerning Israel’s deliverance? Judges 4:6-7.
6. What was Barak’s response? Judges 4:8.
Note: Barak evidently had ignored God’s call to war. We can only guess at his reason for refusing to go into battle without Deborah going with him. Perhaps he felt that she was so close to God that they could not fail.
7. How did Deborah answer Barak? Judges 4:9-10, Judges 4:14.
8. Who was the woman who got the honor for defeating Sisera? Judges 4:16-21.
Note: Deborah was not only a great and courageous lady, she had real humility. She sought no praise for herself. She was willing to do the work and let the honor go to others. Even today, there are those who believe that God only appointed her prophetess and judge over Israel because there was no man worthy or willing to serve, but God is no respecter of persons. He has shown us over and over again that in His eyes, there is neither male nor female when it comes to witnessing. He can and does use anyone who has a willing and obedient mind.
9. Why did Deborah direct Barak to the River Kishon to do battle? Judges 4:13, Judges 4:15, Judges 5:19-21.
Note: God caused the battle to take place at the river. He sent a flood and caused Sisera’s nine hundred chariots to sink in the mud, and gave Barak’s army the victory.
10. How long was Israel at peace under Deborah’s leadership? Judges 5:31.
Note: God proved again that the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, but the victory comes to the faithful, who do not quit when things get tough.

To Be Continued…

Other Lessons* in this series:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses: Part 1 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Abel Enoch Noah: Part 2 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Abraham: Part 3 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Isaac: Part 4 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Jacob: Part 5 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Joseph: Part 6 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Moses: Part 7 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Joshua and Caleb: Part 8 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Rahab: Part 9 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Deborah and Barak: Part 10 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Gideon: Part 11 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Jephthah: Part 12 of 13
A Great Cloud of Witnesses - Our Place: Part 13 of 13

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.