Deborah and Barak in Battle
We continue our study with the Book of Judges by moving further into Chapter 4. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
Today, we are studying Judges 4:11-16 NLT and our focus is, “God, What Do I Do When I Feel Alone?”
As children of God, we have been created to live in communion; connection with Him and one another. Nothing in God wants us to feel alone or experience the sorrow of loneliness. Yet, this is something that happens in our fallen world. We need human interaction. Superficial relationships are not authored by God. Believers should desire deep and meaningful relationships of communication, compassion, and caring. Life serves us many challenging situations. Living life “together” is always going to be better, because we learn to laugh with one another and weep with one another…never isolated or alone.
In our passage today, Deborah and Barak collaborate in the call of God; they do not try to engage in battle alone. Although God imparted the authority of judgment to Deborah, she did not diminish the power God had given to Barak. Instead, they used their strengths and gifts together to accomplish even more; it was a divinely instigated partnership that also gathered oneness in the troops.
Sisera hears about Barak going up Mount Tabor and he responds to that knowledge with a decision to send all his troops. However, his troops are no match for God who has given Israel the victory. This is a great lesson for us, because sometimes we look at the opposition and think we don’t have a chance for victory. God has given His Word to bring us victory over evil; we need to believe and trust Him. Our faith makes all the difference in the world with how we handle and move in a spiritual battle.
Judges 4:11-16 NLT 11 Now Heber the Kenite, a descendant of Moses’ brother-in-law [father-in-law], 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.
God went ahead of Deborah and Barak, as well as followed behind them. They were never alone and it was made clear by their victory. When you feel alone, please don’t forget God is with you and He has promised to never leave you. You are surrounded by God and His grace and there is nothing better in this world.
God goes before you today, but He also walks behind you to ensure your victory. If you need spiritual support, call a spiritual brother or sister and gain strength.
Truth: When you feel alone, decide to be wise and rise with others.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the promise that we can never be separated from You and Your love. We are never alone even when we may feel alone. Please give us courage and a desire to wisely reach for You and for our spiritual family when we are lonely and uncertain in life. Reassure us of our connection in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.