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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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Judges
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