Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve ናሙና

Deliverance by the Hand of a Woman

According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, the Biblical judges were often prophets “instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God” and civic leaders, given authority to judge “Israel as God’s mouth to them; correcting abuses, and redressing grievances.” On many occasions, the judges also served as military commanders who led Israel in battle against foreign adversaries.

The only female judge listed is Deborah, who was known for wisdom she dispersed while sitting under a tree. What is fascinating is that she somehow knew that God had told Barak to go to battle against Sisera, the mighty general. When she summoned Barak and asked him about the command, he confirmed it and insisted that she come with him. The account makes Barak look cowardly, and Deborah tells him, "you will not get the honor for this victory." In their culture, a woman getting credit for a victory in battle was unprecedented. One would assume that God was going to deliver Sisera into the hand of Deborah!

Deborah and Barak go to battle and Sisera flees on foot. His army is routed and he seeks refuge in a tent offered by Jael, who promises him safety. Exhausted by battle, he falls asleep and Jael drives a stake through his temple, killing him. The oppression is lifted and the people are delivered by the hand of a woman—but not the woman who is the judge! God fulfills the prophecy that Deborah proclaimed and she responds with worship to the provider of deliverance: the God of the Israelites. Joel Ryan tells us, "Deborah reminded the people that, though they had betrayed God and broken covenant with Him, He had remained faithful. Knowing this, the children of Israel could look forward to even better days if they would cast aside their idols and return fully to the Lord."

Great leaders know their source of strength and are not worried about getting credit. They simply want what is best for the people God has given them to lead. The story of Deborah is full of circumstances and solutions that are out of the ordinary. This shows us the creativity of God and His willingness to use anyone who is set on obeying Him. You don’t have to be a leader to know the source of your strength. God has called you to Himself and has things for you to do. What if He asks you to do something out of the ordinary?

Question: Have you ever rejected God's invitation to do something out of the ordinary?

Prayer: Jesus was not who the religious leaders expected, and they rejected Him. Deborah was not who her cultural tradition was used to following. What unusual things has God put in your life? Pray, asking God to show you the unprecedented circumstances He has given you, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you as you walk through the unconventional solutions.