Judges Part 1: DeborahShembull

What Does Obedience Look Like?

Deborah stepped up to lead in one of the darkest hours in the Old Testament. “Deborah judged Israel after Shamgar. When Deborah was raised as a judge, Israel had been oppressed by King Jabin of Canaan for 20 years (Judg 4:2–3).” (1)

The days of Judges were filled with ungodly men not leading as God commanded. Perhaps, God prefers to work through a godly, obedient woman rather than an ungodly, disobedient man. Thankfully, Deborah stepped up like a single mother does or as a vice president does when the president is gone. Deborah was strong, but she was not independent. She continually works closely with and through godly men, including Barak.

Deborah was obedient to God. God is free to call whomever He wishes, and He called and anointed Deborah, who was faithful to her God and His calling on her life.

After reading today’s scripture references, how important is it for God’s people to live in obedience to His Word?

(1) Brandon Grafius, “Deborah the Judge,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary(Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).