The Palm of Deborah

Once again Israel is looking to idols and darkness instead of the Lord. And so once again they are allowed to be set under the oppression of a foreign ruler, Jabin king of Canaan and Sisera’s commander. God, however, had a message for the commander of Israel’s army, Barak. He told him through the prophetess and judge, Deborah, to go out and claim victory. Though he was willing, Barak, like many of us, showed cowardice at the size of his enemy's army, and though God gave them the victory, He allowed a woman named Jael to claim the glory instead.

In our previous episode we entered into the time of the judges. We heard how Israel entered into a cycle of sinning, captivity, repentance, a rescue. Each time they cried out to God for help He would rise up among the people a powerful man of valor and righteousness who would lead God’s people to freedom – not just from physical captivity but from spiritual bondage. Today we’ll learn how Israel sinned again and were conquered by another nation. As always God will set them free from oppresion once more, and He’ll work through two notable women to do so. As you listen, take note and remember that the hero in the story is never the one through whom God works, rather God Himself.