By Kevin Blackwell, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute/Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University
BARAK
Judges 4:4–8, 12–16; 5:1–5
The Book of Judges recounts one of the most difficult times in Israel’s history brought about by their indifference toward the nation’s covenant with Yahweh. As Chapter 4 begins, the Israelites’ situation illustrates this point.
God had delivered His people into the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan. Because God is merciful and full of grace, He sent a judge, Deborah, to deliver the people from the heavy hand of Jabin.
Allow yourself to be challenged. (4:4–8)
The Israelites had been under Jabin’s cruel slavery for 20 years, and God answered the people’s cries to end the cruelty. Deborah called on a hesitant helper, Barak the son of Abinoam, to lead the Lord’s army into battle. The commander of Jabin’s army was Sisera, and he had quite the intimidating force. For the Israelites, their foe seemed invincible because Sisera commanded 900 chariots of iron.
Barak’s hesitancy was understandable, but it also revealed a lack of trust in God. Barak’s insistence that Deborah go with him into battle was not likely due only to cowardice but because Deborah represented the presence of God.
When we are challenged by an intimidating enemy or by frightful situations, we can be assured that God will give us His strength to stand in the battle. God had promised Barak through Deborah, “I will hand him over to you.”
Do what is necessary to carry out what you’re called to do. (4:12–16)
As the battle reached its inception at the banks of the Kishon River, Sisera brought his mighty force of 900 armed chariots and all his troops to face an Israelite army of 10,000 foot soldiers. Barak led his army into battle after Deborah insisted. She announced the victory even before the battle began.
The Lord sent the army of Sisera into panic. It was not the hand of Barak that carried out the victory because it happened “before Barak.” He only watched God do what God does: He overwhelms our foes.
Are you currently facing an overwhelming situation? Maybe what you are facing makes 900 iron chariots look like child’s play.
God will often give wisdom and empowerment to His children while confusing and disempowering the enemy.
The Bible is replete with stories of God’s people facing incredible odds, only to enjoy a tremendous victory because they trusted in the power of God to deliver them. This is nowhere more obvious than in the story of Calvary.
Give God the honor and credit for your achievements. (5:1–5)
Chapter 5 of Judges is one of the oldest songs in the Old Testament. It is a duet for the ages as Deborah and Barak sang of the victory of God over the Canaanites.
The song was not a selfish tribute to the skill of Barak as a military leader, nor was it an ode to God’s anointed Judge, Deborah.
It was a song of praise to the Lord God of Israel. Verse 4 seems to indicate that part of the confusion that overwhelmed the Canaanites was a flood from the Kishon River. However the battle was won, it is obvious in the song that it was all the Lord’s doing.
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