DEBORAH

JUDGES 4:5

A. "AND DEBORAH, A PROPHETESS, THE WIFE OF LAPIDOTH SHE JUDGED ISRAEL AT THAT TIME" - JUDGES 4:4
  1. The story of the life of Deborah is very brief - contained in two chapters; yet it is rich on information and most inspiring:
    1. Very little, if any of her family background is given in the Bible
    2. This fact affirms our conviction that when God has a work to do, he knows where to find the person that will serve him best
  2. A prayerful study of Judges four and five is most revealing about Deborah:
    1. The word "Deborah" means BEE - symbolic of two special services rendered by Deborah; to her people she gave honey, but to the enemy she gave the sting of death
    2. Here is much food for thought about the valor of a dedicated woman
B. DEBORAH WAS AN OUTSTANDING WOMAN
  1. She was a gifted woman:
    1. She was wise enough to judge Israel
    2. She possessed the ability to stir up Israel to throw the yoke of their oppressors
  2. She was a prophetess: ] a. God gave her visions and dreams - Num. 12:6
    1. He used her to guide his people to break the idols of the heathen and serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - Joshua 24:15-16
  3. She must have possessed some ability to lead Israel in battle against the enemy:
    1. Barak depended on her going into battle with him
    2. Also, her poem of the battle reveals a very keen observer - Judges 5
  4. Best of all:
    1. Deborah demonstrated that a woman is not necessarily inferior to a man, either in intellect or in courage
    2. She possessed both in an outstanding way
    3. As a patriot she was, indeed, the female of Oliver Cromwell
C. HER LIFE HISTORY OFFERS A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT AND TIMELY LESSONS FOR US TODAY
  1. That God is not a respecter of persons:
    1. He has used women in a mighty way to bring blessings to his people; Examples: Huldah a prophetess judged His people - 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chron. 34:22; Noadiah, too was used of the Lord - Neh. 6:14; Miriam inspired Israel to sing praise to God in the hour of deliverance - Ex. 15:20
    2. God placed the gift of prophecy on E.G. White and what a power her writings have been to the Second Advent Movement - Rev. 12:17
  2. Our text illustrates that courage and vision are not limited to sex:
    1. This was fully demonstrated by the leadership Deborah gave to Israel
    2. Then think what would some churches do to survive aside from the dedicated leadership of the sisters
    3. We agree with Paul when he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female; for ye are one in Christ Jesus" - Gal. 3:26-28
  3. It may be significant:
    1. That when God wanted to portray the church as valiant in battle and beautiful in appearance, He used the symbol of a woman - Rev. 12
    2. Also, God made no difference between sex when he poured out His Holy Spirit upon His people - Acts 2:14-17
  4. Finally:
    1. The story of Deborah, a prophetess, a judge, and mighty warrior - ought to encourage our God-fearing women to allow the Spirit of God to use them in a mighty way to finish His work in the earth
    2. Also, the brethern ought tot gather from the story of Deborah the information that God and he alone decides whom to use to do his work
    3. Let there be many Deborah's in Israel today; and let no one attempt to limit the Lord to sex but rather to the connection with the Lord


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