2002-01-01
Good Morning Dear Ones,
If we had just read JG 4, the story of Deborah and Barak, our information about them would be pretty incomplete. That is why we are blessed to have the Song of Deborah and Barak, which is found in JG 5, which I hope you will read carefully. I had written a note in the margin of my Bible to compare this chapter against the writing and subject matter of PS 68 for certain similarities. It is likely that the books of Judges, Ruth, and Samuel were written by Samuel according to the Talmud and Christian tradition early in Saul’s rule over Israel, about 1050-1000 BC. The actual authorship of PS 68 is not really known, but may have been David or priests writing it to commemorate the return of the ark of the covenant from Mt. Sinai to Mt. Zion. This march was seen as symbolizing the march of God to ultimate victory. That theme is shared by both songs. The occasion of this celebration, for which it was written, was most probably the return of the ark after its capture by the Philistines and its stay in the house of Obed-Edom [2 SAM 6: 2-8]. Truthfully, I had thought God was leading me to do a detailed analysis of these two songs together in this message, but after prayerful consideration, He leads me to take up the details of PS 68, and believe me it’s rich in wonderful details, in its own series of devotions in the future. So that is my promise to you. Suffice it to say that there are very noticeable similarities that are well worth investigating for yourselves. For now, let’s enjoy the wonderful way that JG 5 fills out what we learned in JG 4.
God deserves our praise and acknowledgment of His omnipotence and other wonderful attributes. Too often mankind forgets that. However, Deborah and Barak, who sing the song of JG 5 make that their first priority. JG 5: 2, “Praise the Lord! The Israelites were determined to fight; the people gladly volunteered.” In this statement, we can see recognition that God puts certain attitudes in people’s minds. With the understanding that God always wants us to seek Him out before taking action, particularly action involving others which might put them in harm’s way, those of us who must organize a group effort are always wise to take that approach first. JG 5:3-5 recalls the triumphant march led by God around the borders of Edom and Moab and eventually westward across Amorite territory into the Promised land. God was very much in control as was evidenced by His advice not to go through Edom and Moab, but to cross through Amorite territory where He made sure the Amorite enemies of the Jews would lose any battles with them. Another feature of this passage is the enormous spiritual and emotional importance of this event dramatized by earthquakes and rain, events that had their origin in God’s actions.
We get a view of the lawlessness of the period of the judges in JG 5: 6-7. This passage reminds us of the danger to travelers on the main roads from robberies until Deborah came to fight the battle with the Canaanites. The significance of this is that Israel is a “land-bridge” between three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa). As such, it is in perfect position to be a major trade route for caravans passing through. With the robberies, travelers were forced to take back roads or to avoid going through Israel at all. It wouldn’t surprise me to find that this was one of the main reasons God prompted Deborah to call for this battle with the Canaanites. JG 5: 8, “Then there was war in the land when the Israelites chose new gods. Of the forty thousand men in Israel, did anyone carry shield or spear?” This reminds us of the negative consequences anyone who disobeys God must face. Not all of Israel was equally helpful when Deborah and Barak called the tribes to war. JG 5: 9-15 lists the tribes that were helpful: Ephraim; Benjamin; Manasseh [Machir]; Zebulun; Issachar. JG 5: 16-17 lists the tribes that did not help: Reuben; Gad [Gilead]; Dan; Asher. When we take this information and put it on the backdrop of 1 COR 3: 10-15, our understanding of the significance of this decision can be more profound. “Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and another man is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. And the quality of each person’s work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone’s work; the first will test it and show its real quality. If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if anyone’s work is burnt up, then he will lose it; but he himself will be saved, as if he had escaped through the fire.”
JG 5: 18-22 details for us that the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were outstanding, although leaving me with the question of why wasn’t Naphtali mentioned when those who helped were listed in JG 9-15? The reason for expressed gratitude here was that these tribes took no spoils in silver. That has spiritual significance to us when we read ZECH 11: 12-13 and MT 27: 9-10 which deal with the issue of thirty pieces of silver. JG 5: 23-27 exemplify the principle of punishment for those who reject serving God and reward for those who do. The city of Meroz is cursed for not serving, and Jael [wife of Heber the Kenite] is blessed for her bravery in killing Sisera. JG 5: 28-31 depicts Sisera’s mother awaiting her son who will never return. This poignant mind picture reminds us that Sisera suffered the same fate all God’s enemies do. The song of Deborah and Barak ends with (31), “So may all Your enemies die like that, O Lord, but may Your friends shine like the rising sun! And there was peace in the land for forty years.”
PRAYER: O Lord, when we look at this story and how it fits into the canvas You paint of mankind’s history, You want us to believe a theme You repeat often. Those who are willing to leave the comfort of what is familiar and safe and who will place themselves in Your service at times which are inconvenient or in ways that might place them in danger will be rewarded in ways that transcend the grave. Those who refuse will suffer punishment and even death. In LK 9: 23-24, Christ has said, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must forget himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Both Deborah and Barak trusted You and thereby set an example for all of us of what pleases You. In my heart, I know that You will reward them as You do all who trust and obey You. We dedicate ourselves to being brush strokes You place on that canvas that add clarity, beauty, righteousness, obedience, trust, and honor to the picture of mankind’s history. We offer You our worship, loyalty, faith, and service to Your glory. You are to be praised eternally for being the loving and wise Abba that You are. In Christ’s name, amen.
Tomorrow, we will look at the story of the evil ruler, Abimelech, which you will find in JG 9. It is a revealing study of what happens when God is not trusted and obeyed. Bear in mind that each story of this series is given to us as guidance from our loving Abba. He wants us to avoid all the mistakes of the past, so that we can feel the warmth of His love in our lives in close fellowship with Him for a time that never ends. In other words, He wants what which will make us all happy forever. Peter and I also send you our love too.
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn