Judges 4 – CUSTOM SOLUTION
My wife Dottie and I have discovered that God is highly creative. He does not always solve our problems the same way or the way we expect. Many years ago, when our daughter, Donna, was married, we had a financial need. God solved the problem in ways we didn’t expect. There were fewer guests than expected. The price of the meals was less than we originally figured. And someone anonymously gave $400 to Donna for us to use towards the wedding.
God works “custom solutions” to the various problems we have. He also had a custom solution for the Israelites in Judges 4.
BACKGROUND – Vss. 1-3
After Judge Ehud died the Israelites went back into Apostasy. They “did evil in the sight of the Lord.”
A King by the name of Jabin was ruling, but the real power appears to be a general by the name of Sisera.
The Israelites, who were in bondage, cried to the Lord.
A UNIQUE WOMAN – Vss. 4-5
God does not always deliver us the way we think He should.
The main political figure in Israel at the time was Deborah, whose name means “bee”.
She was unique for two reasons. First of all, she was a prophetess, a rare person found in the Old Testament. There were not many. Secondly, she was a judge. She was the only woman judge that we know of in Israel’s history.
A UNIQUE SUMMONS – Vss. 6-7
Although Deborah was a prophetess and a judge, she was not a general.
She sent a message to a man named Barak, whose name means “lightening”.
He was to lead an army against Sisera and is promised victory.
When God is leading, His promised results are guaranteed!
A UNIQUE RESPONSE – Vs. 8
Barak’s response was only partially acceptable. He said, “I’ll go if you go with me.”
A UNIQUE PROMISE – Vs. 9
Deborah announced that she would go with Barak. However, because of Barak setting down conditions, He was told that the journey would not be to bring him honor. Instead the victory would be in the hand of a woman.
This promise was fulfilled in two ways. First, the death of Sisera was in the hand of a woman. Secondly, More emphasis is placed on Deborah than it is Barak. We think of it as Deborah’s victory.
A UNIQUE VICTORY – Vss. 10-16
God brought about a great victory for Israel. God even used an out of season rainstorm to defeat the chariots.
A UNIQUE DEMISE – Vss. 17-22
Using a tent peg Jail took Sisera’s life.