Seek HIS Wisdom

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands (Judges 4:4-7).’”

Before Israel had kings they had judges who helped rule the land. A prophetess by the name of Deborah was the only female judge during a period of time when there was great lawlessness. It was a male dominated culture but Deborah had wisdom and faith in God which is what inspired people to listen to her and to follow her. During her time as judge she summoned a warrior by the name of Barak to go and take ten thousand men to attack Sisera and his army but Barak said, “If you go with me, I will go; but it you don’t go with me, I won’t go” (Judges 4:8). Deborah did go with him but the victory wasn’t given to Barak but a woman. “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman (Judges 4:9).”

Deborah did not act of her own accord her instructions to Barak were given by God. When she commissioned Barak she told him “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you:…”. Deborah was chosen by God during a challenging time demonstrating great leadership and faith and just as she prophesied, Sisera and his army was defeated.

Deborah’s story demonstrates when you have faith in God and seek His wisdom you will defeat your foe and accomplish whatever He commands.