LBS: Judges Chapters 4-5 "A Mother In Israel" Lesson 4

                                                                    

                                                                     lbs Judges Chapter 4-5 Lesson 4

                                                                                   A Mother In Israel

 Last week we learned about three judges who were raised up to rescue Israel. Each of the first three judges operated from various positions of strength, intelligence or vulnerability, and all shared two key traits: All were fighters and all were men.

This week our judge is both a wise ruler, a prophet and a poet. And yes, a woman. But Deborah is not the only woman of valor we will encounter in Judges 4-5. In the face of great evil, Israel finds its survival rests in the hands of two women, one a ruler and one a simple tent-dweller.

Read Judges 4-5

1. Summarize Chapters 4 & 5 in 2 or 3 sentences each. 

2. Fill in the information for Deborah on your "Judges Chart" and highlight her on your map. 

Now focus on Judges 4:1-10.

3. Next to each name below, write a brief job description:

    Jabin:

    Sisera:

    Deborah:

    Barak:

4. Nine hundred chariots of iron represent an un-challengeable killing machine in ancient warfare, not to mention the additional troops Sisera commanded. How does the author want his readers to feel when they hear these details? 

5. Now paraphrase the dialogue between Deborah and Barak in 4:6-9:

   Deborah:

   Barak:

   Deborah: 

6. How do Deborah's words indicate that Israel's victory over Sisera is certain? (4:14) Hint: What tense is used?

7. How do you think Deborah's words impacted Barak?

8. Though we will not know critical details of the conflict until Chapter 5, what was its outcome?(4:16)

9. Apply: What God-given leadership skills has Deborah demonstrated thus far in her story, both in her words and her actions? What wisdom can you draw from her example to help you be a better leader in your own spheres of influence?

10. The phrase "there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite" indicates a treaty between the two men. What assumption does Sisera make about the wife of Heber?

11. Why do you think Jael's loyalties did not lie in the same direction as her husband's?

Now look at Judges Chapter 5. 

12. Who is celebrated in 5:24-27?_________

13. In 5:28-30 we hear an imagined account of what Sisera's mother must have thought as she awaited his return. She and her attendants arrive at an explanation for the delay. What is it? State 5:30 in your own words:

14. Apply: Sisera was a lethally dangerous enemy. Jael recognized him as such and took action with a weapon close at hand. What spiritual parallel can you draw from this story?

What aspect of God's character has this week's passage of Judges shown you more clearly?

What one step can you take this week to better live in light of this truth?