This story is told once and referenced once in the
bible. It is told in Judges and
referenced in Hebrews 11, where Barak is in a group of ‘heroes of the faith’,
but Deborah is not mentioned. That is a
very interesting consideration. The first interpretation is that the writer
does not like women, but Rahab is singled out in the verse before. But consider the list, not singled out for particular
faithfulness: Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel. So we will look at pieces of their
stories. God did not pick them because
of their faith, but despite their human weakness. Deborah was chosen for her faith and stands
above this list.
Sun., Mar. 26: Judges 4-The narrative story of Deborah is
told in this passage. Take note again of
Barak’s need of Deborah to believe.
Mon., Mar. 27: Judges 5-A song of Deborah is told,
essentially the same story. Biblical scholars believe that the ‘song’ versions
of the text are the bases for the prose versions of the passages.
Tue., Mar. 28: Hebrews 11-The writer looks back to the Old
Testament for heroes of faith. What is
interesting is, in verse 32, Barak is mentioned, but NOT Deborah.
Wed., Mar. 29: Judges 6: 11-27 Gideon-look how he tested God
before he was ‘faithful’.
Thu., Mar. 30: Judges 11 Jephthah-resorted to human
sacrifice to appease God.
Fri., Mar. 31: Judges 16 Samson-God’s ‘superman’, visiting
Delilah, a prostitute, who, even in death, in his ONLY prayer, asked for
vengeance.
Sat., Apr. 1: 2 Samuel 11 David-Israel’s greatest king is an
adulterer, liar, and a murderer.
The one person from the list not listed for a daily reading
is Samuel. Consider 1 Samuel 8:1-3. When Samuel because old, he made his sons
judges over Israel. The name of his
firstborn son was Joel, and the name of the second, Abijah; they were judges in
Beersheba. Yet his sons did not follow
in his (Samuel’s) ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and
perverted justice.” Good judge,
questionable father, he obeyed God in the anointing of kings, but not in the
appointment of judges.
