"Where the Battle Rages'

"So, the law is paralysed, and justice does not proceed, for the wicked have surrounded the righteous, and thereby justice has become perverted".

Habakuk 4:1. 

"Now Deborah, a Prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgement".

Judges 4:4-5.

Chad Bird notes some telling things about this moment (in Judges) in the history of God's people.

Deborah (Hebrew - d'torah - "Bee") provides a sweet honey to the land amidst crisis, not only by her 'judgements', but in the fact that these stem from a conviction, a courage and a deep wisdom, that was sorely needed. Like others given the title (Miriam - Exodus 15:20, Anna - Luke 2:36 amongst them), the people came to understand that they should listen to her in respect to 'mishaps' - words that were weighty when it came to the evaluation and direction from heaven in respect to their situation. It was such great conviction and strength which motivated her to rouse the wavering Barak to war, and would in turn cause the people to then strike hard against the enemy of God's work and witness.

Defining herself as a 'mother' of the nation in respect to her engaging in the battle, she shows us a clear picture of what character is required in the face of what often appears to be overwhelming adversity.

Notice what the passage also tells us of where her role was carried out.

Deborah dwelt (and held a seat of judgement) in the heights of the land (Ramah), close to the house of God (Bethel), in a region of abundant fruitfulness (Ephraim), and clearly, expressed a nature aflame for truth (which probably partially explains the name given in relation to her husband). Her name also has a connotation of a prime or even queen Bee - a figure that others will follow.

All of this was clearly needed. The oppression of Ehud on the people through his military leader, Sisera, was extreme - some 900 chariots (Judges 4:3) being employed to underline the degree of tyranny that was implemented due to the people's wickedness.

Evil, the scriptures inform us, brings this manner of cruel folly. The Israelites thought that freedom entailed allowing the corruption of pagan culture into their everyday existence, but the Lord allows the consequences of such accommodation to become evident so they will cry for genuine freedom from this misery.

The Lord instructs Deborah to call a particular man - Barak - to lead some 10,000 men to take up arms against the oppressor in the sure understanding that the Lord will use this instrument to bring down the enemy. Barak, answering her call, is clearly far more uncertain about this project, but agrees to do as he asks if she will accompany him on this mission.

The assembling of this force soon draws the attention of Sisera, and the chariots start to roll out to quell such insurrection. The Canaanites, no doubt, thought that they were more than ready to deal with Barak, but Deborah knew otherwise, and it wasn't long before the battle overwhelmed Ehud's forces, the supposed 'power' of the day being put to the sword (4:16). Sisera flees into what he believes to be a refuge - only to face a sudden, violent demise (4:22). The rout of this elite, this totality, was absolute.

We can glean a three-fold victory in this event.

Deborah understood what was actually going on around her in the land, and, equally vital, heard the Lord's voice on these troubles.

Seeing well in such times is the essential first step we must take if we are to know genuine health in our life and deeds when such trials come upon us.

Secondly, she was a person of such genuine, living faith, that she was able to properly evaluate what was taking place and to thereby determine what was good and evil in such circumstances. Such judgement always begins amongst God's company - truth brings with it the imperative of making such essential distinctions.

Finally, recognising the times, and certain in the convictions supplied by both faith and wisdom, Deborah acted in bringing together the resources to over-turn the tyranny of the moment, and because she properly understood the day and the assets made available, the victory was certain.

See, judge, act is the manner that the faithful should live.

If you are someone who is now looking around you and wants to know how to proceed from here, follow this example -

Know the times and the Lord who is far above all principalities and powers.

Discern what is taking place well.

Inform your actions and responses on these key things.

The night is here, but the daybreak is fast approaching, so gear up, people, and get into the fight, because we being called to a sure and certain perfection of all things!