Iron Chariots and an Iron Nail

Judges 4-5

– Judges 4 introduces the third ‘cycle’ of apostasy and tells the story of two remarkable women of faith – Deborah and Jael

– Chapter 4 gives us a historical account of Israel’s victory over Jabin/ Sisera while chapter 5 gives us a poetic celebration of Yahweh’s salvation

I. A Cowardly Man (4:1-16)

1)    The Consequences of Israel’s Sin

a.      Slavery under King Jabin of Hazor

b.      Loss of conquered territory (cf. Joshua 11)

c.      Lack of spiritual leadership in Israel (cf. Isaiah 3:12)

2)    A Contrast of Leaders

a.      Deborah – the ‘prophetess’

• Judges the people but does not function like the other Major Judges in the book
• A woman of great wisdom and ability
• A woman of great initiative and courage

b.      Barak – the reluctant saviour

• He hears God’s call but ignores it (v. 6)
• His reluctance to lead is not overlooked by Deborah or by God
• His faith in God is weak but is still commended (cf. Hebrews 12:32)

Application: 

a.      Christian men – do not pass off your responsibility to lead!

• Leadership in the home
• Leadership in the Church

b.      Christian women – God can and will use you in incredible ways for His glory!

II. A Courageous Woman (4:17-24)

1)    Jael’s background

a.      A ‘Kenite’ – Woman of Midianite (Gentile) origin like Moses’ wife Zipporah

b.      Most Kenites had joined with Judah (1:16), but Heber rebelled and made an unholy alliance with King Jabin and Canaanites (4:11, 17)

2)    Jael’s courageous (and devious!) act

a.      Invites Sisera into her tent under false pretences (recall Ehud!)

b.      Kills Sisera in his sleep

• Unexpected fulfillment of Deborah’s prophecy (4:9)
• “He that thought to destroy Israel with his many iron chariots is himself destroyed with one iron nail.”  -Matthew Henry

c.      Jael’s courage is blessed while the cowardice of Israel’s fighting men (Meroz) is cursed (5:23-27)

 Application:  Jael’s ‘crushing’ defeat of Sisera points backward toward God’s promise to Eve and forward to another great woman of faith named Mary.

III. A Celebration of Salvation (5:1-31)

1)    God’s salvation provokes His people to joyful praise

a.      Deborah’s song gives credit to God for Israel’s salvation (vv. 19-21)

b.      Deborah’s song recognizes that God works through the obedience of His people

c.      Deborah’s song celebrates the triumph of God over the forces of wickedness

 Application:  Does God’s salvation cause your heart to overflow in praise to the Lord?  (cf. Eph 5:18-19; Col 3:16; James 5:13)