Deborah Led Israel
(Judges 4-5)
August 31, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
Judges 4 and 5 reveal God’s heart for delivering His people despite the consequences their sin deserved. Again, the Israelites sinned by committing evil in the sight of the Lord. Even still, God provided victory for His people against Sisera and his army.
How did Deborah’s leadership bring glory to God? Why is Jesus worthy of all glory?
In the prophecy she shared with Barak, Deborah revealed that God had already promised the Israelites victory in battle. Deborah rallied Barak to lead Israel’s army against Sisera. Even though Barak was hesitant to go without Deborah, he eventually led 10,000 troops to fight the enemy army. The Lord threw Sisera’s army into confusion, demonstrating His promised power. Forced to flee, Sisera died in an unsuspecting tent of a woman named Jael. On that day, Deborah and Barak praised God in song for the victory He alone accomplished.
Deborah and Barak’s song of praise revealed a right response to God’s rescue: worship. God was glorified because He alone provided rescue. Likewise, Jesus alone is worthy of worship for how He has provided the only way for sinners to be saved. God has exalted Jesus above every name because of His humble obedience to die on the cross for sinful people. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord.
We, like the wayward Israelites, are sinners who deserve punishment for our sins against God. Yet, by choosing to put our faith in Christ and in His perfect obedience and finished work on the cross, we receive the gift of everlasting life in place of the condemnation we deserve. In His goodness, God made the way for us to receive the grace we did not earn and allowed for His Son to bear the consequences our sin deserves. May it likewise be true for the boys and girls who hear this story and place their faith in our greatest deliverer—Jesus.
** Next week: Gideon Led Israel (Judges 6-7)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Judges 4-5 from the Bible.
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After being declared the Emperor of France in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was determined to conquer all of Europe. He was known for his military tactics and won many victories, but his success ended at the battle of Waterloo. In this battle, Napoleon found himself fighting against two enemies, the Britain and Prussian armies. Napoleon had made many enemies, and in the end, they proved to be too many and too powerful for him to defeat.
As God’s people continued to sin against Him, they found themselves facing many enemies. God was faithful to provide judges like Deborah who reminded the people that their God was bigger and stronger than their enemies. When the people trusted God and cried out to Him, He provided a way for them to be saved from their enemies.
Just as God provided victory over the enemies His people faced, God has defeated sin and provided victory for all who trust in Jesus. By His work on the cross and through His resurrection, Jesus defeated Satan. Because victory is only possible through Jesus, He deserves all the honor and glory. We can rejoice in the name of Jesus because it is the only name by which we all can be saved!
God used Deborah to lead Israel in victory over their enemies, and God received the glory. God sent Jesus to reign victorious over sin and death. Jesus is worthy of all honor, glory, and power (Revelation 4:11).
Pray: God, You reign over everything in Your creation. There is no power greater than Yours. Thank You for providing the victory over sin for us through Jesus. We will give Him all the glory and honor for saving those who cry out to Him. Amen.
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But they make themselves humble in my sight. They pray and look to me. And they turn from their evil ways. Then I will listen to them from heaven. I will forgive their sin. And I will heal their land. After all, they are my people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIrV
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Mornings
Praise God for the ways He has provided for your family. Make a list of reasons you can give Him glory today.
Evenings
Thank God for the women He has put in your life to lead you closer to Him. Think of your mother, grandmothers, teachers, or church leaders. Give God glory for using these women like He used Deborah to build His kingdom here on earth.
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For Fun
Play a game that involves a battle of wits, like checkers or chess. As you play, talk about how God’s people fought battles during the period of the judges. Remind kids that God was always faithful to be with His people and to keep His promises. He provided judges like Deborah to help the people defeat their enemies.
To Serve
Write cards of encouragement and thankfulness to the women who serve in your church. Try to think of as many women as you can, and talk about the ways they serve the church. Pray for them, and give them the cards to praise God for using them in your church and in the life of your family.