The Book of Judges has a clear structure.  The people would begin worshipping other gods; God would send an opponent to oppress them; the people would cry out to God for help; and God would send one who delivered them.  This cycle is repeated a number of times in the book.

Deborah, a prophetess and judge (a war leader who also settled cases brought before her) arose to fight against King Jabin with the help of Barak, whom she summoned to assist. Barak and Deborah defeated the army of Jabin under the command of Sisera.  After his defeat, Jabin fled to the tent of Jael, wife of Heber  the Kenite.   Jael gave the commander shelter; but, ended up driving a tent peg through his head. In this context, an ancient poem (It is well worth reading) was placed, celebrating Barak’s and Deborah’s victory.

God, the divine warrior, went out from Mount Seir. Deborah testifies that she was a mother to Israel who delivered it from the oppression of the Canaanites with the help of God, the divine warrior.  Deborah is critical of the tribes that did not help, but praises those that engaged in battle. Nature including the stars assists Israel in defeating Sisera.  Jael, who sheltered the fleeing Sisera, hammered a peg into his head.  Sisera’s mother awaits him in vain.

It is extraordinary for the time that Deborah, a woman, wielded such power in battle and at peace.  In addition she was a poet who with Barak sang the song in Judges 5.

In this story we can learn several things about witness and apologetics.  The Lord God does not sanction the worship of other gods.  If one worships the God of Israel, one must worship Him alone.  All other worship is idolatrous.  God will punish the sin of unfaithfulness, but will also deliver the people when they are in duress.  God sends leaders who serve on God’s behalf to the people.  God is victorious.  His enemies are defeated.

We must remember that in the midst of foes who oppose the message of the Gospel that in the end God will have the victory.  God defeats the devil, the world, and sin.  We take this message to the people and defend it when necessary.

Michael G. Tavella

November 19, 2024

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Renewer of Society