Resistance II
Asymmetric: Deborah, Barak, and Jael
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
This week we continue the August Sermon Series on Resistance with a story from the book of Judges. Judges is set after the time of Joshua, when the twelve tribes are in the land of Canaan, but before they crown a king for themselves. The book tells several stories of ‘Judges’ who serve as moral leaders (literally judging cases that are brought to them) and as military/political leaders. The repeated pattern throughout the book is a continuation of the promise of Deuteronomy, that if they follow the commandments of the LORD they would be blessed, but if they failed to do so they would experience curses (in part, this narrative took shape during and after the Exile in order to explain why they were sent to Babylon). In each story, the people fail to follow the LORD’s commandments (likely by committing idolatry) and are conquered or oppressed by one of the other people groups in Canaan. The LORD then raises up a leader among them to bring victory (usually military victory) and get them back on the right track.
The story of Deborah is an interesting one. First of all, she is described as both a prophetess and judge, which suggests a more egalitarian view than would later take hold. At this point, the Israelites have been oppressed for twenty years by Sisera, under the direction is Jabin the king of Canaan. Sisera has at his disposal nine hundred iron chariots, which give him an overwhelming military advantage. Deborah; however, turns that overwhelming strength into a liability, and leads the tribes to victory. Judges 5 recounts the song of Deborah, Barak, and Jael; likely the oldest layer of the story.
We can often feel outnumbered and outgunned in our struggle against rulers, authorities, cosmic/world powers, and spiritual forces of evil. It can easily feel like the powers that we face are far too great to face. However, our God is one that shows strength in weakness, and can turn perceived power into a liability.
Questions to Consider
– What are the powers and principalities at work in our world?
– How can those powers be revealed as weaknesses?
– How have you experienced God’s strength being displayed through weakness?
